A religious couple in British Columbia can choose whether to have a representative of their worldview perform their ceremony or a civil marriage commissioner. Despite being the least religious province in Canada, non-religious couples don't have that choice. The Government of BC does not recognize Humanist marriage officiants, meaning the only option for a non-religious couple is to find a government marriage commissioner.

We call on the Government of BC to allow Humanists and non-religious couples to choose to have their wedding conducted by a Humanist Officiant.

The law

To get married in BC, you must have either a civil or religious ceremony.

Civil ceremonies are performed by marriage commissioners. But there are only a finite number of positions for BC Marriage Commissioners and the Government does not issue temporary licenses to perform weddings. Civil weddings must also include specific lines in the ceremony.

Recognized religious organizations are able to appoint their own officiants who can perform marriages. Religious representatives do not have to include any specific lines.

Other jurisdictions

Many countries, some US states, and even other provinces in Canada recognize Humanist Officiants.

Humanists are recognized as clergy in Ontario and Humanist Canada and the Ontario Humanist Society are able to authorize Humanist Officiants to perform ceremonies in that province.

In Scotland, since 2005, the Humanist Society of Scotland has been able to perform weddings. Humanists weddings in Scotland are increasingly popular and outnumber Catholic and Church of Scotland weddings.

Read The Case for Humanist Marriage In BC to learn more.

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