[ARCHIVED] Community Counts data is retained for archival purposes only, such as research, reference and record-keeping. This data has not been maintained or updated. Users looking for the latest information should refer to Statistics Canada’s Census Program (https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/index-eng.cfm?MM=1) for the latest data, including detailed results about Nova Scotia.

This table reports marriages and marriage rates. Geography available: counties

Civil registration of marriages in Nova Scotia began in 1758, with the introduction of procedures for obtaining a marriage license. The license was optional, surviving records are incomplete, and 'calling the banns' remained the preferred procedure for formalizing the marriage ritual. The parallel custom of posting a Marriage Bond, in addition to taking out a license, also dates from this early period. The bond was an optional adjunct which served to indicate the absence of legal impediments to the intended marriage; an incomplete series of these bonds exists for the years 1763-1864. Mandatory civil registration of marriages began in 1864 and has continued since, although compliance was not universal throughout the province until the early 20th century.

Enhanced marriage registrations 1945-1946 data which resulted from Transcribe Nova Scotia, it is the Nova Scotia Archives’ collaborative online workspace where the public can participate in enhancing access to archival collections documenting over 300 years of Nova Scotia history, people, and culture.