Since you are looking for something a little more expansive, here is some information that I sent to another applicant. It may be of some help to you. This is all general advice. It doesn't apply to every situation, or every in and out of the application process. It's just a place to get started. And I am certainly no expert.
Always be grateful for all the help you receive on the forums.
As for your case specifically, Yes you want to apply through Spousal Sponsorship. No, it doesn't matter where you get married. But make sure you have the official, legal marriage certificate when you apply.
The information I gave to the other applicant is as follows:
"You will probably want to apply outland, for sure. It doesn't matter if she is here with you in Canada or not. You should be aware, however, that she will need to be careful to maintain her legal status. She is able to stay for up to 6 months as a visitor. After about 5 months, she will need to submit a visitor extension application (found here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/visitor.asp). While she is waiting for that application to be processed (which can also take several months), she will have implied visitors status. You should also keep in mind that she will not be able to work while she is here as a visitor. Once she receives her Permanent Resident Visa she will be able to apply for a SIN number, be eligable for employment, and she will be able to apply for OHIP. It will take about 3 months for her to receive OHIP.
The outland process is much faster than the inland process. You can decide while one you'd like to use. The outland process has the benefit of allowing you to appeal the decision if you are rejected. The inland process has the benefit of allowing her to apply for a work permit at the time she submits her application. However - by the time she receives that work permit (about the time your sponsorship is approved), you can be through the entire outland process, she'll be a permanent resident, and she'll be able to work anyway.
When you're filling out your forms, she can list her permanent residence as her US residence (or her parents). She should list your address here in Canada as her mailing address. This way, all communications from CIC will be sent to her here in Canada instead of mailing them to the States. Buffalo sometimes e-mails their communications to you (and sometimes they get snapped up by your junk mail box. You have to keep an eye on that.) Sometimes they send communication by post. Don't be afraid to mention that she's living with you here. This will actually be to your benefit, as it helps establish that you are in a true relationship.
I want to mention up front that your wife will need to get a copy of her FBI criminal record - this can take 8 weeks, so it's good to get that rolling as soon as possible. (Here's a link: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/background-checks/background_checks) Also, they may request state criminal records as well. Some people wait until those are requested, some submit them upfront. I submitted mine up front to avoid a delay if they were requested later. Criminal background checks need to be submitted to CIC before they are 3 months old.
The medicals can be done here in Canada, or in the states. Mine cost about $300 for the chest X-Ray, the blood work, the physical, and the other test. (Another link: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/medical/index.asp) It is best to submit your paperwork soon after receiving the medicals as they are only good for one year, and if her Permanent Resident Visa is not issued within that year she will likely need to redo them.
Also, be sure to read the guides carefully and pay close attention to the document check list. You will need to contact the Canadian Revenue Agency to get a copy of your "Option C" form. They are free, and usually arrive within a few days.
Here are the forms you will need to fill out:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/family.asp
This is the sponsorship kit, which should be filled out by you.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/famcls.asp
This is the applicant kit, which should be filled out by your wife. Of course, you can work together on them, or whatever works for you.
You will also need to look at the regional specific forms. They will give you information on the size of the pictures you will need for the medicals and when you submit the form.
When you get around to paying your fees, I would advise you to pay them all at the same time, if at all possible. There can be a delay of up to 2 months if you only pay one part and then wait to pay the other part later. You can send them online, and when you do you'll want to send them to the Mississauga office. Print off a copy of the receipt and add it to your collection of paperwork.
When you send the application you will send your sponsorship application, your wife's application for residency, the receipt, the proof of your relationship being genuine, all your identity documents (in short everything) off to Mississauga. They will assess your application for sponsorship and send you a decision. It is usually yes, as there are no financial requirements to sponsor your spouse. You just can't be on public assistance.
They will then forward your application to Buffalo. The next step is a AOR (Acknowledgement of Receipt) from Buffalo. Then comes your initial assessment, your Passport Request, and finally, your opportunity to take your wife to land as a Permanent Resident of Canada.
Personally, I would start by looking over the Instruction Guides for the Sponsorship and Residency applications, and then looking over the Document Checklist. I was unpleasantly surprised when I found out about the Option C Form. It is ONLY mentioned on the Document Checklist, and I didn't check until late in our preparation process... and my husband hadn't even filed his taxes yet!
Appling outland is the way to go. There are certain, specific situations where applying inland makes sense, but it's waayyy faster to go the outland route.
Let me know if you have any other questions. And good luck!
PS
I forgot to mention two things.
If your wife applies outland, the biggest problem is that if she gets selected for an interview, she will need to travel to the location of the interview. In our case, that's usually to Buffalo.
Second, the application process in Quebec is a little bit different, and I haven't looked at it closely. I'm not sure if that applies in your situation or not. I know that they require at least another form, and another $250 fee. The form is the CSQ. Here's a link that talks about it a little bit. http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t9147.0.html "
