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Marriage Licence &
Certificate Information
To legally marry in Ontario, you must obtain a marriage licence. Here's what you need to know:
Eligibility
- Both individuals must be at least 16 years old.
- Individuals aged 16 or 17 require written parental consent.
- There are no residency or citizenship requirements.
Application Process
- Complete the Marriage Licence Application Form.
- Submit the form on-line or in person at a municipal office or city hall
- Or you can use one of the below links for the city/town website that is best for you…
Ajax - Town of Ajax - 65 Harwood Ave. S. Ajax
https://www.ajax.ca/en/apply-register-and-pay/book-your-appointment.aspx#Marriage-Licences
Clarington - 40 Temperance St. Bowmanville
Marriage-Birth-Death.aspx
Cobourg - 55 King St. W. Cobourg
Marriage.aspx
Oshawa - 50 Centre St. S. 1st Floor, West Wing, City Hall Oshawa
marriage-licences.aspx
Peterborough - 500 George St. N. Peterborough
marriage-licences-and-ceremonies.aspx
Pickering - One The Esplanade Pickering
marriagelicences.aspx
Port Perry - Township of Scugog Municipal Office - 181 Perry St. Port Perry
Applications-Licences-and-Permits.aspx
Toronto - Toronto City Hall (100 Queen St. W.) or North York Civic Centre (5100 Yonge St.)
step-1-applying-for-a-marriage-licence
Uxbridge - 51 Toronto St. S. Uxbridge
marriage-licences.aspx
Whitby - 575 Rossland Rd. E. Whitby
marriage-licences.aspx
- Both applicants must provide two pieces of valid government-issued identification (e.g., passport, birth certificate, driver's licence).
Fees
- Fees vary by municipality; contact your local office for exact amounts.
Validity
- The marriage licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue and can be used anywhere in Ontario.
Previous Marriages
- If previously married, you must provide proof of divorce or annulment.
- For divorces granted outside Canada, additional documentation is required.
For more detailed information, visit the Ontario Government's official page on getting married.
After your marriage has been solemnized and registered, you may need a marriage certificate for various legal purposes. Here's how to obtain one:
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Do you perform ceremonies for all couples?Absolutely! We proudly officiate ceremonies for couples of all genders, orientations, and backgrounds. Love is love, and we celebrate it in all its forms.
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What is your process for creating a personalized ceremony?We start by getting to know you as a couple—your story, values, and vision for your wedding day. From there, we craft a customized script that reflects your unique journey together. You’ll have the opportunity to review and make changes, ensuring it feels perfect.
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Can we have a friend or family member officiate our ceremony?Yes! If you’d like someone close to you to officiate, we can guide them through the process, provide training, and even help write the script. Plus, we handle the legal paperwork to ensure everything is official.
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Do we need to meet in person before the ceremony?While an in-person meeting is always nice, it’s not required. We can discuss all the details through video calls, phone, or email—whatever works best for you.
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How far in advance should we book you?Popular dates fill up quickly, especially during peak wedding season (June to October). We recommend booking as soon as you have your venue and date secured — ideally 12 months in advance or as soon as you book your date and venue.
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Do you help with marriage licences and certificates?Yes, we can guide you through both processes: Marriage Licence: You’ll need a licence before your wedding day. For details on how to apply, visit MarriageLicence - Ontario. Marriage Certificate: After the ceremony, we’ll file the paperwork to register your marriage. To order a copy of your marriage certificate, you can apply online through ServiceOntario.
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Do you attend rehearsals?Yes, we’re happy to attend your rehearsal to ensure everyone knows their roles and feels confident. This service is available as an add-on to your ceremony package.
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How long does the ceremony usually take?Most ceremonies are approximately 20 minutes, but this depends on the details you’d like to include, such as readings, rituals, or personal vows. We’ll work with you to create a timeline that feels right.
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What if we want to include cultural or religious traditions?We’re happy to incorporate meaningful traditions or rituals into your ceremony. Let us know what you have in mind, and we’ll work together to honour your vision.
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What happens if you can’t officiate on the day of our wedding?In the unlikely event that something prevents us from officiating, we have a network of trusted officiants who can step in and ensure your day goes as planned.
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Do you offer elopement or small ceremony options?Yes, we offer elopement packages and small ceremony options for intimate weddings. Contact us to learn more about these flexible and affordable choices.
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What is included in your fee?Our fee covers a consultation, creating and performing your ceremony, travel within our service area, and the filing of your marriage licence. Additional services, such as rehearsals or extra travel, are available as add-ons.
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Do you charge extra for travel?Travel within our service area is included. For ceremonies outside this area, a travel fee may apply. Contact us to discuss your location and get a detailed quote.
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What payment methods do you accept?We accept e-transfers, cheques, and cash payments for your convenience. A deposit is required to secure your date, with the balance due 30 days before the ceremony.
For more details, visit the Ontario Government's official page on obtaining a marriage certificate.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your officiant journey or help make your wedding day unforgettable.
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