Frequently Asked Questions
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I will answer any questions you may have.
1) Where do we get a marriage license?
You may obtain a license at most City or Town Halls in Ontario.
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2) What do we need to get a license?
Two pieces of valid identification for each applicant are required (photocopies are not acceptable).
The first type of identification must be one of the following:
o Birth certificate (along with any change of name certificates)
o Current passport
o Records of immigrant landing or Canadian citizenship card, along with photo identification. (Certificates of Naturalization are NOT accepted.)
The second type of identification must be one of the following:
o Driver's License
o Photo Health Card
Your marriage license is valid for 90 days. In most cases, you will fill out an application and receive a marriage license.
At least one party to the proposed marriage must apply in person. However, two pieces of original valid identification are required for each applicant, and the application must be signed by both applicants.
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3) Where can we find the Application for a license?
You can fill out and print your application for here.
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4) Who may be married in Ontario?
Any person who is 18 years of age or older.
No person under the age of 16 years of age may marry.
Anyone who is 16 or 17 years of age may marry with the written consent of her/his legal guardian. (consent not required if previously married and divorced)
You do not have to be a resident of Canada to marry in Canada.
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5) Do you have to live in Canada to Marry in Canada?
No, there are no requirements respecting residency.
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6) Do you have to have a blood or medical tests before being married?
There are no pre-marital blood tests or medical certificates required in Ontario.
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7) Is there a waiting period after we get our License?
There is no waiting period in Ontario between obtaining a license and actually marrying.
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8) If one or both of us is divorced from a previous marriage, what procedures do we need to follow?
If you were divorced in Canada, you must bring the original or court-certified copy of the final decree, final judgment or certificate of divorce to your local municipal office when you are purchasing the marriage license.
Contact your local municipal office for further information.
If you were divorced outside of Canada, you must obtain authorization from the minister of Government Services before you can be issued a marriage license. For authorization, send the following documents to:
The Office of the Registrar General
Marriage Office
P.O. Box 4600
189 Red River Rd.
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6L8
A completed marriage license application.
A Statement of Sole Responsibility for each divorce signed by both parties of this marriage.
An original or court-certified copy (certified by the proper court officer in the jurisdiction the divorce or annulment was granted) of the divorce degree or annulment. If the decree is in a language other than English or French, include a translated copy together with an affidavit sworn by the translator.
A legal opinion from an Ontario lawyer, addressed to both applicants, giving reasons why the divorce or annulment should be recognized in the Province of Ontario. The Office of the Registrar General will fax a sample legal opinion letter to your lawyer if you call (807)-343-7492 or toll-free in Ontario at 1-800-461-2156.
A marriage license application form, Statement of Sole Responsibility form and a suggested format for a lawyer’s opinion letter are also available from most municipal offices.
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9) Do you provide witnesses?
No, as a general rule I not provide witnesses. Two witnesses must be present during the ceremony. They can be family or friends (eighteen years or older). I can certainly arrange for two witnesses for an additional fee.
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10) How long does the ceremony take?
The duration of the ceremony varies depending on what you want to do. Generally, between 20 to 30 minutes, this includes the signing of the register and license.
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11) May we write our own vows?
Yes, you may write and read you own personal vows to one another. This makes the ceremony special as you control what is said.
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12) Can we have friends read something?
Yes, you may choose to include readings of your choice throughout the ceremony.
I encourage as many persons as possible to participate. Here are some other ideas to get others involved.
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13) Can a friend or relative perform our Ceremony?
Yes, anyone can perform the Ceremony, however you still require a Authorized person to sign the Government documents.
I encourage as many persons as possible to participate. Here are some other ideas to get others involved.
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