Photo above: Jals Photography
Getting legally married in Ontario involves more than just a dress and a fiancé. When it comes to getting legally hitched, you have two options: a marriage license issued by a municipality of Ontario, or, if you are being married in a religious ceremony, you may be eligible to be married by a publication of banns
Publication of Banns
If you’re getting married in your church, you’ll have the option of skipping the license (and the license fee) and being married by a publication of banns. Banns are a lovely traditional religious way of both announcing your intention to marry and making sure it’s legal. The Banns are typically announced during church services 3 weeks in a row prior to your ceremony. Both you and your fiancé must be members of the church and attend regularly. Banns cannot be published if you or your intended spouse have been married before. You will need to get a marriage license. Speak to the clergy of your church for more information on how a publication of banns works.
Obtaining A Marriage License
Everyone else wishing to be legally married in Ontario will need a marriage license. The application process is short and sweet, but you’ll need to know the right details. Find prices and details here.
A Marriage license is valid anywhere in Ontario for 90 days from the date of issue. There is no waiting period between the date of issue of the marriage license and the date of marriage. The Marriage License Application form must be completed and signed by both parties to the marriage.
One party to the marriage may submit the completed application form to the City Clerk’s Office in person in order to obtain the Marriage License, provided that one of the following documents is submitted in place of the absent party: (a) the absent party’s original birth certificate; (b) the absent party’s valid passport; (c) an Affidavit of Age (available from the City Clerk’s Office) completed and signed by the absent party and notarized.
Costs for a marriage license vary by municipality. For more information on fees, office hours, and contact information for your local municipality, be sure to check out our article Marriage License: How much does it cost and where can I get one?
Getting remarried in Ontario after a Divorce
If this is not your first trip to the altar and if you were divorced in Canada, you’ll also need to bring official proof of the divorce with you when you apply for a marriage license. This can be the original or court-certified copy of one of three documents: the final divorce decree, the final divorce judgment, or a certificate of divorce.
If you were divorced in a country other than Canada, you’ll also need to provide additional documents to prove that you are no longer married and can legally remarry in Ontario. Since the government of Ontario needs to validate these documents, this process can take up to 4 weeks. You will need to send your completed marriage license application form along with the following documents to ServiceOntario:
- statement of sole responsibility: for each divorce (signed by both people who are planning to get married and a witness) Download Statement of Sole Responsibility Form (PDF)
- legal opinion letter: from an Ontario lawyer, addressed to both people who plan to get married, giving reasons why the divorce or annulment should be recognized in Ontario Find a Lawyer
- divorce decree or annulment: an original or court-certified copy in English or French. If the decree is in another language, you will need to include a translated copy and an affidavit sworn by a certified translator
Getting legally married outside of Ontario?
For residents of Ontario who are getting married in another province or territory in Canada, you must contact the province’s or territory’s vital statistics office for information on licensing requirements in that province or territory.
If you are planning to get married in another country, you may require a Marriage Letter (also known as a Search Letter or Letter of Non-Impediment) confirming that there is no record of a marriage for you registered in Ontario. You may obtain this letter by applying to the Office of the Registrar General. To get married in another country, you must contact the country’s embassy or consulate for more information.
- More information on getting married outside of Ontario
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
- Form to request a Marriage Letter (PDF)
Marriage Licence vs Marriage Certificate
After your ceremony, your officiant will give you a Record of Solemnization. This is the portion of your marriage license that you get to keep but this is NOT a marriage certificate. A Marriage Certificate proves that a marriage has taken place. Once your ceremony is complete, your officiant will register your marriage by sending a complete and signed marriage license to ServiceOntario. In Ontario, Marriage Certificates are issued by the Office of the Registrar General. Once the marriage has been registered, you can apply for a Marriage Certificate. The suggested wait time between the wedding ceremony and the application is 8 weeks.
- More information on obtaining a Marriage Certificate in Ontario
- Marriage Certificate Application Form (PDF)
A marriage certificate is needed for many things. While more and more women are choosing not to change their names after marriage, if you’re thinking of changing your name, you’ll need a copy of your marriage certificate. You may also need a marriage certificate to settle an estate, apply for social benefits like CPP, or just show proof that you are married. Since it takes time for a marriage certificate to be processed and delivered, we suggest you order it sooner rather than just when you need it.
How to get a copy of an Ontario marriage certificate online
A marriage certificate is a document containing the details of a marriage performed in Ontario. You can order a copy or multiple copies online if the marriage is registered in Ontario. You can use this certificate to change your name, process a divorce, or as a record of family history.
Order Marriage certificate online
– information is gathered by the team at The Ring in March 2023 via ServiceOntario. While we strive to make sure all our research is accurate, fees and restrictions can change at any time. Please confirm prices and details with your City Clerk’s Office to avoid unwanted surprises.
