If you are getting married outside Ontario, you need to contact that province or territory's vital statistics office directly, since licensing requirements vary outside Ontario. If you are marrying internationally, you may need a Marriage Letter, also called a Search Letter or Letter of Non-Impediment, confirming there is no record of a marriage for you registered in Ontario, along with information from the country's embassy or consulate where you are marrying.

Getting Married Elsewhere in Canada

Ontario's marriage licence rules only apply within the province. If you are marrying in another province or territory, you will need to contact that jurisdiction's vital statistics office directly to confirm their specific licensing requirements, since these vary by location and are not something Ontario's process can help you navigate.

Getting Married Internationally

If you are planning to marry in another country, most destinations will 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 already registered in Ontario. This letter is obtained by applying to the Office of the Registrar General.

Beyond that document, requirements vary significantly by country, so you will need to contact the embassy or consulate of the country where you are marrying for their specific process. Some destinations also require documents to be authenticated or translated, so it is worth starting this conversation early in your planning timeline.

What to Do Next

For couples planning a destination wedding, our full guide to Is a Destination Wedding Right for You? can help you weigh the logistics alongside the legal paperwork. And for everything else on getting legally married, head back to our main guide on getting legally married in Ontario.

You can find everything you need to plan your wedding (in Ontario, Canada or Destination), including checklists, guests list tips and more in the planning tools section on The Wedding Ring