Couples wishing to be married in Ontario must complete an application form (pdf, 36 kB). Both parties to the marriage must complete the form. The marriage licence will be issued on the same day provided all documentation is complete. The application with the supporting documents listed below, must be submitted in person by either or both of the applicants to the Clerk's Department, which is located on the 2nd floor of the Town Hall offices at 1225 Trafalgar Road.
Processing of Applications - Appointments
Monday to Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is recommended that you make an appointment with the Clerk's Department by calling 905-815-6015. If all your documentation is in order and you have an appointment it should take approximatley 30 minutes to issue your licence.
Licence Fee
The marriage licence fee is $135, and may be paid by cash, money order, certified cheque, debit card, visa, mastercard or American Express.
Identification
An original birth certificate, Record of Immigrant Landing or Canadian Citizenship Card, plus one (1) piece of photo identification (a valid Passport or a valid Drivers' Licence) are required for both applicants. Documents in another language must be supported by a translation.
Interpreters
If you do not understand or read English, you must provide your own interpreter and he/she must provide identification and cannot be a family member.
If a previous marriage was dissolved or annulled within Canada, the original or court certified copy of the Decree Absolute or Certificate of Divorce must be submitted when applying for a marriage licence. A divorce judgement is not acceptable.
How to get your Certificate of Divorce - The papers you received from your lawyer at the time of your divorce should list the location of the court where the divorce was granted. You need to take your papers with you to the specified courthouse, and they will give you a Certificate of Divorce - usually on the same day. If you cannot get to the courthouse, you will have to call them, and have it mailed or couriered to you. The Service Ontario website contains information on getting remarried after a divorce.
Foreign Divorce
If an applicant has been granted a divorce outside of Canada, authorization from the Minister of Consumer and Commercial Relations must be obtained before a marriage licence may be issued. For details on how to obtain this authorization, visit the "Service Ontario" website or contact the Clerk's Department for additional requirements.
Expiry Date
A marriage licence is valid for use anywhere in Ontario for a period of three (3) months from the date of issue.
Marriage Ceremony
It is your responsibility to arrange the marriage ceremony of your choice. Civil marriage ceremonies are offered by the Clerk's Department, if desired. For more information, visit our Civil Marriage Services page. Religious ceremonies may be arranged and performed by a person who is recognized by a religious body to perform marriages and who is registered with the Province of Ontario to perform marriages under the Marriage Act. You may contact the church of your choice or refer to the Yellow Pages under Weddings to make your arrangements.
Age Requirement
Applicants 16 to 17 years of age require parental consent. When the prospective bride or groom is under 18 years, the parents of the under-age person must be in attendance when the licence is being applied for. If only one parent has custody or the person is adopted, then custody or adoption papers must be presented. A form will have to be filled out and the parents must produce photo ID. Visit the Service Ontario website full details.
Blood tests or medical certificates are not required in Ontario.
Residency
There are no residency or citizenship requirements in Ontario.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marriages and Divorce
Do I have to get my marriage licence in the same Town or City that I am getting married in?
You can get a licence anywhere in Ontario and get married anywhere in Ontario.
How long does it take to get a marriage certificate?
Once the marriage ceremony has taken place, it takes about 10 weeks for the Province to register the marriage. Once it is registered, it takes about six or eight weeks to get the certificate.
What is the difference between the record of marriage and a marriage certificate?
A marriage certificate is a legal document, acceptable anywhere. The record of marriage is not considered a legal document, it is for record purposes only, and may not be accepted by some institutions.
