Civil Marriage Ceremonies

The Clerk’s department offers civil ceremonies to couples who are looking to have a simple, non-religious marriage ceremony. Consultations are offered Thursdays and Fridays (subject to availability). Ceremonies are offered Thursdays, Fridays, and the second Saturday of each month (subject to availability). Couples interested in booking the mandatory consultation meeting and a civil marriage ceremony with our officiant must come to the Clerk’s department prepared with:

  • A valid marriage licence
  • Availability for consultation (both individuals must be present)
  • Preferred time, date and location for marriage ceremony (separate date from consultation)
  • Payment for bookings (payable by cash, debit, credit, certified cheque or money order. All fees listed include applicable taxes).

Marriage licences can also be obtained in the Clerk’s department at the time of booking. Visit the marriage page to find more information on obtaining a marriage licence.

Before the ceremony takes place, couples must meet to consult with our officiant at least one day prior to the marriage. This appointment is mandatory, takes place in Town Hall and couples will need to come to this meeting prepared with:

  • Valid marriage licence
  • Completed civil ceremony questionnaire (pdf)
  • Receipt of payment for the civil ceremony
  • One piece of current, valid photo Identification for each person
  • Written copies of any personal vows. Couples may use the vows below as they are, or come prepared with suggestions.

Couples may be married at Town Hall or at an alternative location, such as a residence, a restaurant or a park. No bubbles, candles, confetti, decorations or incense is permitted in or around the Town Hall, and seating is not available. Contact the Clerk's department for details and availability.

Civil marriage ceremony fees

The fee for a civil marriage service is $339 (which includes a $113 non-refundable cancellation fee). In addition to this fee, couples will pay either a travel fee or a facility rental fee as outlined below.

Travel fees

  • $28.25 — within Oakville
  • $56.50 — outside of Oakville (inquire with staff for available areas)

Facility fees

Facility fees are for the use of the Town Hall's Meeting Room C, which accommodates a maximum of five people:

  • $118.65 — Thursdays and Fridays, noon to 7 p.m.
  • $237.30 — Second Saturday of each month (subject to change), noon to 7 p.m.

Couples must provide two witnesses for their ceremony. Witnesses must be 14 years of age, or older. A witness must be able to understand and appreciate what is taking place and give evidence of such at a later date, if required. Couples must also provide an interpreter if they do not speak English and/or require language assistance. The interpreter may not be one of the witnesses to the ceremony and will be required to sign a form confirming that he/she has interpreted the wedding ceremony. The officiant may cancel the ceremony if they feel that any of the parties to the marriage or any of the witnesses cannot understand the nature of the marriage contract. Any revisions made to a civil marriage service are subject to a $56.50 revision fee.

After the ceremony, the officiant will forward the marriage licence to the Province of Ontario to be registered. Couples will be given the Record of Solemnization of Marriage but this is not a legal record of the marriage. The Marriage certificate is the legal record of the marriage and must be ordered from the Province of Ontario on the ServiceOntario website.

Questions about civil ceremonies? Call the Clerk's department at 905-815-6015.