Couples wishing to be married in Ontario may obtain their marriage licence from any municipal office.
A marriage application form must be completed and signed by both parties to the marriage. The form must submitted in person by the bride and/or groom along with the appropriate documents.
Office hours
Listed under 'Marriage licence and vital statistics offices'
Licence fee
$110.00 - cash, money order, certified cheque, VISA, MasterCard, debit card.
Identification
A current passport (which includes a photo) or an original birth certificate PLUS one piece of photo I.D., ie. driver's licence, health card, etc., is required for both applicants.
Applicants 16 or 17 years of age require parental consent. Contact office for further details.
Canadian divorce
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. A divorce judgment is not acceptable. Certified copies may be obtained from the court which granted the divorce. Photocopies are not acceptable, and all documents will be returned.
Foreign divorce
If a divorce was granted outside of Canada, additional forms must be completed. See foreign divorce requirements.
Interpreters
If you do not understand or read English, you must provide your own interpreter and he/she must provide identification.
Residency
There are no residency or citizenship requirements.
Blood tests
Blood tests or medical certificates are not required in Ontario.
Expiry date
A marriage licence is valid for use anywhere in Ontario for a period of three (3) months from the date of issue.
Publication of Banns
A marriage may also be solemnized under the authority of the publication of banns. If you are having a religious ceremony, please check with the clergy prior to purchasing a marriage licence.
Marriage ceremony
A marriage licence allows you to be married in Ontario. It is your responsibility to arrange the marriage ceremony of your choice. Marriage services are provided at the following Civic Centre locations:
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Foreign divorce requirements
The Marriage Act requires that where a former marriage was dissolved or annulled in a jurisdiction other than Canada an authorization must be obtained from the Minister of Consumer and Commercial Relations before a marriage licence can be issued.
To obtain the authorization, the following documents must be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar General:
1. A marriage licence application fully completed and signed by both parties.
2. A copy of the decree of divorce or annulment certified by the proper court officer in the jurisdiction the divorce/annulment was granted. If the decree is in a language other than English or French, a certified translation must be provided.
3. A Statement of Sole Responsibility for each foreign divorce and signed by both applicants.
4. A legal opinion of an Ontario lawyer, addressed to both applicants, giving reasons why the divorce or annulment should be recognized in the Province of Ontario. For specific information regarding the contents of the opinion letter, contact the Office of the Registrar General.
The above documents must be forwarded to:
Office of the Registrar General
P.O. Box 4600
189 Red River Road
Thunder Bay, Ontario
P7B 6L8
Att: M.A.M
After receiving authorization from the province, the document must be submitted to our office along with the application form, licence fee and any other applicable documents (see 'Marriage licence requirements').
Enquiries regarding the authorization process should be directed to the Office of the Registrar General at any of the following numbers:
Toll Free within Ontario
1-800-461-2156
Direct Line
416-325-8305
Forms may be picked up at any civic centre office.
