Getting married in Ontario involves several legal and procedural steps to ensure that the marriage is valid and properly recorded. Whether you are a resident of Ontario or planning a destination wedding within the province to get married, understanding the requirements and procedures will help you navigate the process smoothly. This guide outlines the five essential steps to getting married in Ontario.
1. Check If You Are Eligible to Marry
Before you plan your wedding, ensure that both you and your partner meet the legal requirements for marriage in Ontario. You can marry someone of the same or opposite sex, and you do not need to be a resident of Ontario or a Canadian citizen. However, you must be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18, you need written permission from your parents or legal guardians to get married in Ontario.
Additionally, neither you nor your partner can be married to someone else at the time of your marriage. If you were previously married, you must provide proof that your prior marriage has been legally dissolved through divorce, annulment, or the passing of your former spouse. Bigamy, or being married to more than one person at a time, is not allowed under Canadian law.
Moreover, you cannot marry a close blood relative, including a parent, sibling, grandparent, or child, whether by birth or adoption. Both individuals must fully understand and consent to the marriage without coercion.
2. Obtain a Marriage Licence in Ontario
To legally get married in Ontario, you must obtain a marriage licence. Alternatively, some Christian churches allow the publication of banns instead of a licence, but this is only an option if neither party has been previously married.
To apply for a marriage licence, both partners must complete and sign a Marriage Licence Application form. This form, along with two pieces of government-issued identification per person, must be submitted to a municipal office, city hall, or town hall in Ontario. One piece of identification must include a photo, such as a passport or driver’s licence.
Only one person needs to attend the office in person, but they must bring identification for both parties. A fee is required, typically around $150, and the licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
If you have been divorced outside of Canada, additional documentation may be required, and it may take up to four weeks for the Ontario government to verify the validity of the divorce for you to get married.
3. Choose an Officiant for the Ceremony
Your marriage ceremony must be performed by someone legally authorized to officiate weddings in Ontario. You can choose between a religious or civil ceremony. Religious ceremonies are conducted by recognized religious officials in places of worship such as churches, synagogues, temples, or mosques. Civil ceremonies are officiated by judges, justices of the peace, or municipal clerks and are often held at city halls, town halls, or courthouses. When getting married in Ontario, make sure the ceremony style fits your preferences.
If you opt for a civil ceremony performed by a judge or justice of the peace, there is an additional fee of $75, which must be paid by certified cheque or money order. After the ceremony, the officiant will submit the completed and signed marriage licence to ServiceOntario for registration.
4. Attend Your Marriage Ceremony
To get married in Ontario legally, both partners must be physically present at the ceremony. Marriages cannot be conducted over the phone or online. You also need two adult witnesses to be present at the ceremony.
At the end of the ceremony, you, your partner, the officiant, and the witnesses must sign the marriage licence. The officiant is responsible for sending the completed document to ServiceOntario to register your marriage officially.
5. Obtain a Marriage Certificate in Ontario
A marriage certificate is the official proof of your marriage, containing details such as the names of both spouses, the date, and the location in Ontario where you got married. This document is different from the Record of Solemnization of Marriage, which is often provided by the officiant but is not a legal record.
You may need a marriage certificate for legal purposes such as applying for social benefits, changing your last name, filing for divorce, or settling an estate.
You can request a marriage certificate through ServiceOntario online, by mail, in person (only in Toronto and Ottawa), or by phone. When applying, you must provide your full names, the date of the marriage, and the city or town where you got married in Ontario. A fee is required for this service, and payment can be made by credit card or cheque.
Conclusion
Getting married in Ontario is a straightforward process as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and complete the necessary legal steps to be able to get married in Ontario. By ensuring you have a valid marriage licence, selecting an authorized officiant, and registering your marriage properly, you can celebrate your union with confidence. Understanding these procedures in advance will help you prepare for your big day and ensure your marriage is legally recognized.
Written By Keanin Parish
Need Help With Marriage Legalities?
Our experienced family law team at Progressive Legal Solutions is here to assist you with any legal aspects of marriage, name changes, or prenuptial agreements.