Marriage Licence

To apply for a marriage licence you will need to:

• submit your marriage licence application here
• bring a completed application form signed by both parties
• bring 2 pieces of original and valid government-issued identification for each person getting married (original identification only, we will not accept photocopies or scanned images/documents).

  One piece of identification must include your photo.

• bring divorce documentation, if applicable (see below)
• pay a fee of $125

Both parties do not have to be present to apply, if:

• both of you have signed and dated the completed application
• you bring the required identification for each person on the application (original identification only, we can not accept photocopies or scanned images/documents)
• you bring original divorce documentation, if applicable

Interpreter:

• if you cannot read or understand English, you must bring your own interpreter
• the interpreter must present their own identification

Each person applying for the marriage licence must provide 2 pieces of government-issued identification:

• one piece of identification must include your photo
• identification must be valid and original (we will not accept photocopies or scanned images/documents)
• identification must provide your legal name and date of birth
• your first and last names must match on the 2 pieces of identification that you are presenting
• to have your middle name(s) included on your marriage licence it must also appear on both pieces of identification that you are presenting
• identification can be from any country, as long as it is government-issued
• if the identification is not in English, a written translation from a certified translator is required

Examples of government-issued identification:

• government-issued birth certificate, including any change of name certificates
• valid passport
• record of immigrant landing
• Canadian Citizenship Card
• valid driver's licence
• valid Ontario Photo Card

Divorced in Canada:

You must submit official proof of the divorce when you apply for a marriage licence. This can be the original or a court-certified copy of a:

• final decree
• final judgment
• certificate of divorce

A certified copy of any of the above divorce documents may be obtained from the court office that granted the divorce. All documents will be returned.

If you do not know where your divorce was granted you can contact the Central Registry of Divorce Proceedings at 1-613-957-4519.

Divorced Outside Canada:

If you were divorced outside of Canada, you will need to provide certain documents to prove that you are no longer married. The government needs to validate these documents. This process can take up to 4 weeks.

You will need to send the following documents to Service Ontario:

• marriage licence application form completed and signed
• statement of sole responsibility for each divorce (signed by both people who are planning to get married and a witness)
• legal opinion letter from an Ontario lawyer addressed to both people who plan to get married, giving reasons why the divorce or annulment should be recognized in Ontario
• divorce decree or annulment
  • an original or court-certified copy in English or French
  • if the decree is in another language, you will need to include a translated copy and an affidavit sworn by a certified translator

Please mail these documents directly to:

Service Ontario
Marriage Office
P.O. Box 4600
189 Red River Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6L8

You can also contact their office for a sample legal opinion letter.

For more information, contact Service Ontario, Marriage Office at 1-800-461-2156.

The publication of banns is an announcement of the details of your intent to marry in your church, mosque or synagogue.

• A marriage may be solemnized under the authority of the publication of banns if both parties to the proposed marriage worship regularly at their own church in Canada.
• No one may marry under the authority of the publication of banns if there was a previous marriage (dissolved or annulled).
• A marriage licence from the municipality is not required under the publication of banns.
• Further information concerning marriage under the authority of the publication of banns should be obtained from a minister or a member of the clergy.

After you get married you can decide if you would like to assume your married name. Legally in Ontario you do not have to assume your married name (surname). If you wish to assume your married name, the legal document you must provide is your Marriage Certificate. You would assume your married name in all aspects of your life. You have to update your identification, financial institutions, and your employer. You assume your name with everything except your birth certificate and social insurance number (SIN) - they always stay in your maiden name. If you have any other questions about assuming your married name please contact Service Ontario.