Marriage Requirements in Ontario
- Minimum Age: At least 16 years old.
- Under 18: Written consent from both parents is required. Consent forms are available where marriage licenses are issued.
- Necessity: A marriage license is required to become legally married. It includes the date, place of the marriage, and names of the parties involved.
- Validity: The license is valid for three months from the date of issuance and can be obtained from any City Hall in Ontario within 90 days of the ceremony.
- Procedure: Bring the license to Reverend Sandra Dion at the rehearsal or on the day of the ceremony. She will complete the paperwork with you, your spouse, and two witnesses before registering it with the government.
- Identification: Two pieces of government-issued identification for each person getting married, one of which must include a photo.
- Examples: Birth certificate, valid passport, record of immigrant landing, Canadian Citizenship Card, driver’s license, Ontario Photo Card, certificate of divorce.
- Non-qualifying ID: Health Card and SIN Card do not qualify.
- Review: Ensure all information is correct before leaving City Hall.
- Application: Download and complete the Marriage License Application form before going to City Hall. Only one applicant needs to go if they have their partner's original pieces of ID and signatures on the form.
- Processing: The exact time for processing the license is determined by the Registrar General's assessment. Check the status by calling the Service Ontario Office at the Registrar General (416-325-8305) or online.
- Registration: Your marriage must be registered before obtaining a marriage certificate. Reverend Sandra Dion will send the completed and signed license to ServiceOntario within 48 hours after the wedding.
- Ordering: You can order a marriage certificate 6-8 weeks after registration.
- Types: $15 short form (certificate) and $22 long form (photocopy of license, typically used for legal purposes).
- Urgent Requests: To expedite processing:
- Write a letter requesting expedited processing.
- Include supporting documents (passports, visas, airline tickets, employment letters).
- Fax the letter and documents to the appropriate number based on urgency.
- Options: Couples can either assume a new name or legally change their name.
- Details and Contact: For more information, contact ServiceOntario.
- Toll-free: 1-800-461-2156 (North America), 416-325-8305 (Greater Toronto Area or internationally), TTY: 416-325-3408.
- Address: ServiceOntario Office of the Registrar General, P.O. Box 3000, 189 Red River Rd, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5WO.