Everything you need to know about Marriage Licences in Ontario
Why do I need to get one?
A marriage licence is required for a marriage to be legally recognized by the Ontario government.
Do I need to get married in the same municipality that I obtained one from?
Nope! Your marriage licence is valid anywhere in the province. For example, you can obtain a marriage licence from the City of Toronto and hold your ceremony along the scenic Rideau Canal in Ottawa.
What if my existing one expires?
If it’s been more than 90 days since your existing marriage licence was issued, you’ll have to apply for a new one.
When do I get one?
A marriage licence is only valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, so don't get one too far in advance of your anticipated wedding date. We recommend obtaining one 4-6 weeks prior to your wedding.
How much does it cost to get one?
Between $100—$200, but it depends on the municipality; larger ones tend to charge higher fees. It’s the exact same licence, so you might want to consider going out a bit further to get one for cheaper. Scroll down for a comprehensive list of prices and availability.
Can I use an existing one from another province/country?
No—if you want to get married in Ontario, you must have a valid marriage licence issued in Ontario.
Where can I get one?
If you want to get married in Ontario, you can buy one from any municipality in Ontario that issues marriage licences. Marriage licences cannot be issued electronically; they must be signed and obtained in person.
Can my officiant get it for me?
No—only municipalities have the power to issue licences. You must get it yourself in person and show ID.
Can I still get married without one?
If you do not have a valid marriage licence (or forget to bring it), the officiant cannot legally marry you. However, they can still oversee a non-binding, symbolic marriage ceremony.
Where can I get a Marriage Licence in Toronto (or close to Toronto)?
Due to COVID-19, most municipalities are not issuing marriage licences until further notice. The ones that do—including the City of Toronto—are issuing by appointment only, no walk-ins allowed.
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This page is for informational purposes only and may be subject to change without notice. Contact the relevant municipal authorities to confirm the exact requirements to obtain a marriage licence in Ontario.