To get married, all you need is yourself, a willing partner, someone who can marry you (like us!), witnesses and an Ontario marriage licence. That’s it! Everything else, like the four-tier cake or cathedral length veil, is totally optional.

Most couples getting married have no trouble finding flowers, favours and friends to stand by their side. But when it comes to licences and certificates, they’re stumped. How does that whole legal part of the marriage actually work? How do you get your Ontario marriage licence and certificate? 

Don’t worry. We’ve got your back!

Here’s everything you need to make sure you’re actually getting legally married in Ontario:

Marriage Licence VS Certificate?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s quickly pause to explain the difference between the marriage licence and the marriage certificate.

The marriage licence is the piece of paper you bring to your ceremony and sign with your officiant and witnesses. You need this to legally get married. The marriage certificate is the piece of paper you receive after your ceremony that says you are legally wed.

Got it? Great, let’s move on.

Photo by Erica Miller Photography
Photo by Erica Miller Photography

How to Get Married in Ontario: Obtaining Your Ontario Marriage Licence

You must obtain your Ontario marriage licence; your officiant can’t get this for you. Neither can your mom, your wedding planner of your best friend. This one is on you.

You must obtain your marriage licence in the province in which you are getting married. Not the province where you live (if it’s different from where you’re getting married). Not your favourite province. Not the province where marriage licences are the cheapest. If you live in Saskatchewan, vacation in PEI and are getting married in Ontario, you have to obtain your licence in Ontario.

Your Ontario marriage licence is valid for 90 days. Licences must be applied for in person by one member of the couple (if the application was filled out and signed by both and the one member has valid ID for both members) or by both members. The marriage licence application can be filled out online, printed, signed and brought in person. Marriage licence costs vary by municipality; you can call around to find the best price.

To find a municipality, click here.

For more info on the marriage licence in Ontario, click here.

For information on applying for a marriage licence in Toronto (can be used anywhere in Ontario), click here.

The Ceremony

You MUST bring your Ontario marriage licence to your wedding ceremony. Pro tip: keep your wedding rings with your marriage licence so you don’t forget it! Leading up to your wedding, your officiant may ask you for some information they’ll need to complete your marriage licence. Read over your licence and ensure you have all of the info you need – for example, do you know where your parents were born? Cause the licence is going to ask you.

Photo by Will Pursell Photography
Photo by Will Pursell Photography

After the Ceremony

Phew! You did it. You got married. Congrats! Here’s what happens with your marriage licence once it has been signed by you, your officiant and your witnesses on the big day.

Your officiant will send your signed Ontario marriage licence and all other paperwork to the provincial body where marriages need to be registered. You don’t need to worry about registering your marriage – we’ll do that for you!

Receiving Your Marriage Certificate

To receive your marriage certificate, you must order it. No marriage certificate or other marriage documents will be automatically sent to you if you got married in Ontario.

To order your marriage certificate, you’ll need to wait 8-10 weeks after your wedding date as this is how long it takes for your marriage to be registered and paperwork processed. After the 8-10 weeks, you can order your marriage certificate through Service Ontario. The easiest way to apply for your marriage certificate is online, but you can also apply in person through emergency service, by fax or by mail.

Your order for your marriage certificate is processed within 15 days (or faster if you apply for premium service). The basic marriage certificate costs $15, with additional fees for premium service, emergency service or the long form version of the certificate.

For more info on marriage certificates in Ontario, including the link to apply online and details for other ways to apply, click here.

Photo by Emily Nicole Photos
Photo by Emily Nicole Photos

Changing Your Last Name

If you’re interested in changing your last name following your wedding, check out this site for some more information about how the process works in Ontario.

Get all of the paperwork you need to change your last name for just $39! 

For just $39 (as of Jun 2023, check the website for the most up to date prices), you’ll be able to choose from a list of over 750 government agencies and companies, received personalized forms and letters, and have everything you need to easily and quickly change your name.

Check out Easy Name Change to get started!  

Any Other Questions?

If you have any other questions about your specific circumstances or the Ontario marriage licence and certificate process, please contact the following:

Ontario: https://www.ontario.ca/page/getting-married

If you are an international citizen, please contact your consulate for specific information. If you are getting married in another province/country, please contact the marriage licensing body in that area.

written by Riana Ang-Canning

Get in touch to book your Ontario wedding. See you at the ceremony (with your marriage licence in hand)!

PS: Getting married in Alberta or BC? Check out our marriage licence and certificate guides for those provinces. 

Check out all of our marriage licence and certificate posts: