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Frequently Asked Questions
Please take a moment to read through this page or click on one of the questions.
It may have the answer you're looking for.
1. How do we obtain a marriage license in Ontario?
2. How do you register a marriage in Ontario?
4. Do we have to get married in a church?
5. Do you require premarital counseling?
7. What do you wear for the ceremony?
11. Do you supply a sound system?
12. Do you participate in the rehearsal?
13. Do you need to be included in the reception?
15. Do you accept credit card payments?
16. Do you need to see our marriage license?
17. What does "Officiant" mean?
18. How old must you be to marry in Ontario?
19. What can we consider for a customized wedding ceremony?
Q: How do we obtain a marriage license in Ontario?
A: To be married in Ontario, you must obtain a marriage license. You can
get one from the municipal clerk office of your city, town, village or township
OR download the marriage license application.
Once you have filled out the application, apply for the marriage license
in person. Make sure you and your partner bring identification, such as
a birth certificate (along with any change of name certificates), current
passport, Record of Immigrant Landing or Canadian citizenship card, along
with photo identification.
There is a fee for purchasing a marriage license. Contact your municipal
office for the current fee. The marriage license is valid anywhere in Ontario
for three months from the date of purchase.
Useful link:
Government
of Ontario - Getting Married
Q: How do you register a marriage in Ontario?
A: After the marriage, the marrying couple may receive a Record of Solemnization
of Marriage.
This document includes the couple’s names, the date of the marriage,
the names of the witnesses and whether the marriage was performed under
the authority of a license or the publication of banns. This is not a legal
record. The person who performed the marriage must forward the Record of
Solemnization of Marriage and the marriage license to the Office of the
Registrar General for registration.
Note: The marriage must be registered before you may apply for a marriage certificate.
Useful link:Government of Ontario - Getting Married
A: If you are getting married in Ontario, you may have a religious marriage or a civil marriage.
Religious marriage:
A religious marriage is performed by a member of a recognized religious
organization authorized to perform marriages in Ontario under the Marriage
Act. The marriage can be solemnized under the authority of a marriage license
or the publication of banns, depending on the denomination.
Civil marriage:
A judge, justice of the peace or municipal clerk may perform a marriage
under the authority of a marriage license.
Q: Do we have to get married in a church?
A: No, once you have your wedding license, you can get married anywhere in the province of Ontario. That includes all public and private buildings, parks and gardens, not just churches. Bodies of water are also acceptable (lakes, rivers, etc.)
Q: Do you require premarital counseling?
A: No, premarital counseling is not required.
A: Yes it is your wedding, and should be exactly what you want. Of course, if you need guidance, with any aspect of your wedding ceremony, I will be glad to help with suggestions.
Q: What do you wear for the ceremony?
A: A dark suit and tie.
A: Yes, if it is in Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, or Brampton, Ontario.
A: My fee includes the wedding ceremony, unless you also request an interview and/or a rehearsal (in which case the fee increases).
A: My fee varies, ranging from $100 for a ceremony to $250 for ceremony, interview, and rehearsal. There is no deposit required.
Q: Do you supply a sound system?
A: No, music or musical performance is your choice. There is no requirement. You may choose to bring a CD player or check to see if there is a sound system available at the location, if you like.
Q: Do you participate in the rehearsal?
A: While I don't require a rehearsal, I think it is a very good idea.
Q: Do you need to be included in the reception?
A: I do not. During the busier seasons, time may not allow me to participate.
Q: We’re having a big fancy wedding later. Can you perform a ceremony for us now that will meet the legal requirements?
A: Of course! It would be up to you as to how to present the ceremony to your friends and family. I would perform the ceremony as an officiant the same as I would any couple.
Q:Do you accept credit card payments?
A: No, sorry, cash only, payable at the time of the wedding.
Q: Do you need to see our marriage license?
A: I do not need to see it before the wedding, but it must be there on the day of the wedding, otherwise the wedding cannot be performed.
Q: What does "Officiant" mean?
A: Someone who is legally authorized to preside over/perform a couple's wedding ceremony.
Q: How old must you be to marry in Ontario?
A: You must be at least 18 years old to be married in Ontario by license
or under the authority of the publication of banns without authorization
or parental consent.
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you may marry if you have the consent in
writing of both parents. Other restrictions may apply.
Q: What should we consider for a customized wedding ceremony?
A: You may consider anything you'd like. My services vary from non-denominational which will include traditional religious references to no religious reference at all! Romantic readings and favorite songs are always wonderful to add to the ceremony. Just remember, it’s your special day and the ceremony should consist of meaningful segments from you.