tips & tricks: realistic planning help for local brides
 

in kitchener...

COST: The fee to obtain a Marriage Licence is $125, payable in cash or by debit card. Licences are valid for 3 months.

WHERE: Marriage licences are issued at Kitchener City Hall, 2nd Floor, Clerk's Division, 200 King Street West,

or download the

form online at www.city.kitchener.on.ca

WHEN: Hours for issuing marriage licences are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

HELP: Kitchener has an automated Marriage Licences Info Line 24/7 at 519-741-2285. For answers in person, you need to go to 2nd Floor, Clerk's Division, City Hall.

in waterloo...

COST: $125, Payable by cash or debit card, valid for 90 days.

WHERE: Issued at Waterloo City Hall, Clerks/Corporate Secretary Service Unit, 100 Regina Street South, First Floor, or download the form online at www.city.waterloo.on.ca

WHEN: Online anytime or in person - 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (closed on Statutory Holidays).

HELP: Phone 519-747-8777 or 519-747-8776.

Couples planning to be married in Ontario are required to obtain a marriage licence. A licence is valid anywhere in Ontario for 90 days from the date of issue. There is no waiting period between the date of issue of the marriage licence and the date of marriage.

 

Paperwork needed before you get married

 

Marriage Licence - DOWNLOAD FORM (PDF Format)

The marriage license application process is short and sweet, but you'll need to know the right details. Your best bet is to visit the registrars office at city hall with your hubby. Download the form to find out what information you'll need to know/bring for your license application.

 

From the government... A marriage licence or the publication of banns is required before a couple can get married in Ontario. To apply for a marriage licence, contact your local municipal office. If you are being married in a religious ceremony, you may be eligible to be married by a publication of banns. Speak to the clergy of your church for more information. For residents getting married in another province or territory in Canada, you must contact the province's or territory's vital statistics office for information.

 

• More information on getting married in Ontario

• Download a Marriage Licence Application Form (PDF)

• Address of Provincial and Territorial Vital Statistics Offices

• List of municipal Websites

 

If you your are NOT a resident of Ontario, but you ARE getting married in Ontario

If you are living outside Canada or are from another province, contact the municipality in which you intend to get married for more information.

 

• List of municipal Websites

 

Getting married in another country

If you are planning to get married in another country, you may require a Marriage Letter (also known as a Search Letter or Letter of Non-Impediment) confirming that there is no record of a marriage for you registered in Ontario. You may obtain this letter by applying to the Office of the Registrar General. To get married in another country, you must contact the country's embassy or consulate for more information.

 

• Foreign Representatives in Canada

 

Getting remarried in Ontario after a divorce

If this is not your first trip to the altar, if you were divorced in Canada, you must contact your local municipal office for information on getting a marriage licence. If you were divorced outside of Canada, you will have to send the following documents to The Office of the Registrar General, Marriage Office (PO Box 4600
189 Red River Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6L8):

 

• Download a Marriage Licence Application Form (PDF)

• Statement of Sole Responsibility

• Court-certified copy of the divorce decree

• A legal opinion from an Ontario lawyer (contact The Office of the Registrar General at 1-800-461-2156 for a sample letter to be faxed to your lawyer). Click here to find a lawyer.

 

• More information on getting married in Ontario

• List of municipal Websites

 

Special Occasion Permits

If you plan to serve or sell alcohol at your wedding reception, you may need a Special Occasion Permit from the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO). You can get product information and a listing of locations from the LCBO website.

 

• More information on obtaining a Special Occasion Permit

• Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO)

• Special Occasion Permit Information from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario

 

Paperwork needed after the wedding

 

Marriage Certificate - DOWNLOAD FORM (PDF Format)

A Marriage Certificate proves that a marriage has taken place. The province, territory or country where the marriage is performed issues the certificate. In Ontario, Marriage Certificates are issued by the Office of the Registrar General.

 

• More information on obtaining a Marriage Certificate in Ontario

• Marriage Certificate Application Form (PDF)

• Address of Provincial and Territorial Vital Statistics Offices

• Foreign Representatives in Canada

 

Spousal name change

For information regarding changing your name, contact the Office of the Registrar General.

 

• More information on name changes in Ontario

 

Don't forget to update your identification if you change your name.

 

• Driver's Licence

• Vehicle Permit

• Health Card

• Passport

• Social Insurance Number Card

• Citizenship Card

 

Change of address

Visit the Ontario Government Moving to and Around Ontario Life Event for suggestions about who to contact for your change of address.

 

(A big "Thank You!" goes to the Government of Ontario for making downloadable forms for easy applications AND for explaining in layman's terms what is needed to be done in a way that normal people can understand! You can visit the Ontario Government Marriage Licence Page by clicking here).

 

MORE FROM KITCHENER CITY HALL WEBSITE:

Required Identification: Please note that copies of your identification will be made and attached to your application.

 

Both persons attending:

If both attend in person, each must show his/her original birth certificate, or current valid passport, and additional consistent, valid signed identification. At least one piece of identification must be current, signed, photo identification.

 

One person attending:

If only one person can attend, the following identification must be presented:

(a) For the person attending – an original birth certificate or current, valid passport, and additional consistent, signed identification. At least one piece of identification must be current, official, signed, photo identification.

(b) For the person not attending, an original birth certificate or current valid passport, and additional consistent, signed identification.

 

For Persons 16 or 17:

Persons 16 or 17 years of age must have parental consent to marry. Contact the Office of the City Clerk at (519) 741-2286 for further details.

Canadian Divorce
If one or both persons was previously married, and subsequently divorced in Canada, the original or court certified copy of the Decree Absolute or Certificate of Divorce must be submitted. A Divorce Judgement or Decree Nisi is not acceptable. Certified copies of the required documents may be obtained from the court that granted the divorce. Photocopies are not acceptable. All documents will be returned to you once the licence is issued.

Canadian Annulments
If a previous marriage was annulled in Canada, please contact the Office of the City Clerk for further details.

Foreign Divorce
If a divorce or annulment was granted outside of Canada, contact the Office of the City Clerk for additional requirements and forms.

Interpreters
If you do not read, write or speak English, you must provide your own interpreter and he/she must provide valid signed photo identification. Those persons applying for a Marriage Licence can not act as interpreters for each other.

Residency
There are no residency or citizenship requirements to marry in the Province of Ontario.

Blood Tests
Blood tests and/or medical certificates are not required in Ontario.

Expiry Date

A Marriage Licence is valid for use anywhere in Ontario for a period of three (3) months from the date of issue. If a Marriage ceremony has not taken place within this 3 month period, you will have to apply again for a Marriage Licence. It is your responsibility to arrange the marriage ceremony of your choice.

Publication of Banns
A marriage may also be solemnized under the authority of the publication of banns. If you are having a religious ceremony, please check with the person performing your marriage prior to purchasing a marriage licence.

Sworn Affidavits
All Marriage Licence applications and forms require the signing of an affidavit, and those signing must provide valid, signed photo identification.

 

Related Articles:

Step-by-Step Wedding Planning Calendar ~ Planning Index