Marriage Licences/Ceremonies

Marriage Licenses/Ceremonies

The Marriage License Application can be found on the Service Canada website, under Section 4 - How to get a marriage license. To download, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/getting-married 

Every marriage performed in Ontario requires a Marriage License. You may obtain a license from the Office of the Clerk.

There is no residency, medical or citizenship required to obtain a marriage license.

Applicants must contact the office prior to the wedding date to ensure you have all the proper documentation to obtain the license. WALK INS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

There are many different requirements to consider when applying for a Marriage License.

1. Marriage Licenses can only be issued to either of the applicants who are getting married
2. Both parties must sign the completed application. If any information is unknown or not applicable, please indicate this in the space provided.
3. The following identification is required from each applicant: Original Birth Certificate and Drivers License; or a valid Passport.  If applicable, please bring: Change of name certificate, Record of Immigrant Landing or Canadian Citizenship certificate.
4. The license fee is $125.00 and payable by cash or debit.
5. The Clerk's Department issues licenses between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. It is suggested to call the Clerk's Department prior to coming in to ensure someone is available.
6. If you have been divorced within Canada, we require the original or a court certified copy of the Certificate of Divorce or Decree Absolute from the court where the divorce was granted. A divorce judgement is not acceptable.
7. If you were divorced outside of Canada, please contact the Office of the Registrar General at 1-800-461-2456 for instructions.
8. A Marriage License is valid for use anywhere in Ontario for a period of three (3) months from the date of issuance.
9. A minor who is of the age of sixteen (16) years or more requires the consent of both parents.

All documents referenced in #3 must be brought with the application regardless of whether both parties attend the office.

Marriage Ceremonies

The City of Thorold has Officiants who are able to perform wedding ceremonies. There is no specific time required to have a ceremony, provided there is an available officiant. WALKS INS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

Matthew Trennum, City Clerk ext. 226
Joanne Goulet, Deputy City Clerk ext. 270

If a ceremony is between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, the fee for the ceremony is $200.00 + HST.

If a Ceremony is after 3:30 p.m. or on a Saturday or Sunday, the fee is $300.00 + HST.

When booking your ceremony, there is a $50.00 non-refundable booking fee that is required to be paid during your first meeting with the officiant. This fee does make up part of the Ceremony fee.

The Province requires that each applicant have a witness at their ceremony. Should you not have witnesses, the City of Thorold offers witnesses at a cost of $25.00 + HST each witness.

Should the applicants require a rehearsal, there is a fee of $75.00 + HST and must be done the day prior to the wedding ceremony.

The use of confetti, rice, bubbles etc. (at Municipal Facilities) is strictly prohibited and failure to comply will result in a cleaning fee of $75.00 + HST. (other conditions may apply)

A Mileage Expense may be required - if applicable for offsite services, the rate will be decided upon the current federal approved rate.

Additional rental fees apply for the use of other municipal facilities outside of City Hall. It is the responsibility of the applicants to make necessary arrangements and payments for a facility to be utilized for a marriage ceremony.

All ceremony fees do not include the $125.00 Marriage License fee. (required for a ceremony)