Marriage Licences/Ceremonies

Fees

Marriage Licence 

• $125

Civil Ceremony 

• City Hall Ceremony between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, $200.00 + HST.
• When booking your ceremony, there is a $50 non-refundable booking fee that is required to be paid during your first meeting with the officiant. This fee will be deducted from the total ceremony fee.

• The City of Thorold offers witnesses at a cost of $25 + HST each witness.
• A rehearsal, $75 + HST 

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 + HST.  

Each partner must submit two pieces of government-issued identification. One piece of identification must include your photo. Here are the accepted identification documents:

• Birth Certificate (Canadian or foreign)
• Passport (Canadian or foreign)
• Driver’s Licence (Canadian or foreign)
• Ontario Photo Card
• Photo Identity Card (other Canadian provinces/territories or foreign)
• Canadian Citizenship Card
• Canadian Permanent Resident Card
• Canadian Record of Landing
• Canadian Government Refugee Travel Document
• Canadian Department of National Defence driver’s licence (Form DND 404)
• Canadian Possession and Acquisition Licence
• Canadian Status Card
• Canadian Conditional Release Identification Card
• Nexus card
• United States Green Card
• Report Pursuant to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Form IMM 1442)
• Student Authorization/Study Permit (Form IMM 1442)
• Employment Authorization/Work Permit (Form IMM 1442)
• Visitor Record (Form IMM 1442) 
• Temporary Resident’s Permit (Form IMM 1442)–Minister’s Permit/Extension of Minister’s Permit

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Card and Health Cards are not considered an acceptable form of identification.

Civil wedding ceremonies are conducted by officiants at City Hall, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday, subject to availability. 

Pre-ceremony meeting

Please schedule a pre-ceremony meeting with the Marriage Officiant at least three days before the ceremony. This meeting will last approximately 30 minutes. Please ensure you have the following information available at this meeting:

• details of the ceremony (i.e., flowers, vows, rings, readings, number in wedding party)
• if specific vows are to be included, provide a copy to the Officiant 
• if you're using an interpreter, please provide an applicable form to the Officiant with details
• provide a valid Marriage Licence issued in the Province of Ontario (date issued must be within three months of the ceremony)

The pre-ceremony meeting is only meant for the couple and Marriage Officiant. No other family or friends should attend.

Please note that during the busy summer wedding season officiants will not be able to meet with you weeks in advance. Should you require an earlier meeting, special arrangements may be made, depending on availability

Ceremony rules and guidelines

Review the following guidelines before your big day:

• plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the ceremony
• only music deemed appropriate by the Marriage Officiant will be allowed during the ceremony
• please wear appropriate clothing for the occasion
• you can take photographs during the wedding ceremony well as during the signing of the Register, and/or when the ceremony is complete
• you can record the ceremony as long as you follow the guidelines set by the Marriage Officiant
• alcohol or stimulants cannot be used by those getting married or the witnesses prior to, or during the ceremony

Frequently Asked Questions

Can guests attend the ceremony at City Hall?

Yes. However, no more than 50 guests can attend. Council Chamber has a capacity of 55 people, which means in attendance can be the two individuals being married, two witnesses, the Officiant, and up to 50 guests. This facility is fully accessible.

Can we bring our own flowers and decor to City Hall?

Yes, small items such as a bouquet of flowers or a corsage are acceptable décor during the ceremony. Items such as confetti, rice and bubbles are not permitted.

Are we allowed to take photos and videos at City Hall?

Yes, you can take pictures and videos throughout the civil marriage ceremony.

Can I get married at City Hall if I don't live in Thorold?

Yes, all you need is a valid Ontario marriage licence. 

How do I obtain a Marriage Licence before the Civil Marriage Ceremony or my Destination Wedding?

This is obtained by appointment only, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at City Hall. Learn how to apply for a Marriage Licence through the Ontario government.

Can the Officiant travel to my wedding venue in Thorold?

No, civil wedding ceremonies are only conducted at City Hall during normal business hours and through appointment.

Local Venues for Weddings

Amici's Banquet Centre

2740 Merrittville Hwy, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E5

https://www.amicisbanquetcentre.com/contact-us

Club Belvedere

57 John Street, Thorold ON L2V 2S9

https://clubbelvedere.ca/contact/

Club Capri

36 Cleveland, Thorold, ON L2V 3K5

https://clubcapri.ca/contact/

Club Roma

125 Vansickle Rd, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3W4

https://www.clubroma.ca/contact/

Darlene Ryan Port Robinson Community Centre

40 Cross Street, Thorold ON L0S 1K0

https://www.thorold.ca/en/recreation-and-culture/community-centres.aspx

Four Points by Sheraton St. Catharines Niagara Suites

3530 Schmon Pkwy, Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/iagfp-four-points-st-catharines-niagara-suites/overview/

Holy Rosary Hall

35 Queen St S, Thorold, ON L2V 3M9

Phone: (905) 680-9001

John Michael's Banquet Centre

1368 Uppers Lane (Hwy #20), Thorold, ON L2V 3Y7

https://www.johnmichaels.ca/contact

Stone Mill Ballroom

271 Merritt Street, St. Catharines, ON  L2T 1K1

https://www.stonemillballroom.com/contact

Thorold Legion Branch 17 Hall

3 Ormond Street South, Thorold, ON L2V 1X9

https://thoroldlegion.ca/rentals/