The Complete Guide to Obtaining Your Marriage License in Ontario by The Marry Men Wedding Officiants: What to Do, Where to Go, How to Apply, and How to Pick Up:

June 13, 2025

Congratulations, lovebirds! You’re on the exciting path to tying the knot in beautiful Ontario. One of the most crucial steps, and often the most overlooked until the last minute, is securing your marriage license. At The Marry Men Wedding Officiants, we believe in making this process as smooth and stress-free as possible. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining your Ontario marriage license, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your big day.

Why You Need a Marriage License in Ontario

Simply put, a marriage license is the legal document that authorizes your marriage ceremony to take place in Ontario. Without it, your union cannot be legally recognized. Think of it as your official permission slip to say “I do!” Your wedding officiant will require this document on your wedding day to legally perform your ceremony and subsequently register your marriage with the province.

What to Do: The Application Process

Getting your marriage license in Ontario is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

  1. Download and Complete the Application Form: The first step is to obtain the Marriage Licence Application Form. You can usually find this form on your local city or town hall’s website (e.g., City of Mississauga, City of Toronto, etc.) or pick up a physical copy at their municipal office.
    • Accuracy is Key: Fill out the form completely and accurately. Double-check all names, dates of birth, and addresses. Any discrepancies could lead to delays.
    • Original Signatures: Both applicants must sign and date the form with original, ink signatures. Photocopies or scanned signatures are generally not accepted.
  2. Gather Your Identification Documents: Both you and your partner will need to provide two (2) pieces of original, valid government-issued identification.
    • Photo ID: At least one piece of identification for each of you must include a current photo and signature.
    • Matching Names: Ensure the names on both pieces of identification match perfectly. If you have middle names you wish to have on your marriage license, they must appear on both IDs.
    • Acceptable ID Examples:
      • Birth certificate (including any change of name certificates)
      • Valid driver’s license
      • Valid passport
      • Canadian Citizenship card
      • Record of immigrant landing
      • Valid Ontario photo health card (note: while it’s government-issued, some offices might prefer a second photo ID)
      • Valid Ontario Photo Card
      • Permanent Resident Card
      • Confirmation of Permanent Residency
      • Indian Status Card
      • Nexus Card
      • Firearms/Possession License
      • Canadian Armed Forces Identification
    • Translated Documents: If any of your identification documents are in a language other than English or French, you will need to provide a translation from a certified translator.
  3. Proof of Divorce (If Applicable): If either you or your partner has been previously married and divorced, you’ll need to provide specific documentation:
    • Divorced in Canada: You must provide the original or a court-certified copy of the final decree, final judgment, or certificate of divorce (photocopies are NOT accepted).
    • Divorced Outside Canada: This process is more involved. You will need to obtain authorization from the Office of the Registrar General before you can get a marriage license. This typically involves submitting:
      1. The original or court-certified copy of the divorce decree or annulment (translated into English or French, if necessary).
      2. A legal opinion letter from an Ontario lawyer, addressed to both applicants, confirming the divorce would be recognized under Ontario law.
      3. A completed Marriage Licence Application Form.
      4. This process can take several weeks, so factor this into your timeline! Contact the Office of the Registrar General at 1-800-461-2156 for specific details.
  4. Age Requirements:
        • You must be at least 16 years old to get married in Ontario.
        • If you are 16 or 17 years old, you will need written consent from both of your parents. Contact the municipal office where you plan to apply to get the consent form.