How to Obtain Your Marriage Certificate After Getting Married in
in Ontario
Congratulations on your wedding! Now that the celebrations have concluded and you’ve said your vows, it’s time to take care of the legalities, including obtaining your marriage certificate. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process in Ontario.
Step 1: Ensure Your Marriage is Registered
First and foremost, your marriage must be registered with the Ontario government. This is typically done by the officiant who performed your wedding ceremony. They are responsible for sending your completed marriage license to the Office of the Registrar General within 48 hours of your wedding.
Step 2: Wait for Registration
The registration process can take up to 12 weeks from the date of your wedding. During this period, the Office of the Registrar General processes your marriage license and officially registers your marriage. It’s important to wait until your marriage is registered before applying for your marriage certificate.
Step 3: Apply for Your Marriage Certificate
Once your marriage is registered, you can apply for your marriage certificate. There are two ways to do this:
- Online
Visit the ServiceOntario Website:
- Go to the ServiceOntario Marriage Certificate application page.
Complete the Online Application:
- Fill in the required information, including your names, date of marriage, and location of marriage.
- Ensure all information is accurate to avoid any delays.
Payment:
- Pay the application fee using a valid credit card. As of the current year, the fee for a marriage certificate is approximately $15 for a short form (basic) and $22 for a long form (detailed).
Submit:
- Submit your application and wait for confirmation. You will receive an email receipt with a reference number for tracking your application.
2 . By Mail
Obtain an Application Form:
- Download and print the marriage certificate application form from the ServiceOntario website.
- Alternatively, you can pick up a form from any ServiceOntario location
Complete the Application Form:
- Fill out the form with accurate information about your marriage.
Payment:
- Include a cheque or money order payable to the “Minister of Finance” for the appropriate fee.
Mail the Application:
- Mail your completed application form and payment to the address provided on the form.
- Keep a copy of your application and payment for your records.
Step 4: Receive Your Marriage Certificate
The processing time for a marriage certificate is typically 6-8 weeks for online applications and slightly longer for mail-in applications. You can track the status of your online application using the reference number provided in your confirmation email.
Why You Need a Marriage Certificate
Your marriage certificate is a vital document that serves as official proof of your marriage. You will need it for various purposes, such as:
- Changing your name on legal documents (driver’s license, passport, bank accounts, etc.)
- Filing taxes as a married couple
- Applying for spousal benefits
- Proof of marital status for immigration purposes
Important Tips
- Check for Accuracy: When filling out your application, ensure all information is correct to avoid any delays.
- Keep Copies: Always keep copies of your application and any correspondence for your records.
- Plan Ahead: If you need your marriage certificate for specific purposes (like a honeymoon or legal name change), apply well in advance to ensure you receive it in time.
By following these steps, you can easily obtain your marriage certificate and enjoy all the benefits that come with it. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us at The Marry Men. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Congratulations again, and we wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!
Reverend Jason & Reverend Michael
The Marry Men