Marriage Licences

Overview

Marriage licences may be obtained from City Clerk's Office between 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.  Marriage licence forms must be completed and signed by the applicant and joint applicant. At least one party of the proposed marriage must apply in person. Two pieces of identification must be presented by both applicants applying for the marriage licence. Acceptable identification includes an original birth certificate (with any change of name certificate, if applicable), Record of Immigration or Canadian Citizenship card plus valid government photo identification, such as a current passport or driver's licence. The identification documents must be presented for both parties regardless of whether both parties are present. Only original identification documents will be accepted.

Download the Province of Ontario Marriage Licence Form.

Process

Certain additional critera are applicable to the following:

Canadian Divorce

Applicants granted a divorce within Canada must provide the original or court-certified copy of the Decree Absolute or Certificate of Divorce dissolving or annulling the marriage to the Clerk's office. Individuals can obtain a certified copy of their divorce decree or certificate from the Ontario Court, Provincial Division in the municipality where the divorce was granted. The St. Catharines Provincial Court is located at 59 Church St.  If you received a divorce outside of Canada, contact the City Clerk's office directly.

Minors

Applicants who are 16 and 17 years of age require both parents' consent and all are required to attend City Hall in person with two pieces of identification. Please request a Provincial Form 6.

Residency and Citizenship

There are no residency, medical or citizenship requirements to obtain a marriage licence. A marriage licence is valid for use anywhere in Ontario for a period of three months from the date of issuance.

Civil Ceremonies

Civil ceremonies can now be performed at City Hall. Learn more.

Provincial Marriage Certificates

Applications for a provincial certificate of marriage may be obtained from the City Clerk's Office or the Information Desk located City Hall. Applicable fees charged by the province are set out on the application form. The completed application form, together with the appropriate fee, must be mailed to:

Office of the Registrar General
189 Red River Rd., P. O. Box 4600
Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 6L8.

Phone: 1.800.461.2156 or 416.825.8305.

View How to Obtain a Marriage Certificate.

Fees

The fee is $125 and can be paid by cash or debit card by attending City Hall, third floor, City Clerk's Office Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.