The City of St. Catharines offers civil marriage ceremonies in Council Chambers at City Hall.
Book a civil ceremony
Please email tietheknot@stcatharines.ca or give us a call at 905.688.5601 ext. 1517 to book a civil marriage ceremony. We recommend booking the ceremony at least two weeks in advance.
You can book a ceremony up to six months in advance with full payment up front.
Ceremony times
Civil ceremonies are by appointment only and these appointments are limited in availability. They can be performed Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost
If you'd like to book a ceremony at City Hall, it costs $316.45 including HST. This must be paid up front to secure the date and time. This fee will increase to $327.55 as of January 1, 2024.
Cancellations
Please speak with your officiant to find out about the cancellation timeline. If you need to cancel the ceremony, there is a cancellation fee of $52.75. This fee will increase to $150 as of January 1, 2024.
Frequently asked questions
Review our frequently asked questions to learn more about civil wedding ceremonies.
| Are there any health and safety considerations as a result of Covid-19? |
| People participating in a ceremony, including the couple getting married, are required to self-screen for potential COVID-19 symptoms. Please contact staff as soon as possible if you, or any of your guest, are feeling unwell. |
| Can guests attend the ceremony? |
| At this time you are limited to 20 people in total, including the couple getting married and their two witnesses. |
| Where do they take place? |
| Ceremonies take place in Council Chambers. This facility is fully accessible. During summer months, ceremonies may take place on the lawn outside of City Hall. |
| Can we bring our own flowers and decor? |
| Yes, small items such as a bouquet of flowers or 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? |
| Yes, you can take pictures and videos throughout the ceremony. |
| Can I get married at City Hall if I don't live in St. Catharines? |
| Yes, all you need is a valid Ontario marriage licence. |
| How do I obtain a marriage licence? |
| They are obtained by appointment only, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at City Hall. Learn how to apply for a marriage licence. |
| Can the Clerk perform a wedding ceremony at a location other than City Hall? |
| Off-site ceremonies are not being offered at this time. |