How to get married in Ontario
How do I get a marriage certificate?
Immediately after the marriage ceremony, the couple will receive a Record of Solemnization of Marriage from the person who performed the ceremony.
This is not a marriage certificate or a legal record. You still need a marriage certificate.
The person who performed the marriage must forward a completed and signed marriage license to the Office of the Registrar General for registration. The marriage must be registered before you may apply for a marriage certificate.
Apply for a Marriage Certificate online.
http://www.ontario.ca/government/marriage-certificate
To order a marriage certificate, you will need:
- The marriage to be registered in Ontario
- First and last names of both parties to the marriage
- Date of marriage
- Name of city or town the marriage took place in
You can also print off a Request for Marriage Certificate form (PDF) and mail it in or apply for one in person at your nearest ServiceOntario Centre.
If you apply online you can check the status of your Ontario Marriage Certificate Application online.
How much does a marriage certificate cost?
- marriage certificate (file-size) – $15.00
- certified copy of marriage (Long form – 8.5″ x 14″) – $22.00
Service delivery times:
(a) An online application takes 15 business days plus delivery,
(b) regular mail service takes 6 to 8 weeks plus delivery.
For urgent cases, you can
(a) Expedited service (10 days plus delivery) ($30 surcharge)
(b) Premium Online Service (5 business days). ($30 surcharge)
(c) Emergency Service (2 days plus delivery) is available in person at the Toronto Office only, and proof of urgency is required.
What is proof of urgency?
http://www.ontario.ca/government/what-proof-urgency
In order to qualify for emergency or expedited service, the birth must be registered and you must provide proof of urgency along with your complete and correct applications form and fee.
Proof of urgency may include:
- a medical emergency
- a letter confirming new employment
- a letter from a consulate or embassy confirming an appointment
- airline tickets
- a letter confirming an appointment for an immigration hearing
- travel reservations
- a wedding invitation, where the applicant is the bride or groom
- other situations are subject to review
Toronto Office:
4th Flr Unit 417, 47 Sheppard Avenue East
Toronto ON M2N 5N1
General Inquiry: 1-800-267-8097
Hours of Operation:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. Thursday, 8:30a.m. to 7:00p.m. Closed on public holidays.
Please note: The marriage must be registered in Ontario to order a marriage certificate.
What information do I need to get a marriage certificate?
You must provide:
- first and last names of both parties to the marriage (brides and grooms are referred to as parties to the marriage)
- date of the marriage
- city or town of marriage
Find a local city hall, town hall or municipal office
For more FAQ’s see:
http://www.ontario.ca/government/frequently-asked-questions-birth-marriage-and-death-certificates
Check your order status
The status of your online application becomes available one business day after you submit it. To check the status online you will need:
- To indicate the type of certificate you requested (birth, death or marriage)
- Applicant’s name and telephone number
- Name of the subject (the person to be listed on the certificate)
- Date of the event
