What is a marriage license?

A marriage license is a document that is required for two people in the Province of Ontario to get married.

How do you apply for a marriage license? 

Both parties to the proposed marriage must apply in person at the Municipal Office located at 3131 Old Perth Road, in Almonte ON, during office hours with the completed Marriage License Application Form signed by both parties with supporting documentation.  

What documentation and identification is required for a marriage licence? 

Two (2) pieces of government-issued identification (foreign government ID included) are required for each person getting married.  One piece of identification must include a photo. Below are some examples of government-issued identification:

  • government-issued birth certificate, including any change of name certificates
  • valid passport
  • record of immigrant landing
  • Canadian Citizenship Card
  • valid driver's licence
  • valid Ontario Photo Card

Canadian Divorces

 If a previous marriage was dissolved or annulled within Canada, the original or court certified copy of the Decree Absolute or Certificate of Divorce must be submitted. Certified copies may be obtained from the court that granted the divorce. Photocopies are not acceptable with your application.

* Please note, divorce documents must have a court seal on the document in order for a marriage license to be granted.

For Foreign Divorces

If you were divorced outside of Canada, you will need to send the following documents to Service Ontario:

  • marriage licence application form: completed and signed by both parties)
  • statement of sole responsibility: for each divorce (signed by both people who are planning to get married and a witness)
  • legal opinion letter: from an Ontario lawyer, addressed to both people who plan to get married, giving reasons why the divorce or annulment should be recognized in Ontario
  • divorce decree or annulment: an original or court-certified copy in English or French.  If the decree is in another language, you will need to include a translated copy and an affidavit sworn by a certified translator. 

The above documents must be forwarded to:

Service Ontario
Marriage Office
P.O. Box 4600 189 Red River Road
Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6L8

This process can take up to 4 weeks. After receiving authorization from the province, you can submit the document to the municipal office along with the Marriage Licence Application form, licence fee, identification and all other applicable documents. 

How long does it take to process an application? 

Please allow at least 2 business days for processing applications. The municipality will set up a date and time for you and/or your partner to return to the municipal office to sign the marriage license with a commissioner of oaths. 

How much does a marriage licence cost? 

The license fee is $150.00 CAD (non-refundable), payable by cash, debit or money order at the Municipal Office. 

How long is a marriage licence valid for? 

Ontario Marriage Licenses are valid anywhere in the Province of Ontario for 90 days from the date of issue. 

What are the age requirements to get married? 

You must be at least 16 years of age to get married in Ontario. If you are under 18 years old you will require written consent from both your parents.

Marriage Certificates

After the marriage ceremony, the officiant who performs the ceremony will mail your completed marriage license to the Office of the Registrar General in Thunder Bay, ON. Once the license has been registered you may apply online for a marriage certificate through Service Ontario, payable by credit card. 

Please wait 6-8 weeks after your wedding before applying for a marriage certificate. Visit Service Ontario for more details.