Getting legally married in Ontario involves more than just a dress and a fiancé. When it comes to getting legally hitched, you have two options: a marriage licence issued by a municipality of Ontario, or, if you are being married in a religious ceremony you may be eligible to be married by a publication of banns.

Publication of Banns

If you’re getting married in your church, you’ll have the option of skipping the license (and the license fee) and being married by a publication of banns. Banns are a lovely traditional religious way of both announcing your intention to marry and making sure it’s legal. The Banns are typically announced during church services 3 weeks in a row prior to your ceremony. Both you and your fiancé must be members of the church and attend regularly. Banns cannot be published if you or your intended spouse has been married before. You will need to get a marriage license. Speak to the clergy of your church for more information on how a publication of banns works.

Marriage License

Everyone else wishing to be legally married in Ontario will need a marriage licence. The application process is short and sweet, but you’ll need to know the right details.

A licence is valid anywhere in Ontario for 90 days from the date of issue. There is no waiting period between the date of issue of the marriage licence and the date of marriage. The Marriage Licence Application form must be completed and signed by both parties to the marriage. One party to the marriage may submit the completed application form to the City Clerk’s Office in person in order to obtain the Marriage Licence, provided that one of the following documents is submitted in place of the absent party: (a) the absent party’s original birth certificate; (b) the absent party’s valid passport; (c) an Affidavit of Age (available from the City Clerk’s Office) completed and signed by the absent party and notarized.

Costs for a marriage license varies for by municipality. For more information fees, office hours and contact information for your local municipality.

If this is not your first trip to the altar and if you were divorced in Canada, you’ll also need to bring official proof of the divorce with you when you apply for a marriage licence. This can be the original or court-certified copy of one of three documents: the final divorce decree, the final divorce judgement or a certificate of divorce.

If you were divorced in a country other then Canada, you’ll also need to provide additional documents to prove that you are no longer married and can legally remarry in Ontario. Since the government of Ontario needs to validate these documents, this process can take up to 4 weeks. You will need to send your completed marriage licence application form along with the following documents to Service Ontario:

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.

A fabulous Destination Wedding is always beautiful! The sun, the pristine setting, and an all-in-one wedding and honeymoon. It is the epitome of perfection for some couples.

​Educating yourselves is imperative. Many foreign governments impose unusual requirements that could include single status reports, a statement of parental consent, authorization from that country's embassy or consulate before you leave Canada, a mandatory waiting period, two separate religious and civil ceremonies, or even a pre-marital blood test performed at a local clinic after you arrive. (Canada has no such requirements.) It is also common in certain countries to take advantage of foreigners by demanding a bribe, or simply making up nonexistent fees for unnecessary services or, in rare cases an officiant who is not properly licensed at your resort does nor register your marriage properly. The details get complicated and the costs can add up quickly.

​To avoid any uncertainty, many Canadian couples are choosing to take care of the legalities, here at home in a private ceremony, before departure. Rowanwood has a “Legal before you Leave” package that can quickly give you the peace of mind that comes with registering your marriage in Ontario.

All you have to do is obtain a marriage licence from City Hall, choose your two witnesses over the age of eighteen and then contact us. A non-denominational minister will arrive at your location, perform your ceremony, and legally register your marriage with the Ontario government. This can take place at your home, in a park, at a restaurant, or at our beautiful farm property (additional fees may apply for this) Afterward, you can relax and enjoy the destination wedding of your dreams. You can chose to make your destination wedding date your anniversary or the date your union is solemnized, the choice is yours!