Requirements Respecting Marriage in Ontario

Click here for the Marriage Application Form
Click here for the Marriage Licence FAQ

This information also applies to same-sex marriages in Ontario

FEE	The fee for a Licence is $100.00, Canadian funds. (Cash or Canadian Debit ONLY).
AGE	Applicants must be 18 years of age or over to obtain a Licence. Applicants who are 16 or 17 years of age must have both parents' consent (or parent with custody of minor). No person under the age of 16 years may be married.
IDENTIFICATION REQUIRED	Two pieces of ORIGINAL identification are required. One piece MUST be (birth certificate, any change of name certificate, current passport, record of Immigrant Landing, Canadian Citizenship Card or Adoption Papers). Second piece of identification MUST be photo identification e.g. Driver's Licence or Health Card for both parties. Both parties must complete and sign an Application Form. However, if both parties are not able to apply in person for the Marriage Licence, one person may apply for the Licence but must bring in the completed Application form signed by both parties along with two pieces of identification as specified above.
DIVORCE OF ANNULMENT	If an Applicant has been granted a Divorce or an Annulment in Canada, the Applicant is to file with the Issuer the original or a Court Certified Copy of their final divorce papers (Certificate of Divorce or Decree Absolute). If an Applicant has been granted a Divorce or an Annulment in a jurisdiction other than Canada, the Applicant should speak to an Issuer of Marriage Licences to receive additional requirements.
PERIOD DURING WHICH LICENCE IS VALID	A Marriage Licence is valid anywhere in ONTARIO for a period of 90 days from the date of issuance.

Additional Information

If any person whose consent is required is unavailable or refuses to consent, an application may be made to a judge, in Canada, to dispense with consent.

A person whose previous marriage has been dissolved or annulled will require:

• If the marriage was dissolved or annulled in Canada, the original or court-certified copy of the final decree dissolving or annulling the marriage; or
• If the marriage was dissolved or annulled in a jurisdiction other than Canada, the applicants must obtain authorization from the Minister of Consumer and Commercial Relations before a marriage licence may be issued. To obtain this authorization, the applicants or a lawyer representing them, must submit the following to:

1. A completed marriage licence application signed by both applicants. (Adobe Acrobat version 5 or higher required - Click here for the free download at the bottom of the page)
2. A copy of the decree of divorce or annulment (certified by the proper court officer in the jurisdiction the divorce/annulment was granted) or sealed by the court. If the decree is in a language other than English or French, include a certified translation.
3. A statement of Sole Responsibility for each divorce signed by both applicants. Blank affidavits are available from the issuer of Marriage Licences.
4. A legal opinion of an Ontario lawyer, addressed to both applicants, giving reasons why the divorce or annulment should be recognized in the Province of Ontario.

Where a spouse has died, proof of death of the spouse must be provided if death occurred outside Ontario.

Who may perform a marriage ceremony

A marriage ceremony in Ontario may be performed by:

1. A minister or member of the clergy registered under the Marriage Act
2. A judge or justice of the peace

Civil Ceremony

There are no ceremonies at City Hall.

On-line Marriage Licence Application Form

The City of Niagara Falls has developed an on-line application form. This form will allow you to fill out your marriage licence application and upon arrival to City Hall, your information can be retrieved. This will save time while waiting to get your Marriage Licence. When you have finished filling out the form, please click the "Save and Submit" button to save your application. If you do not click this button, the application will not go to City Hall. If you have any questions about obtaining a Marriage Licence, please visit our Marriage Licence Frequently Asked Questions page.

Visit the Marriage Licence Application Form

Contact Information

If you require further clarifications please contact us:

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