Ontario · Family and children
Marriage licence in Ontario: cost and how to apply
Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked
Short answer
In Ontario you get a marriage licence from a city or town hall. Fill in the application online with ServiceOntario (in participating municipalities) or with your municipality, then one of you picks up the licence in person with photo ID and pays the fee. Each person needs two pieces of government ID. The licence is valid for 3 months from the date it is issued.
Who handles it
Your municipal office (city or town hall)
Handles it in Ontario.
Apply at your city or town hall; some municipalities also take applications online.
Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.
Who can apply
You must be at least 18, or 16 or 17 with written consent from your parents or guardians or a court order. You cannot already be married, and you must freely consent.
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Steps
After applying, one of you goes to the municipality in person with photo ID to pick up the licence and pay the fee.
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What you need
Each person needs two pieces of government-issued ID, one with a photo. Add supporting documents if they apply, such as a consent form for anyone under 18 or proof of divorce.
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Cost
The licence fee depends on the municipality. The $75 provincial part can be waived if both of you are registered or entitled to be registered under the Indian Act and live on reserve or Crown lands in Ontario.
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How long it takes
A marriage licence is valid for 3 months from the date it is issued. When applying online, allow at least 1 business day before the wedding.
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If you were divorced outside Canada, the documents proving you are free to marry must be approved by the province first, which can take up to 4 weeks.
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Where to go
Licences are issued by authorized municipal offices. You can apply online through ServiceOntario if your municipality takes part, or online or on paper through your municipality.
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Good to know
If you were divorced in Canada, bring official proof such as a certificate of divorce, final decree or final judgment when you apply.
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Questions people ask
Can I apply for an Ontario marriage licence online?
Yes, in participating municipalities. You fill in the application online with ServiceOntario, which takes about 25 to 30 minutes, then pick up the licence in person.
Source: ontario.cachecked #
How long is a marriage licence valid in Ontario?
Three months from the date it was issued. Your wedding must take place within that time.
Source: ontario.cachecked #
What ID do I need for a marriage licence in Ontario?
Two pieces of government ID per person, one with a photo, such as a passport, birth certificate or driver's licence. Health cards cannot be used for the online service.
Source: ontario.cachecked #
In every province and territory
The same service across Canada: who handles it and the official link. Ontario is marked.
| Province or territory | Who handles it | Official link | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | Vital Statistics Agency (Government of British Columbia), through local marriage licence issuers | Get a marriage licencechecked | Buy the licence in person from a marriage licence issuer in your area. |
| Alberta | Alberta registry agents (Government of Alberta) | Get a marriage licencechecked | Buy at any registry agent office. |
| Saskatchewan | Marriage licence issuers (Government of Saskatchewan) | How to get a marriage licencechecked | Buy from a marriage licence issuer, often a jewellery store or town office; out-of-province licences are not valid. |
| Manitoba | Vital Statistics Branch (Government of Manitoba), through registered marriage licence issuers | How to get a licencechecked | Both partners buy the licence in person from a registered issuer at least 24 hours before the wedding. |
| OntarioThis page | Your municipal office (city or town hall) | Get a marriage licencechecked | Apply at your city or town hall; some municipalities also take applications online. |
| Quebec | Gouvernement du Québec | None on record | Québec has no marriage licence; your officiant publishes a notice of the marriage before the ceremony. |
| New Brunswick | Vital Statistics (Service New Brunswick) | Apply for a marriage licencechecked | Fill in the application, then both partners go together to a Service New Brunswick centre with ID. |
| Nova Scotia | Vital Statistics (Service Nova Scotia) | How to get a licencechecked | Buy in person at Access Nova Scotia or from a Deputy Issuer of Marriage Licences. |
| Prince Edward Island | Vital Statistics (Government of PEI), issued at Access PEI | None on record | Licences are issued by appointment at Access PEI offices. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Vital Statistics Division (Government Services), through local marriage licence issuers | How to get a licencechecked | Apply in person to a marriage licence issuer; only one partner needs to attend. |
| Yukon | Vital Statistics (Government of Yukon) | None on record | Both partners apply in person: by appointment at Vital Statistics in Whitehorse, or from a Territorial Agent elsewhere. |
| Northwest Territories | Registrar General of Vital Statistics and community Marriage License Issuers (Department of Health and Social Services) | Get a marriage licencechecked | Both people must attend, usually by appointment with an issuer. |
| Nunavut | Nunavut Vital Statistics (Department of Health) | Get a marriage licencechecked |
Cite this page
Canada Service Map, "Marriage licence in Ontario: cost and how to apply", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/marriage-licence/ontario