Apply for an Ontario marriage licence
How do I get a marriage licence in Ontario?
An authorized municipal office issues an Ontario marriage licence. You can start online through ServiceOntario where the municipality participates, or use the municipality’s own process. An online application still requires in-person completion and pickup.
Where to begin
- Choose a participating municipality for the provincial online service, or check your municipality’s own application route.
- Check the ceremony date: an issued licence is valid for three months.
- Prepare two accepted government-issued identity documents per person, including one with a photo, and any required supporting documents.
- Complete the appropriate application and follow the municipality’s appointment instructions.
- Have one applicant attend the municipality as instructed to complete the process, pay the local fee and collect the licence.
- Arrange an authorized officiant separately. A marriage certificate is a different service after the marriage.
Before you open the official service
- Ceremony date
- Required identity and supporting documents
- Chosen municipality’s pickup and fee instructions
Keep your actual documents and account details off this website. Use the official service’s current checklist before applying.
What to check for your situation
Fees and local procedures vary. Additional requirements can apply for prior divorce or applicants under 18. Limited banns exceptions use a different route; confirm them with the officiant.
Fees, processing times and document rules can change. This page helps you navigate; it does not confirm eligibility or replace the government’s instructions.
Official sources
Prepared by Active K Digital from the linked public guidance. Read our source approach.