Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Ontario by I MARRY U Durham Region Wedding Officiant

Getting married is one of life’s most meaningful commitments, but before the celebration can take place, there are a few important legal steps every couple must complete to ensure their marriage is fully recognized in Ontario. Understanding these requirements helps the process feel calm and stress-free so you can focus on your ceremony and your future together.

Marriage laws in Ontario are clear, but the details can sometimes be confusing. As a licensed Wedding Officiant, I guide my couples through each step, ensuring everything is handled properly from start to finish.

1. Obtain an Ontario Marriage Licence

Every couple must first obtain a valid Marriage Licence before their ceremony. You can apply at most municipal offices or city halls across Ontario. Both partners must be at least 18 years of age and must present government-issued photo identification when applying.

A Marriage Licence issued in Ontario is valid anywhere within the province for three months from the date it is issued. Your ceremony must take place within that time frame for your marriage to be legal.

2. Choose a Licensed Wedding Officiant

Your marriage must be performed by an officiant who is legally registered with the Province of Ontario. Whether your ceremony is large, intimate, or part of a destination celebration, it must be conducted by someone authorized to solemnize marriages.

I hold official credentials that allow me to perform legal marriages anywhere in Ontario.

3. Have Two Witnesses Present

Ontario law requires two witnesses to be physically present at your ceremony. They must be at least 18 years old and mentally capable of understanding what they are witnessing. Witnesses do not have to be related to you. They are there to observe and sign your Marriage Licence immediately following the ceremony.

4. The Signing and Registration of Your Marriage

Once your ceremony is complete, the couple, witnesses, and officiant sign the Marriage Licence. I then submit the signed documentation to the Office of the Registrar General in Thunder Bay, where your marriage is officially registered.

You may order your official Marriage Certificate through ServiceOntario as soon as the documentation has been sent, though it can take up to 12 weeks for the Registrar General’s office to complete registration. Once registered, your certificate becomes your official legal proof of marriage. Please note that you need to apply for your Marriage Certificate, it will not automatically be sent to you.

5. Legalization Options in Ontario

If you are planning a destination wedding or having someone close to you lead your ceremony, the legal portion can easily be completed in Ontario before or after your wedding day.

I offer three convenient options:

• In my office: A simple, private legal signing before or after your celebration. This can also be done at a location of your choice.

• On your wedding day: I can attend your ceremony and do the legal requirements and signing at the appropriate time.

• At your reception location: We can meet at your venue on the same day for a brief signing to make your marriage official.

All legalizations include your Marriage Licence signing, required declarations, and full completion and submission of your licence to the Registrar General of Ontario.

6. Legal Recognition Beyond Ontario

A marriage performed in Ontario by a licensed officiant is legally recognized throughout Canada and in most countries worldwide. Once your marriage is registered and your Marriage Certificate has been issued, it becomes an official legal record.

Other provinces and most international authorities accept an Ontario Marriage Certificate as valid proof of marriage. If you plan to move or live abroad, some countries may require authentication or an apostille seal to confirm the certificate’s authenticity.

7. Common Questions and Helpful Tips

• You do not need to live in Ontario to be married here.

• A blood test is not required.

• You must bring both pages of the Marriage Licence to the ceremony. If forgotten, the ceremony can still take place, but the marriage will not be legal until the signing takes place.

• You do not need to bring identification to the ceremony itself.

• A Marriage Licence issued in Ontario is valid anywhere within the province.

• I ensure all documentation is handled accurately and sent for registration right away.

Bringing It All Together

Your wedding should be a joyful and stress-free experience. With professional guidance and attention to detail, the legal process becomes simple and seamless. Whether you are planning a full ceremony, an elopement, or a destination wedding, I can take care of the legalities for you with ease and confidence.

To learn more about how to make your marriage official in Ontario, visit iMARRYu.ca or contact me directly for personalized guidance.