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Marriage Licence
If you are getting married in Ontario and not having your banns published you must obtain a Marriage License. A marriage licence is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
Before you get married, you need to ensure that the person performing your wedding ceremony is an authorized official. The guide from ServiceOntario provides valuable information.
Steps To Obtain A Marriage Licence
- Download and complete the Marriage Licence Application form from the ServiceOntario website. Both applicants must sign. Copies are also available at our Customer Service Centre.
- Send an email to marriagelicences@townofws.ca to book your half hour appointment.
- Bring the completed application form along with Supporting Documents to your appointment.
- One or both applicants can attend as long as you bring supporting documents for both of you. You will receive your Marriage Licence during this appointment time as long as all documents are complete.
- Marriage Licences are $168, subject to the current Fees & Charges By-law, payable by cash, debit, certified cheque, VISA, MasterCard or money order.
- For Fees or Charges for Services or Activities provided by the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, please refer to our current Fees & Charges By-law.
Supporting documents
Two (2) pieces of valid identification for both applicants are required. Photocopies are not acceptable.
- Birth Certificate (with any applicable Change of Name Certificate) OR Current Passport
- A government issued photo ID (Current passport can be used if it is not used as first piece of identification)
Canadian Divorce
If you were divorced in Canada, you must provide the original or court certified copy of your Certificate of Divorce or Decree Absolute.
You can obtain a certified copy of your divorce document from the court that granted the divorce.
Foreign Divorce
If you were divorced outside of Canada, you must obtain authorization from the Ministry of Government Services, before a marriage licence can be issued. Out-of-country weddings are not registered in Ontario.
For authorization, the applicant(s) must compile the following documents:
- A completed Marriage Licence Application
- A Statement of Sole Responsibility for each divorce signed by both parties of this marriage
- An original or court-certified copy of the divorce decree or annulment. If the decree is in a language other than English or French, include a translated copy together with an affidavit sworn by a certified translator.
- A legal opinion from an Ontario lawyer, addressed to both applicants to the marriage, giving reasons why the divorce or annulment should be recognized in the Province of Ontario. The Office of the Registrar General will fax a sample legal opinion letter to your lawyer if they call 807-343-7492 or toll-free at 1-800-461-2156.
The applicant(s) send all the above documents to:
The Office of the Registrar General
Marriage Office
P.O. Box 4600
189 Red River Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6L8
The applicant(s) will receive a letter from the Office of the Registrar General entitled "Authorization to Issue a Marriage Licence" and must present it to the Municipal Offices.
Widowed
If you are a widow or a widower, proof of death of your former spouse is not required.
Interpreters
If either of the applicants do not read or understand spoken English, you must provide your own interpreter. The interpreter must provide identification and cannot be a family member.
Age Restrictions
You must be at least 18 years of age. If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you need the written consent of your legal guardian(s). A consent form is available at the Customer Service Centre.
Residency
There are no residency or citizenship requirements. If you have any questions, please call our Customer Service Centre.
Additional Information
For more information, visit Service Ontario.
For other Fees or Charges for Services or Activities provided by the Town of Whitchurch Stouffville, please refer to our Current Fees & Charges By-law.