How to Get a Marriage Licence in Ontario

By VowNook·September 7, 2026· 4 min read

You can't be legally married in Ontario without a marriage licence—no exceptions, no shortcuts. The good news: the process is straightforward, costs under $150, and takes roughly 15 minutes at a ServiceOntario office or authorized courthouse. The tricky part is doing it on time and with the right documents.

Where to Apply for Your Marriage Licence

Marriage licences are issued by ServiceOntario offices throughout the province or at courthouses in most regions. You'll apply in person; neither partner can apply on behalf of the other. Both of you must attend the same appointment.

Search for your nearest ServiceOntario office at ontario.ca/serviceontario—this is the authoritative source. Walk-ins are typically welcome, but booking ahead online is faster. Processing takes a few minutes, and you'll receive your licence immediately.

Required ID and Documents

Bring valid government-issued photo ID for both partners. Acceptable ID includes:

Canadian passport
Ontario driver's licence
Ontario photo card
Permanent resident card
Foreign passport (with a valid Canadian work or study permit)

You'll also need one piece of documentation showing your current full legal name—a birth certificate, divorce decree, or name-change certificate, depending on your situation. If either partner was previously married, bring a certified copy of the decree absolute (divorce) or death certificate.

You don't need a witness present at the ServiceOntario office, but your officiant (the person performing the ceremony) will need to see your licence on the wedding day.

The Cost

A marriage licence in Ontario costs $141.16 as of 2025 (fees update annually). Payment is cash or debit only at most offices; some now accept credit cards, but confirm with your local office beforehand. There's no express or expedited option.

The 90-Day Window

Your licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Your wedding must happen within that window, or the licence expires and you'll need to apply and pay again. Mark the expiry date clearly on your calendar—this is where many couples slip up.

If you're planning a wedding in 3–4 months, apply roughly 4–6 weeks before your ceremony. If your wedding is fewer than 90 days away, apply immediately. If it's more than 3 months out, wait to apply; there's no advantage to getting the licence early.

Mistakes to Avoid

Applying too early. The 90-day window is tight. If you're 5 months away, hold off—don't waste a licence or risk it expiring.

Wrong legal name. Your licence must match your legal name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or most recent legal document. Nicknames, maiden names (unless legally changed), or alternate spellings don't count. This is the single most common hiccup.

Missing documents. Bring originals or certified copies of divorce decrees or name-change certificates. A photocopy won't work. If you were previously married, "I think it's final" isn't good enough—ServiceOntario will ask for proof.

Forgetting one partner. Both of you must attend in person. If one partner can't make it, reschedule—there are no exceptions. Plan the appointment when you're both available.

Not confirming ID is current. An expired photo ID won't be accepted. Check expiry dates before you go.

Showing up too close to the ceremony. Apply with enough time to troubleshoot if documents are rejected or if a name issue crops up. The day before your wedding is too late if something goes wrong.

Integrating the Licence into Your Timeline

Getting your marriage licence is straightforward but time-sensitive. Add it to your wedding planning checklist around 4–6 weeks before the big day—that window maximizes the 90-day validity and gives you breathing room if something needs correcting. Our Complete Ontario Wedding Planning Timeline breaks down all the key milestones, and your marriage licence is an essential non-negotiable step.

After You Have Your Licence

Your officiant will sign the licence during or just after the ceremony. They're responsible for submitting it to the Registrar General within a few days. You'll receive a certified copy of your marriage certificate (different from the licence) in the mail roughly 2–3 weeks later. Keep multiple certified copies for legal, financial, and travel purposes.

If you haven't received your certificate after a month, contact ServiceOntario or the Registrar General's office at ontario.ca/registrars.

Getting married is exciting. Picking up a marriage licence in a government office isn't the most romantic part of the process—but it's the part that makes the rest of it legal. Treat it as a straightforward task with a hard deadline, check it off, and move on to the fun stuff.