I am writing this post after applying and registering for my Marriage in Ontario. You can also get your marriage license in ontario after reading this. My main reason for doing a court marriage (signature marriage) was to get proof of marriage, so my wife and I could apply for a permanent residency file as a couple. We were planning to get married in India but due to covid, It was not possible.
Anyways, for whatever reason you want to get married, In this post, I will simplify all the steps required to get get a Marriage License in Ontario, Canada. Official Sites make it complicated, but it’s not that hard.
Steps to perform Court Marriage
There are two main steps involved when getting married in Canada.
- Apply for a Marriage License
- Apply for a Marriage Certificate
You need to complete these steps in the same order. Let’s first see how to apply for a Marriage License.
This complete guide is divided into two posts. This one will cover Applying for a Marriage License and the second will cover Applying for Marriage Certificate. Let’s begin
Apply for Marriage License in Ontario
To apply for a marriage license, first, you need to fill out an online marriage license application form. To do that, follow this link
Or search ‘Apply for Marriage License Canada’ on Google and follow the first link.
Important things to consider
- To apply for a marriage license, each person required two pieces of acceptable government-issued identification ID.
- The IDs should not be expired at the time of applying.
- The IDs must be original (photocopy is not acceptable)
- The name on the IDs must match to your License application that you are about to fill.
Here is the list of acceptable IDs that you can select from.
- Birth Certificate
- Passport
- Driver’s Licence
- Ontario Photo Card (Purple photo ID card)
- Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (Canadian Citizenship Card)
- Canadian Government Refugee Travel Document
- Conditional Release Identification Card
- United States Green Card
- Native Status Card
- Record of Immigration Landing
- Confirmation of Permanent Residency
- Permanent Residency Card
- Citizenship Card
- Identity Card
- Nexus Card
- Firearms Acquisition Certificate (FAC)
- Possession & Acquisition Licence (PAL)
After going to the given link, click on the ‘Submit your Marriage License’ Application blue button. It will take you to a new page where you press ‘Start’ to fill in your information. Make sure the information is correct and matches your government-issued identification.
Step 1 - Online Marriage Licence Application
Enter the City/Town where you want to get married. Also, for the Intended Date of marriage, make sure the date is within three months from the date you are applying.
The marriage License is only valid for three months, and you have to get married within three months; otherwise, you have to reapply for the marriage license
Click on Next
Step 2 - Online Marriage Licence Application (First Applicant Details)
Now you have reached step 2, and here you need to fill in your personal information. The first applicant will fill in the report here. In the next step, the second applicant will do the same.
The form required pretty basic information like your name, dob, marital status, religion, place of birth, parent names, and address. I am also attaching a screenshot if you need any help filling out the application
If your passport (or other government-issued identification) only contains surname or given name and not both, then you have to tick mark this paragraph on the application.
` Please check this box if Last Name and First and Middle Name do not apply to the applicant because they have either a registered Birth Certificate or Change of Name Certificate bearing a Single Name.`
Step 3 - Online Marriage Licence Application (Second Applicant Details)
Now, this step is entirely similar to Step 2. You just need to fill in the details for the second applicant.
Step 4 - Review your marriage license information.
In this step, you will see all the information that you have filled in. Check to make sure everything is correct, and then click Next.
Step 5 - Submit your online Marriage Licence Application
The application is complete. Before submitting, enter your email address twice on step 5. You will get an application number in your email that is required to book an appointment. After filling in the email id, click on Submit.
At this point, you have to download the form and take a printout—both the applicant who is getting married need to sign this printed document.
Marriage License Application Number Email
After completing all the above steps, you will receive an email containing the application number and further instructions. It will look like the photo given below. The email will also include the link to book your appointment and what you need to carry with you.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
TO book an appointment, follow this link Marriage License Appointment Booking and click on Book an Appointment Online,
then click on ‘Begin Marriage License Appointment Booking Process,
then click on continue to step 2,
then click on continue to step 3,
then click on Continue to Book an Appointment Online and finally
Click on ‘Continue to Select an Appointment Date and Time’ (I know too many button clicks)
On this screen, you will see a bunch of dates to choose from. Select the date of an appointment and then also select the time.
Next, provide your phone number, email address, Applicant name (must match with your submitted application) who will attend the appointment, and the application number (that you received in your email)
After submitting the application, you will receive a receipt. You do not need to pay any money online.
The appointment address is
City Clerk’s Office
100 Queen St. West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
What to Bring on Marriage Licence Appointment
On the day of your appointment, you need to take these items with you.
- Marriage license application form (Filled and Signed)
- Two pieces of valid government-issued identification for both applicants (ORIGINAL)
- $160.00 marriage license fee (CASH OR DEBIT)
Reach the location 15 minutes in advance and wait for your turn. You can see your appointment time on TV screens. In your turn, they will verify your information and give you a Marriage License. Take it home with you and do not write anything on it.
Congratulations, you got your marriage license. Now it’s time to get a marriage certificate.
Follow this post to know how to apply for a marriage certificate and get your marriage registered.
