Getting Married in Ontario: The Marriage Licence and Ceremony

Marriages in Ontario are governed by the Marriage Act.

The marriage licence

• Apply at a municipal office that issues licences.
• Both people need valid government ID; previously married applicants need proof the earlier marriage ended.
• The licence is valid for three months from the date issued.

Age

People 18 or older can marry. People aged 16 or 17 need written consent from their parents or guardians.

The ceremony

• Performed by an authorized religious official, a judge, a justice of the peace, or another person authorized to perform civil marriages.
• Two witnesses aged 18 or older must be present.

Registering

The officiant sends the documents to be registered with the Office of the Registrar General. You can then apply for a marriage certificate through ServiceOntario.

Name changes

Getting married doesn't change your name automatically. You can use your spouse's name, or formally change it.

Before the wedding

Consider your wills (marriage no longer revokes a will in Ontario) and a marriage contract.

Sources

• Marriage Act (Ontario)
• Ontario: before getting married

Read next: Divorce in Ontario: The Basics

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 16 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Unsplash: A couple signing marriage documents with a bouquet · black and silver fountain pen.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.