Before the wedding · Ontario
How to get a marriage licence in Ontario
This page is the free Ontario guide. No sign-in. Read on, or take the checklist as a PDF.
Facts checked October 2026 · See what changed · How we check
A marriage licence is the paperwork you get before the ceremony (the name change comes after). In Ontario, here is the fee, how long it lasts, who has to show up, and the age rules.
Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.
The essentials
| Where to get it | Your local municipality: you complete the application and pick the licence up at the municipal office (some municipalities offer it online). |
|---|---|
| Fee | $75 provincial marriage licence fee. Municipal administrative fees may also apply. Check your municipality. The provincial fee may be waived for eligible Indigenous applicants. |
| Validity | Valid 3 months from issue. No provincial waiting period is set. |
| Who must appear | Whether both parties must appear is not stated on the provincial page. Check with your municipality. |
| ID | Bring the identification your municipality requires; requirements are set locally. |
| Age & consent | 16+. Anyone under 18 needs written parental or guardian consent, or a court order. |
- Marriage banns are an alternative to a licence in limited and specific circumstances.
Official source: ontario.ca: Getting married →
Download your free Ontario marriage-licence checklist
A printable PDF of the essentials and a before-you-go checklist. This checklist does not create any legal document.
Free. General information only, not legal or regulatory advice.
Keep it with the rest. This one files behind tab 10 of the Home File.
Common Questions
How much is a marriage licence in Ontario?
$75 provincial marriage licence fee. Municipal administrative fees may also apply. Check your municipality. The provincial fee may be waived for eligible Indigenous applicants.
How long is a marriage licence valid in Ontario?
Valid 3 months from issue. No provincial waiting period is set.
Do we both have to be there to get the licence in Ontario?
Whether both parties must appear is not stated on the provincial page. Check with your municipality.
After the wedding
The licence is the before; changing your name and ordering the marriage certificate come after.
Guidepost is not a law firm; this is general information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change and some vary by municipality. Confirm the current details with the official source above. Full disclaimer. Facts checked October 2026.