Frequently
Asked Questions
Who may be married in Ontario?
Any person who is at least 18 years of age may marry.
No person under 16 years of age may marry. Any person who is 16
or 17 years of age (other than a widow, widower or divorced person)
may marry with the written consent of his/her legal guardian.
The Ontario Court of Appeal also issued a decision on June 10,
2003 that ruled that same-sex couples have the right to be legally
married.
Where and when do I get my marriage licence?
At any City Hall within the Province of Ontario. You
can download an application form or obtain further information
from their website.
There is a fee for purchasing a marriage licence in Ontario. Contact your Ontario Municipal Office for the current fee and required documentation.
The marriage licence is valid anywhere in Ontario for three months from the date of purchase. If the licence expires, it will not be valid and you will have to purchase another licence. In most cases, you may fill out an
application and receive a marriage licence the same day provided
you have the proper documentation. (Note: If there is a
divorce outside Canada, specific requirements must be met before
a marriage licence can be issued.) See the above website or
call the Toronto Marriage Licence Office at
416-392-7036 for more
details.
Do I need to have a marriage licence before
I can book a wedding date at the Wedding Chambers?
No, you do not need to have a marriage licence
to schedule a date with us. However, you must have a valid
marriage licence with you on the day of your wedding ceremony,
otherwise the marriage cannot take place.
How far in advance do we need to book an appointment?
For City Hall Weddings, some months are busier than others
and Saturdays are the most popular day at the Wedding Chambers.
Please book as far in advance as possible for an ideal spot. if you are flexible, we may be able to find you a spot during weekdays within a two-week period.
For "off-site" weddings,
we suggest you book as soon as you have established the date
and location of your wedding.
Please call us to check our availability during our office hours (Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
Do you provide witnesses?
No, we do not provide witnesses. By law, you must provide two witnesses during the ceremony. They can be family or friends and do not require to bring an ID.
How long does the ceremony take?
The ceremonies are scheduled on the half hour at
the Wedding Chambers. The duration of the ceremony is approximately
12-15 minutes, followed by the signing of the Register. The remaining
time may be spent taking pictures
and visiting with family and friends.
For "off-site" weddings,
the duration of the ceremony varies depending on what you have
planned with your with your Officiant.
May we take pictures during the ceremony?
Yes, pictures and video may be taken at any time.
Do you provide music at the Wedding Chambers?
Yes, we carry a selection of classical music on CD. However,
please feel free to bring your own as well.
What type of ceremony do you perform?
We perform a non-religious
ceremony at the Wedding Chambers.
May we write our own vows and have friends
read?
Yes, you may expand upon the Officiant's vows and include readings
of your choice throughout the ceremony. However, we know you
will be happy with the ceremony the Officiant provides for you.
What will I receive after the ceremony?
Following the ceremony, you will receive from
the Officiant a "Record
of Solemnization of Marriage",
The Form 7 section of your
licence will be mailed the same day to the Office of the
Registrar General in Thunder Bay for registration.
After 6-8 weeks,
you may request a formal Marriage Certificate from the Office of the Registrar General. Please check their webiste for more information and their latest serive times.
How do I change my
name in Ontario after the
ceremony?
There should be an information sheet regarding name
change included with the information you received at the time you
purchased your marriage licence.
You may also contact the local Office
of the Registrar General at 47 Sheppard Ave. E. near Yonge St.
(416-325-8305) for more information or click on their website.
What do your Officiants wear to the ceremony?
An academic gown.
What do the couples have to wear to the ceremony?
There is no formal dress code required at the Wedding Chamber. You may wear any clothes that you deem to be appropriate for the occasion.
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