Obtaining a Marriage Licence
Couples wishing to get married in Ontario require a valid Ontario Marriage Licence, which can be purchased from the Township. Marriage licences are valid for a period of three (3) months after the issue date.
In order to obtain a marriage licence, the following documents are required to be provided:
- A Marriage Licence Application Form, completed and signed by both parties.
- 2 pieces of government-issued identification
- government-issued birth certificate, including any change of name certificates
- valid passport
- record of immigrant landing
- Canadian Citizenship Card
- valid driver’s licence
- valid Ontario Photo Card
- If applicable, Proof of Divorce:
- original or a court-certified copy of one of three documents:
- the final divorce decree
- the final judgment
- a certificate of divorce
- original or a court-certified copy of one of three documents:
- If the divorce took place outside of Canada, please refer to the information here for requirements.
- If applicable, original death certificates of previous spouse.
- Fee: $140 payable by cash, debit or cheque – no credit.
Applications and documentation are being excepted electronically at this time. Please send all paperwork to the Clerk.
Please contact Mary Ellen Truelove, Clerk or extension 293, to book an appointment to obtain a marriage licence.
Civil Marriage Ceremonies
The Township of Rideau Lakes offers civil marriage ceremonies for couples. A civil marriage ceremony is a great option if you are having a destination wedding and want to ensure that your legal paperwork is filed in Ontario.
Reservations
Reservations for a civil marriage ceremony must be made at least two (2) weeks in advance. Please contact Mary Ellen Truelove, Clerk or extension 293, to check if your preferred ceremony date is available.
A fee of $325.00 (plus HST) must be paid at the time of reservation. The Township Clerk will forward information to you regarding the payment details.
| Ceremony Fee during regular business hours (Council Chambers room) |
$325.00 (+HST) |
| Ceremony Fee outside of business hours | $425.00 (+HST) |
| Cancellation Fee (prior to consultation meeting) |
$50.00 (+HST) |
| Cancellation Fee (after consultation meeting) |
$175.00 (+HST) |
| Witness Fee (per witness, subject to availability) |
$50.00 (+HST) |
| Marriage Licence Fee (available through the Township by appointment only) |
$140 |
NOTE: Of note, fees will usually be adjusted annually. If you are booking a wedding for the next calendar year, the fees payable will be in accordance with the User Fees and Charges By-law that is in effect on the ceremony date.
Ceremony Details
Ceremonies can be held in the Township Council Chambers (Monday – Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm). Couples may bring decorations and music to enhance their special day.
The availability of off-site wedding ceremonies is at the discretion of the Marriage Officiant and may be subject to additional charges.
Couples can choose from one of four (4) ceremony scripts. You can also enhance the ceremony by adding your own personalized vows or other custom elements. All additions to the ceremony must be approved by the Marriage Officiant at the mandatory consultation meeting
Witnesses
Two (2) witnesses are required, both of whom should be over fourteen (14) years of age (sixteen (16) years old is preferred). The witnesses must be able to understand the ceremony and what is taking place in order to give evidence at a later date, if required. If you are unable to provide your own witnesses, Township staff can act as witnesses for a nominal fee (subject to availability). Please arrange this service at the time of your consultation.
Marriage Consultation
Couples must attend a pre-ceremony consultation at least two (2) weeks prior to your ceremony and bring the following documents:
- Current valid photo identification
- Valid Ontario Marriage Licence
- Receipt for payment of the ceremony
- A completed Civil Marriage Questionnaire
Consultation meetings can be booked with the Marriage Officiant at time of reservation. For more information about Civil Marriages or to book a ceremony, please contact the Township Clerk 613-928-2251 x 293.
