Marriage Licences & Ceremonies

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Marriage Licences

Before getting married in Ontario, you must obtain a marriage licence. A licence cannot be issued after the ceremony has taken place. Marriage licences are valid for ceremonies that occur anywhere in Ontario and are good for three months from the date of issue.

How to Apply

  1. Review the requirements for getting married in Ontario.
  2. Submit your application.
  3. City Staff will contact you to arrange an appointment and provide a list of documentation required for the marriage license. Appointments are prioritized based on the date of the marriage ceremony.

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Additional Information

  • The fee is $177.55 ($88.80 for eligible residents on the Municipal Fee Assistance Program).
  • Payment can be made with cash, money order, Interac, Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
  • For questions or concerns, please email vitalstatistics@cityofkingston.ca.

Civil Marriage Ceremonies

It is important to ensure that your marriage is performed properly and legally. To access a list of who can perform a marriage in Ontario, check the Service Ontario website or call 1-800-461-2156.

Civil marriage ceremonies are available at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. the following Fridays in 2024: Mar. 15, Apr. 26, May 24, Jun. 7 and 21, Jul. 5 and 16, Aug. 16 and 30, Sep. 27, Oct. 18, Nov. 22 and Dec. 13.

How to Apply

Civil marriage ceremonies must be booked in advance. Please use the form below to request a date or contact the City Clerk’s Department at cityclerk@cityofkingston.ca or 613-546-4291 ext. 1207. Ceremonies must be booked at least 14 days in advance. Once booked an officiant will reach out to schedule a required pre-ceremony consultation.

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The City offers three different vows for you to select from. Please carefully read through and select which vows you’d like when filling out your request.

Cost

The fee is $320 for the ceremony. Those enrolled in the Municipal Fee Assistance Program are eligible for a discounted ceremony fee of $160. 

Payment can be made with cash, money order, Interac, Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

What You Need to Get Married

  • A valid Ontario marriage licence (licences are valid up to 90 days after being issued).
  • Two witnesses (one for each person getting married) that are at least 18 years of age. The City will provide witnesses upon request for a $25 fee per witness.
  • Two pieces of government-issued identification for each person.
  • If either person does not speak or read English, the couple must provide an interpreter at their own cost and have the interpreter complete the Interpreter Declaration Form. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided at no cost.

What Your Ceremony Will Look Like

  • Ceremonies take place in Memorial Hall. Ceremonies will be a maximum of 15 minutes in length, with 15 minutes provided before and after the ceremony for photos and the completion of required documents.
  • A maximum of 20 persons are permitted to attend the ceremony, including the officiant, the couple, and the witnesses.
  • Only service animals are permitted at a ceremony. No other animals are permitted.
  • Throwing of rice, confetti, blowing of bubbles, use of candles/incense or playing of music is not permitted.
  • Minimal decorations (i.e., flowers or balloons) are permitted and must not be affixed to walls or furniture. Live flowers and plants are not permitted in City Hall. All decorations are to be removed within 15 minutes of the end of the ceremony.
  • Religious aspects, such as prayers or readings, are not permitted as part of a ceremony.
  • Photographs and videos are permitted and the responsibility of the couple.
  • Consumption of alcohol is not permitted.

Ceremonies will be conducted following the regulations of the Marriage Act. An officiant may refuse to conduct a ceremony if they believe either of the couple are ineligible for a civil marriage ceremony.

Cancellations

A minimum of 48 hours notice is required for the cancellation of a ceremony to receive a refund, less a $50 administrative fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations with less than 48 hours notice.

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