Getting a Marriage Licence 101. Getting your marriage licence is an absolute necessary part of planning for your wedding (duh!), but for something so fundamental, it may seem oddly daunting. We’ve compiled a list of some basic things to keep in mind when getting a marriage license in Ottawa.
In Canada, marriage licences are handled provincially. This means if you want to get married in Ottawa, you’ll need to apply for a marriage licence through the Province of Ontario. The licence is valid for use anywhere in the province, so you’re good to plan your dream wedding any place in Ontario with it. Even if it’s not your home base. And don’t worry…your marriage in any Canadian province is valid and recognized anywhere in the country.
The licence expires so you will want to plan the application accordingly. In Ontario, marriage licences are valid for 90 days from the date they are issued.
What You Need to Apply
To apply for a marriage licence, you’ll need to fill out a Marriage Licence Application form with your partner and bring it in to your local city hall, town hall, or municipality office. In Ottawa, you and your partner will need to apply to make this appointment.
You’ll need 2 pieces of government-issued IDs each for you and your partner.
You will also have to pay a fee. In Ottawa, it’s currently $171.50. Check for increases and subject to change.
The Marriage Certificate
After the wedding, the marriage certificate is what you get once your marriage has been registered. Your officiant who performs the marriage should be the one to take care of the registration for you. The marriage certificate is a legal record of the marriage and lists the date, place of marriage, and your names. Once you mail it in after the wedding it can take 16 – 20 weeks before you’ll hear anything back. A note as well, whenever you go to change your name, if you do, you’ll be required to take a new photo! I wish I knew this as I learned the hard way and had a TERRIBLE photo for 5 years. Really bad. Homeless bad.
Now you know all about getting a marriage licence 101. After that, you’re all ready for you wedding! Feel Free to check out our work on our website!
