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.
How to get an Ottawa marriage license
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 each need two original, valid pieces of government-issued ID: one that establishes citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or PR card) and one photo ID with your signature on it (driver’s licence or Ontario Photo Card). Here’s the bit most couples don’t know — only one of you actually has to show up. Whoever goes just has to bring all four pieces.
You’ll also pay a fee. In Ottawa that’s currently $182.00, and it’s HST exempt. Fees do creep up, so it’s worth a quick check with the City before you head over.
How long your marriage licence is valid
Ninety days from the date it’s issued. That’s the part that trips couples up: apply too early and it quietly expires before your wedding day. We usually suggest sorting it out somewhere in the two months before the wedding, which gives you room to breathe without cutting it fine.
Marriage licence vs 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.
Marriage licence or marriage license?
Both. Canada spells it licence, the States spells it license, and people arrive here having typed it either way. It’s the same document either way, so don’t second-guess yourself if you see it spelled differently on a form.
While you’re sorting the paperwork, it’s worth thinking about the rest of the timeline too — here’s how far in advance to book an Ottawa wedding photographer.
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!
