Norfolk County > Government > Council Services > Marriage Licence and Civil Ceremonies

Marriage Licence and Civil Ceremonies

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Application form

In-person

Online

  • Norfolk County is piloting a new online marriage license program, making registering more convenient for Ontario couples.  You can now register for your Marriage Licence online through Service Ontario. 

Marriage License Requirements

  • A Marriage License can be issued only to the bride and/or groom.
  • When issuing a Marriage License to only the bride or the groom, we require original identification from the list below for the absent applicant.
  • Both parties must sign the Marriage License Application form and use full legal name(s), not initials.
  • You must be at least 18 years old to be married in Ontario by license or under the authority of the publication of banns without authorization or parental consent. Any person who is 16 or 17 years of age requires both parent’s consent. Please see ServiceNorfolk for the required documentation.
  • A Marriage License is valid for three months from the date of issuance, anywhere in Ontario.

Identification

  • Applicants must each provide two (2) pieces of government-issued identification.
  • At least one of the documents must contain a current photo.
  • Health Cards, S.I.N. Cards, Study Permits and Work Permits will not be accepted.
  • First name, last name and birth dates must match on both pieces of identification.
  • Certificates for changing the name must also be provided if applicable.
  • All identification must be original and valid (i.e. not expired).

Acceptable pieces of ID

Identification must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

  • Birth Certificate (Canadian or foreign)
  • Passport (Canadian or foreign)
  • Driver’s Licence (Canadian or foreign)
  • Ontario Photo Card
  • Photo Identity Card (other Canadian provinces/territories or foreign)
  • Canadian Citizenship Card or Certificate
  • Canadian Permanent Resident Card
  • Canadian Record of Landing
  • Canadian Government Refugee Travel Document
  • Canadian Department of National Defence driver’s licence (Form DND 404)
  • Canadian Possession and Acquisition Licence
  • Canadian Status Card
  • Canadian Conditional Release Identification Card
  • Nexus card
  • United States Green Card
  • Report Pursuant to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Form IMM 1442)
  • Student Authorization/Study Permit (Form IMM 1442)
  • Employment Authorization/Work Permit (Form IMM 1442)
  • Visitor Record (Form IMM 1442)
  • Temporary Resident’s Permit (Form IMM 1442)–Minister’s Permit/Extension of Minister’s Permit

Photocopies of identification will not be accepted. Documents laminated after issuance may not be accepted. We may ask you for further proof if we are unsure of your age or identity. Please contact us if you are unsure if your ID is appropriate.

License Fee

  • 2024 User Fee By-law: $174.00 (tax exempt)

Remarrying after divorce

  • If an applicant has been granted a divorce or annulment in Canada, the applicant must file with the Issuer the original Decree Absolute, a Certificate of Divorce, or a certified copy (obtainable from the Court where the Divorce was granted).
  • If one or both parties have been divorced outside of Canada, an ‘Authorization to Marry’ must be granted by the Office of the Registrar General prior to issuing a marriage licence.ServiceNorfolk can provide more details.

Remarrying after the death of a spouse (widowed)

The requirement for the collection of proof related to the death of a spouse is new.

If one or both applicants are remarrying after the death of a spouse and are widowed, they can electronically upload one of the following for each applicant, as applicable, alongside their application or provide it in person to the municipality:

  • Death certificate of spouse
  • Funeral director’s statement of death
  • Court order declaring that your spouse has died

Marriage Licence Appointment

To book a Marriage Licence appointment, please call ServiceNorfolk at 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 0.

Registration of Marriage

Once married, the person who performed the marriage must provide the bride and groom with the “Record of Solemnization of Marriage” portion of the Marriage License and must forward the remaining portions of the Marriage License to the Office of the Registrar General for registration.

Certificate of Marriage

To apply for your marriage certificate, allow approximately four (4) weeks from the marriage date. You can apply online at ServiceOntario.ca.

Norfolk County Civil Marriage Ceremony

Norfolk County offers Civil Marriage solemnization. Read below for the guidelines. Call the Council Services office at 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 6269, to book a civil ceremony.

Guidelines for Norfolk County Civil Marriage Ceremony

  • Civil marriage ceremonies may be performed in the Council Chambers of Norfolk County or another location within Norfolk County, subject to availability.
  • Civil marriages will be conducted by the Clerk or other designates subject to their availability.
  • Scheduling of the civil marriage must be made with the Clerk or designates at least four weeks before the intended date for the ceremony at 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 6269.
  • A prearranged appointment and prior consultation meeting of the parties with the Clerk or designate is required at least two weeks before the intended date of the ceremony.
  • A standard civil marriage ceremony, incorporating all mandatory declarations under the Marriage Act, will be used at civil ceremonies.
  • Personal vows, in addition to the mandatory declarations, will be permitted subject to the approval of the Clerk.
  • The solemnizer has the authority to refuse to perform a marriage ceremony if anyone in the wedding party (the bride, groom, or witnesses) appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • The parties must supply an interpreter if they do not speak English and require language assistance if the Clerk deems it necessary (the interpreter cannot be one of the witnesses).
  • If there are reasonable grounds to believe a person cannot marry because of a mental disorder, a letter shall be required from a physician, parent or guardian as to the mental competency of the party.
  • Witnesses to sign the Registry of Marriage must be 16 or older.
  • Pictures may be taken during the ceremony and signing of the Registry, and the service may be video and audio taped discreetly.
  • Flower arrangements or other decorations may be placed in the Council Chambers and must be removed immediately following the ceremony.
  • Reaffirmation of vows will not be offered as part of this service.
  • Confetti, rice, bubbles, candles, incense, music, and similar items are prohibited within the County Administration Building and Governor Simcoe Square.
  • A fee of $343.00 plus HST is payable to Norfolk County.