Marriage Licences and Ceremonies
To get married in Ontario, you first need to apply for a marriage licence. A licence cannot be issued after the wedding ceremony has already happened. These licences are valid for ceremonies held anywhere in Ontario and remain valid for 90 days from the date it was issued.
How to apply for a marriage licence?
- Review the requirements for getting married in Ontario.
- Submit your application.
- Our 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.
There is a marriage licence fee of $177.55 ($88.80 for eligible residents on the Municipal Fee Assistance Program), and you can pay using cash, a money order, Interac, Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out via email to vitalstatistics@cityofkingston.ca.
Civil marriage ceremonies
It is important to ensure that your marriage is performed properly and legally. Access a list of who can perform a marriage in Ontario, or call 1-800-461-2156.
Civil marriage ceremonies are now available through the City of Kingston. To book a ceremony, please schedule it at least 14 days in advance. After booking, one of our officiants will contact you for a required pre-ceremony consultation.
You can choose from three different vows: short and sweet, modern or traditional.
The ceremony fee is $320, and we accept payment in cash, money order, Interac, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
What you need to get married
For the ceremony, you will need:
- A valid Ontario marriage license
- Two witnesses, one for each person getting married, both need to be at least 18 years old. We can provide witnesses for a $25 fee per witness if needed.
- Two pieces of government-issued identification for each person.
If one of you does not speak English, you must arrange and pay for an interpreter. They should complete an interpreter declaration form. However, we offer free American Sign Language interpretation if requested in advance.
What your ceremony will look like
Ceremonies happen in Memorial Hall at City Hall and last a maximum of 15 minutes, with an extra 15 minutes for photos and paperwork.
- Up to 20 people, including the officiant, couple and witnesses, can attend.
- Only service animals are allowed
- Activities like throwing rice, confetti, using candles or playing music are not allowed.
- You can have minimal decorations, but don't attach them to walls or furniture. Remove them within 15 minutes of the ceremony's end. Live flowers and plants are not permitted in City Hall.
- No religious elements like prayers or readings are allowed
- Choose from three different vows when making your booking
- Photographs and videos are allowed but it is your responsibility
- Alcohol is not allowed
Ceremonies follow the Marriage Act. An officiant may refuse to conduct a ceremony if they believe either person is ineligible for a civil marriage ceremony.
Cancellations
If you need to cancel a ceremony, a minimum of 48 hours notice is required to receive a refund. There is a $50 administrative fee for cancellations. Unfortunately, no refunds will be issued for cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice.
Contact
City Hall
Payment Centre
1st Floor, City Hall
216 Ontario St.
Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3
Phone: 613-546-4291 ext. 1270
Hours:
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Contact
City's Clerk Department
cityclerk@cityofkingston.ca
Phone: 613-546-4291 ext. 1207
The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.
Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.
Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.