Marriage Licence Requirements
Couples wishing to be married in Ontario must first apply for a marriage licence. A marriage licence can be obtained from any municipal office in Ontario. The application form must be completed and signed by both parties in order to obtain an Ontario Marriage Licence. The application form must be submitted to the Marriage Licence Issuer along with supporting documents for both parties. Both parties are encouraged to attend in person. Only one of the parties may attend provided they have the proper documents for the absent party.
There are no residency or citizenship requirements. Additionally, blood tests and medical certificates are not required in Ontario.
The marriage licence will be issued upon attendance at the Vital Statistics Office in the Municipal Clerk's Office. Providing that all documentation is in order, no appointment is necessary.
Location
City of Greater Sudbury
Vital Statistics Office
2nd Floor (next to elevators)
Tom Davies Square
200 Brady Street
Sudbury, ON
Hours
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The office is closed on statutory holidays.
Marriage licences can also be purchased by arranging for an appointment at the following Citizen Service Centres by calling 3-1-1.
- Capreol Citizen Service Centre, 9 Morin Street, Capreol
- Chelmsford Citizen Service Centre, 3502 Errington Street, Chelmsford
- Dowling Citizen Service Centre, 79 Main Street, Dowling
- Garson Citizen Service Centre, 214 Orell Street, Garson
- Lively Citizen Service Centre, 15 Kin Drive, Lively
- Valley East Citizen Service Centre, 4100 Elmview Drive, Hanmer
Processing Time
Approximate time to process a licence is 30 minutes. Time will vary according to the complexity of the application.
Licence Fee
The cost for a licence is $146.00 (taxes included) and is payable by cash or debit only.
Regulations
All marriage licences are processed in accordance with the Marriage Act and the rules and guidelines set out by the Office of The Registar General, with the Ministry of Government Services.
The Office of the Registrar General
Marriage Office
P.O. Box 4600
189 Red River Road
Thunder Bay ON P7B 6L8
Marriage Licence Application
A copy of the marriage licence application can be downloaded from the Ministry of Government Services from their website.
This site contains downloads in PDF format. You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 to view the files. If you do not have it installed, follow this link to visit the Adobe website.
Expiry Date
An Ontario marriage licence is valid for use anywhere in Ontario for a period of three (3) months from the date of issue. There is no waiting period in the Province of Ontario to be married once the licence is issued.
Identification
To ensure that there are no lawful causes that would hinder the solemnization of marriage, two (2) pieces of identification are now required to be examined and copied. One (1) of the following is required for birth identification:
- Original birth certificate
- Change of name certificate
- Passport
- Canadian citizenship card
- Record of Immigrant Landing
AND one (1) of the following is required for photo identification:
- Driver's licence
- Health card
Publication of Banns
A marriage may also be solemnized under the authority of the publication of banns. If you are having a religious ceremony, please check with the clergy prior to purchasing a marriage licence.
Minors
Applicants 16 or 17 years of age require parental consent. Consent forms must be completed and signed by both parents/guardians. Contact our office for further information (705) 674-4455 Ext. 2467.
Widow / Widower
A Death Certificate is not required.
Divorce
Canadian Divorce
The divorced party is required to produce the original or court-certified copy of the final Canadian Certificate of Divorce or Canadian Decree Absolute for examination by the Marriage Licence Issuer. Please note that a Judgement issued by the Court and Decree Nisi are not acceptable proof of divorce.
Foreign Divorce
If a divorce was granted outside Canada, contact the Vital Statistics Clerk for additional information at (705) 674-4455 Ext. 2467.
Marriage Outside of Canada
Couples marrying outside of Canada must purchase a marriage licence from that country and are expected to follow the requirements of that particular country. It is necessary to contact the country well in advance to see what documents are needed as some countries require a "letter of non-impediment" indicating that neither of the couple have never been married. Once married, the couple will be issued a Marriage Certificate that is legally recognized in the country where the marriage licence was issued.
If the certificate is issued in another language other then English or French, it has to be officially translated in order to change all personal documentation upon return to Canada since the marriage occurred out of the Country.
The marriage is not registered in Canada or in Ontario. The couple should inquire how to obtain another certificate (from the country where the marriage was solemnized) should they lose the original marriage certificate.
Ceremony
It is up to the individuals to arrange the marriage ceremony of your choice. There are no weddings at the Sudbury Courthouse. Service Ontario provides a list of Marriage Officiants on their website or can be accessed by calling their office at 1-800-461-2156.
Contact Info
To contact the Vital Statistics Office, please write, call, fax or email your inquiry.
City of Greater Sudbury
Vital Statistics Office
PO BOX 5000 STN A
200 Brady Street
Sudbury, ON P3A 5P3
Phone: 705-674-4455 Ext. 2467
Fax: 705-671-8118
Copies of the forms are available for viewing and downloading from the Ministry of Government Services website or download the Marriage Licence Application here.
