There is a BIG difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate. The marriage license is the piece of paper you bring to your ceremony and sign with your officiant and witnesses. You need this to legally get married. The marriage certificate is the piece of paper you receive after your ceremony that says you are legally wed.
You’re now married! After you have had your marriage ceremony at the Toronto Wedding Chapel, you may need a marriage certificate. The certificate contains details of your marriage performed in Ontario and proves that a marriage has taken place. You may need a marriage certificate for a number of reasons, including changing your name.
Marriage certificates are issued by the Office of the Registrar General for the province of Ontario. It can take 10-14 weeks for your license to be processed and the certificate to be issued when you order it. You can order a marriage certificate through Service Ontario.
You need your marriage certificate to:
- show legal proof you are married
- get divorced
- apply for certain social benefits
- settle an estate after someone dies
- change your last name
How to order a marriage certificate
If you got married in Ontario, you can order a marriage certificate:
- online
- by mail
- in person
- by telephone
You have to give the following information when you order it:
- you and your partner’s first and last names
- the date you got married
- the name of the city or town you got married in
You have to pay a fee when you order a marriage certificate and you’re done!
