Good news for couples getting married in Ontario! The Ontario government has launched a pilot program that allows you to apply for a marriage license online. This new initiative aims to simplify the process and save time for busy couples. If you’re planning your wedding, here’s everything you need to know about applying for your marriage license online.
- What is the Online Marriage License Application Pilot Program?
Ontario’s pilot program for online marriage licenses allows couples to apply, pay, and complete much of the marriage license process from the comfort of their own homes. While you still need to visit a municipal office to pick up your license in person, you can now complete the application and submit all necessary documents electronically beforehand.
- Eligibility for the Online Application
The online application is available to residents of Ontario who meet the following criteria:
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- Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. If under 18, parental consent and court approval are still required.
- Both individuals must be legally eligible to marry (i.e., not already married, and not closely related).
- The couple must apply at a municipal office in Ontario, though the online system allows you to fill out the majority of your application remotely.
- How to Apply for a Marriage License Online
Applying for your marriage license online is easy! Here’s how it works:
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- Step 1: Start by visiting the official Ontario marriage license website. You’ll be asked to fill out an online application form that includes basic details like both parties’ full names, birthdates, and marital status.
- Step 2: Once you submit the application, you’ll need to upload scanned or photographed copies of the required documents (e.g., government-issued photo ID, divorce or death certificates, if applicable).
- Step 3: Pay the application fee online. The cost for a marriage license in Ontario typically ranges from $125 to $145, depending on the municipality.
- Step 4: After the application is processed and approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email. This will include instructions on when and where to pick up your marriage license in person at your local municipal office.
- Pick Up Your Marriage License
While the application process is done online, you still need to pick up the actual marriage license in person. Here’s what to expect:
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- Visit the municipal office where you submitted your online application (it can be any municipal office in Ontario).
- Bring your original documents to confirm your identity (e.g., driver’s license, passport, and divorce or death certificates, if applicable).
- Your marriage license will be issued to you immediately once the office verifies your documents.
- Validity of the Marriage License
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- The marriage license will be valid immediately once issued and can be used within 90 days.
- Be sure to plan your wedding within that time frame—if you don’t, you’ll need to apply for a new license.
- Benefits of Applying Online
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- Convenience: Applying from home saves you a trip to the municipal office, streamlining the process.
- Time-Saving: You can gather and upload all your documents before visiting the office, reducing wait times.
- Easy Payment: The online payment option means no need for cash or cheques at the office.
- Current Limitations
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- Not Available Everywhere Yet: The online application is part of a pilot program, so it’s not yet available in all Ontario municipalities. Be sure to check if your local municipality is participating.
- In-Person Pick-Up: While the online application makes things more convenient, you still need to physically go to the municipal office to collect your license, so you can’t skip that step entirely.
- What’s Next?
Once you have your marriage license in hand, you’re all set for your wedding day! You’ll need to arrange for an officiant, witnesses, and other details, but the process of legally getting married in Ontario is much easier with the option of applying online.
Ontario’s pilot program for online marriage license applications is a game-changer for couples looking to simplify their wedding planning. While you still need to pick up your license in person, the ability to apply, submit documents, and pay online makes the process faster and more convenient. If you’re eligible and your municipality participates, give it a try and enjoy the convenience of applying for your marriage license from the comfort of your home!
