Getting married is a beautiful experience, but the process of applying for a marriage certificate can be confusing and overwhelming. If you’re planning to tie the knot in Ontario, Canada, you’ll need to obtain a marriage certificate before you can enjoy all the benefits of being legally married. In this post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about applying for an Ontario marriage certificate. From filling out forms to booking appointments, we’ve got you covered! So grab your partner’s hand, and let’s dive into the exciting world of getting married in Ontario!
How to Apply and Get a Marriage Certificate in Ontario?
In Ontario, a marriage certificate is a legal document that proves you are married. The government issues it after you marry. You need it to change your name on your government ID, show your marital status for insurance purposes, or prove your relationship if you move to another country.
To get a marriage certificate in Ontario, you must first apply for a marriage licence at an Ontario government office. Once you have the licence, you can get married at any wedding officiant you choose. After the ceremony, the officiant will send the completed licence to the government office, and they will issue you a marriage certificate.
You can also apply for a marriage certificate after you are married without applying for a licence first. However, you will need to submit proof that you were married, such as an affidavit from the officiant or witnesses and proof of identification. Once the application is accepted, the government office will issue you a marriage certificate.
Eligibility Requirements for Marriage Certificate in Ontario
A marriage certificate can be obtained by the married couple, their children, the parents of the parties to the marriage, or an authorised representative working on behalf of any entitled person. However, unless a court order permits another individual to apply, only the married couple can apply for a certified copy of the marriage registration.
If one of the parties to a marriage dies, the surviving party, next of kin (including either party’s parents, children, and siblings), or an authorised representative acting on behalf of any entitled individual may apply for a marriage certificate or a certified copy of the marriage registration.
Only legally authorised representatives working on behalf of these individuals may apply. Authorised representatives must provide proof of authorisation.
Steps to Apply for a Marriage Certificate
Getting married is a significant life event, and obtaining a marriage certificate is essential to legalise your marriage in Ontario, Canada. In addition, a marriage certificate serves as proof that you are legally married and can be used for various purposes, including applying for government benefits and changing your last name. Here are the steps to apply for the Marriage certificate in Ontario.
Obtain a Marriage License
Before applying for a marriage certificate, you must obtain a marriage license. You can get a marriage license from any municipal office in Ontario. You and your partner must both be present to apply for the license.
You will need to bring two pieces of identification for each person, including one government-issued ID with a photo (e.g., driver’s license or passport) and one document that proves your address (e.g., utility bill or bank statement). You will also need to provide your marital status and the name and address of the person who will be officiating the ceremony.
Get Married
After obtaining your marriage license, you must get married within 90 days. You can have a civil or religious ceremony, and the officiant will provide you with a Record of the Solemnization of Marriage after the ceremony. This document is not a marriage certificate and cannot be used as proof of marriage.
Apply for a Marriage Certificate
You can apply for a marriage certificate in Ontario either online, by mail, or in person. To apply online, go to the Service Ontario website and fill out the online application form. You will need to provide the names of both parties, the date and location of the marriage, and payment for the certificate fee.
Download and fill out the marriage certificate application form from the Service Ontario website to apply by mail or in person. You will need to provide the same information as the online application and a photocopy of the Record of Solemnization of Marriage. In addition, if you apply by mail, you must enclose payment for the certificate fee by check or money order. If applying in person, you can pay by cash, credit card, or debit card.
Receive Your Marriage Certificate
Once your application is processed, you will receive your marriage certificate by mail. The processing time for a marriage certificate in Ontario is typically two to four weeks. However, if you need the certificate urgently, you can apply for a rush service for an additional fee.
Cost and Payment Options
The cost of a Marriage Certificate in Ontario is $15. Payment can be made by cash, cheque, or money order.
If you request a Marriage Certificate for the first time, you must provide proof of ID. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, or government-issued ID card. If you do not have any of these forms of ID, you can provide two pieces of identification from the following list:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) card
- Citizenship card
- Permanent resident card
- Canadian Armed Forces Identification Card
- Hospital record of live birth
Acceptable secondary forms of identification include:
- Lease agreement
- Mortgage documents
Emergency Services for Quick and Urgent Marriages
There are a number of emergency services available for couples who need to get married quickly and urgently. The first step is to contact the office of the Registrar General to find out if you meet the requirements for an emergency marriage licence. If you do, you will need to complete an application form and submit it along with the required supporting documents.
If your application is approved, you will be issued an emergency marriage licence and given instructions on how to obtain a marriage certificate. You will need to present the licence to the officiant performing your ceremony, along with the required fee, and have them sign it after the ceremony is complete. The officiant will then return the licence to the Registrar General’s office, where it will be processed, and a marriage certificate will be issued within 5 business days.
Benefits of Having a Marriage Certificate in Ontario
There are many benefits to having a marriage certificate in Ontario. For one, it is proof of your marriage and can be used to update your legal status and documents. It can also be used as a form of ID when travelling.
Additionally, a marriage certificate can help you access government benefits and services and prove your relationship to your spouse for insurance purposes. Finally, having a marriage certificate can make it easier to obtain a divorce if you ever need one.
Conclusion
Applying for and getting a marriage certificate in Ontario is an important step that should be taken seriously. By following the steps outlined in this article, you will be able to get your Marriage Certificate quickly and easily. It is important to remember that both partners must meet all of the requirements set out by the Government of Ontario before they can apply for their Marriage Certificate. With some preparation and patience, couples should have no problems getting their Marriage Certificate issued soon after they submit their application.
FAQ – Marriage Certificate in Ontario
How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in Ontario?
Getting a marriage certificate in Ontario usually takes 6 to 8 weeks. The first step is to complete an application form and submit it to the Office of the Registrar General. In addition, you will need to provide proof of your identity, proof of your Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, and a copy of your marriage licence.
Once your application is accepted, the Office of the Registrar General will issue your marriage certificate. It will then be mailed to you by regular mail.
What is the fastest way to get a marriage certificate in Ontario?
The fastest way to get married in Ontario is online through Service Ontario. To order a marriage certificate, fill out the application form provided by Service Ontario and submit the form. Then the process begins to move forward.
How do I check the status of my marriage in Ontario?
In Ontario, the Office of the Registrar General issues marriage certificates. Therefore, to check your marital status in Ontario, you can contact the Office of the Registrar General directly.
You can also check the status of your marriage by searching the public records held by the government of Ontario. To do this, you will need to provide some basic information about your marriage, such as the names of the parties involved and the date of the marriage.
Suppose you are unable to find the status of your marriage using either of these methods. In that case, you may need to hire a private investigator or lawyer to help you obtain this information.
Can you get a marriage license on the same day on Ontario?
Yes, you can get a marriage licence the same day you register. However, before you can marry in Ontario, you must first obtain a marriage license. It is only valid for 90 days, so you must register for your marriage licence within three months of the date you intend to marry.
What is the difference between a marriage license and certificate Ontario?
The marriage licence is the document that you bring to your ceremony and seal with your officiant and witnesses. This is required in order to marry lawfully. The marriage certificate is a piece of paper that you obtain following your ceremony that states you are legally married.
Service Ontario issues the marriage licence, and the marriage certificate is issued by the province or territory where you were married.
