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!
What is the Ontario Marriage Certificate?
How to 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.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Marriage Certificate in Ontario?
To be eligible to apply for a Marriage Certificate in Ontario, the following requirements must be met:
1. Marriage Registration: The marriage must have been officially registered in the province of Ontario. This means the officiant who performed the marriage ceremony must have submitted the signed marriage license to Service Ontario for registration.
2. Applicant Eligibility:
- Spouses: Either spouse named on the marriage license can apply for the marriage certificate.
- Legal Representative: A legal representative of either spouse can apply if they can provide appropriate documentation proving their authority (e.g., power of attorney).
- Others: Other individuals may apply for a marriage certificate if they can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the certificate, but this is generally restricted and requires justification.
3. Time Since Marriage: There is typically no minimum waiting period after the marriage ceremony for applying for a marriage certificate; however, it takes about 10 weeks for the marriage to be registered. You can apply for the certificate as soon as the marriage is registered.
4. Provision of Correct Information: Accurate and complete information must be provided on the application, including full names before marriage, date of marriage, and place of marriage.
5. Payment of Fee: The applicant must pay the required fee associated with the issuance of the marriage certificate. Fees vary depending on the type of service requested (standard, emergency, etc.).
By ensuring that these eligibility requirements are met, applicants can successfully apply for a Marriage Certificate in Ontario, which serves as legal proof of marriage and is necessary for various administrative and legal processes.
What Are the Steps to Apply for an Ontario Marriage Certificate?
Applying for a Marriage Certificate in Ontario involves a straightforward process. Here are the steps you can follow to obtain your marriage certificate:
1. Ensure the Marriage is Registered: The officiant who conducted the wedding is responsible for submitting the marriage license to Service Ontario to register the marriage. This usually happens within a few days to a few weeks after the ceremony.
2. Gather Required Information: You’ll need details such as the full names of both parties as they appeared before the marriage, the date of the marriage, and the city or town where the marriage took place.
3. Choose Your Application Method:
- Online: This is the fastest method. You can apply through the Service Ontario website.
- Mail: Download and complete the marriage certificate application form from the Service Ontario website and mail it to the address provided on the form.
- In Person: Visit a Service Ontario Centre to fill out and submit your application.
4. Complete the Application Form: Fill in the application form accurately. Double-check all entries, particularly names and dates, to avoid delays in processing.
5. Pay the Fee: There is a fee for issuing the certificate, which varies depending on how quickly you need the certificate and whether you’re ordering a standard or a certified copy. Payment can be made by credit card online or by cheque or money order if mailing your application.
6. Submit Your Application:
- If applying online, submit the form electronically and ensure you receive a confirmation.
- If mailing, ensure your envelope contains the completed form and payment and send it to the designated address.
- If applying in person, hand in your completed form and payment at the Service Ontario Centre.
7. Wait for Processing: Processing times can vary. Regular service can take a few weeks, whereas premium service options might be processed faster. You can check the current processing times on the Service Ontario website.
8. Receive Your Marriage Certificate: Once processed, the certificate will be mailed to you at the address you provided in your application. Ensure that your mail is secure or consider using a mailing option that allows for tracking.
These steps will help you obtain an Ontario Marriage Certificate smoothly. Always check the latest guidelines and fees on the Service Ontario website as procedures and costs can change.
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.
