Marriage Licenses & Civil Ceremonies

Marriage Licenses

Couples planning to get married in Ontario need a valid marriage licence, which can be obtained through our office. Either one or both partners can come in to apply. If only one partner attends, please ensure the other has signed the application and reviewed it for accuracy.

Please complete the Marriage Licence Application and visit our office. Before visiting our office, its best to call first to ensure there is a staff member available to process your Marriage Licence. 

Follow the steps below to apply for a marriage licence in person:

  • The Marriage Licence Fee is $125.00 which can be paid by Cash, Debit, Credit or Mastercard (Visa or Mastercard are subject to 2.9% fee).
  • A Licence can be issued during business hours Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm (please arrive by 4:00 p.m. for same day issuance).
  • A Marriage Licence is valid for use anywhere in Ontario for a period of 90 days from the date of issuance. 

You will be required to provide two pieces of government-issued identification (ID) for each person getting married when completing your marriage licence application. One piece of ID must include your photo. Examples of government ID include:

  • Birth certificate, including any change of name certificates if applicable
  • Valid passport
  • Record of immigrant landing
  • Canadian Citizenship Card
  • Valid driver's licence
  • Valid Ontario Photo Card

If a previous marriage was dissolved or annulled within Canada, you must submit your original or certified copy of the Decree Absolute or Certificate of Divorce to the Town. You can get a certified copy from the court that issued the divorce. We return these documents to you immediately.

If a previous marriage was dissolved or annulled outside of Canada, you must obtain authorization from the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services before getting a marriage licence. This process can take up to four weeks. Please note a Divorce Order will not be accepted. You are required to provide an original or court-certified copy of the Certificate of Divorce, Decree Absolute, or Final Judgment. These documents must be obtained from the court that granted the divorce. Please note: These documents must be submitted to ServiceOntario at the following address:

ServiceOntario – Marriage Office
Office of the Registrar General
P.O. Box 4600, 189 Red River Road
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B 6L8

Civil Ceremonies

The Township offers civil ceremony services for those looking for a simple, non-religious ceremony. Ceremonies are offered during regular business hours only.

If you are interested in having your Ceremony performed through the Township, please contact the Clerks Department on 705-424-9917 ext. 101 to make arrangements for this event or complete our Online Booking Request.

Bookings for the ceremony are required to be made at least One week prior to the actual date of the ceremony. The Clerks Department requires the marriage licence and payment at the time of booking.​​

Please be advised that due to ongoing construction in the Township office picnic area, the outdoor ceremonies are not permitted. 

  • The cost for a civil ceremony performed at our Administration Centre is $250.00. If you prefer to have the ceremony at an off-site location, the fee is $350.00 which can be paid by Cash, Debit, Credit or Mastercard (Visa or Mastercard are subject to 2.9% fee).
  • A ceremony can be booked during business hours Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm 
  • You may select one of the ceremony variations below:

Township of Essa
5786 Simcoe County
Road 21, Utopia, ON 
L0M 1T0
Phone: 705-424-9770 ext. 101
Fax: 705-424-2367
TTY: 705-424-5302

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