Guide
Your Ontario marriage certificate: when to order it, how, and what it costs
In short
Your Ontario marriage certificate isn't sent to you automatically: you order it from ServiceOntario once your marriage is registered, about 10 to 12 weeks after the wedding. Apply online, in person in Toronto or Ottawa, or by mail. A marriage certificate costs $15 (15 business days) or $45 with premium service (5 business days); a certified copy of the marriage registration costs $22 or $52. The paper your officiant may give you on the day is a souvenir, not a certificate.
Written by Sofiane B. · Founder, Celebrance
- When to order
- About 10 to 12 weeks after the wedding
- Marriage certificate
- $15, or $45 with premium service
- Certified copy of the registration
- $22, or $52 with premium service
- Authentication for use abroad
- $32 per document
On this page
The certificate isn't sent automatically
Right after the ceremony, the two of you, your witnesses and your officiant sign the marriage licence. Your officiant sends it to the province within 2 days, so the marriage can be registered. If either of you asks, your officiant also gives you a Record of Solemnization of Marriage on the day: that is a souvenir, not a marriage certificate.
The marriage certificate is issued by the province, through ServiceOntario, and you have to order it. You'll need it to prove you are married: to change your last name, to apply for benefits, or to update your records.
When can you order it?
Once the marriage is registered. The City of Toronto says you can order it about 10 to 12 weeks after the wedding, and ServiceOntario says an application may take up to 8 weeks after the marriage is registered to be processed. Our licence planner shows the dates for your wedding.
Certificate or certified copy?
ServiceOntario issues two documents:
Document | Regular service | Premium service |
|---|---|---|
Marriage certificate | $15, 15 business days | $45, 5 business days |
Certified copy of the marriage registration | $22, 15 business days | $52, 5 business days |
Which one you need depends on who asks for it: the province advises checking with the ministry, agency or person requesting the document before you order. Only the two spouses can apply for a certified copy, unless a court order says otherwise. An emergency service exists in person, with proof of urgency, at the premium price.
Who can order it?
Either spouse, their children, the parents of either spouse, or an authorized representative acting for one of them.
How to apply
- Online, through ServiceOntario's online certificate application, paying by card.
- In person, at a ServiceOntario centre in Toronto or Ottawa.
- By mail, to ServiceOntario in Thunder Bay: allow 6 to 8 weeks.
Have ready the first and last names of both spouses, their dates of birth, the date of the marriage, and the city, town or reserve where it took place.
A mistake on the record?
If something on your marriage record is wrong, ask the Office of the Registrar General for a registration amendment application form. Once the record is amended, every certificate or certified copy you order afterwards shows the correction.
Using it outside Canada
To use your certificate in another country, Ontario's Official Documents Services can authenticate it, for $32 per Ontario government document, online, by mail or in person. Only paper documents are authenticated. Ask the authorities of the country where you will use it what they require; our guide on getting married in Ontario when you don't live here has more.
After the certificate
Taking your spouse's last name? The certificate is the first thing you need: see changing your last name after marriage. Still planning the wedding? See how to get married in Ontario.
Sources: ontario.ca: how get copy ontario marriage certificate online · toronto.ca: preparing to get married · ontario.ca: authenticate document use outside canada · forms.mgcs.gov.on.ca: on00459e.pdf
Frequently asked questions
Is the paper our officiant gave us a marriage certificate?
No. The Record of Solemnization of Marriage that your officiant may give you on the day is a souvenir. The marriage certificate comes from ServiceOntario, and you have to order it.
When can we order our marriage certificate?
Once the marriage is registered. The City of Toronto says about 10 to 12 weeks after the wedding, and ServiceOntario says an application may take up to 8 weeks after the marriage is registered to be processed.
Certificate or certified copy: which one do we need?
It depends on who asks for it. The province advises checking with the ministry, agency or person requesting the document before you order. Only the two spouses can apply for a certified copy of the registration, unless a court order says otherwise.
Who can order a marriage certificate?
Either spouse, their children, the parents of either spouse, or an authorized representative acting for one of them.
What if there is a mistake on our marriage record?
Ask the Office of the Registrar General for a registration amendment application form. Once the record is amended, every certificate or certified copy you order afterwards shows the correction.