Guide
How much does a wedding officiant cost in Ontario?
In short
In Ontario, a judge or a justice of the peace charges a set $75 to perform a marriage. A civil ceremony at city hall costs about $170 to $410 depending on the municipality, on its days and in its rooms. A registered officiant of your choice has no set fee under the Marriage Act: the price depends on the ceremony, the date and the travel. The marriage licence is extra everywhere: the provincial $75 plus any municipal fee.
Written by Sofiane B. · Founder, Celebrance
- Judge or justice of the peace
- $75, set by the province
- City hall civil ceremony
- About $170 to $410, by municipality
- Registered officiant
- No set fee: depends on the ceremony
- Marriage licence, on top
- $75 provincial + municipal fee
On this page
Three ways to be married, three kinds of price
In Ontario, only an authorized officiant can marry you, and the fee depends on which kind you choose:
- A judge or a justice of the peace. The fee is set at $75 for a marriage performed by an Ontario judge or justice of the peace.
- A civil ceremony by the municipality. Where a municipality offers civil marriages, performed by its clerk or a delegate, it sets its own fee, its days and its rooms.
- A registered officiant, recognized by a religious body or an Indigenous organization. The Marriage Act sets no fee for registered religious officiants; their governing body may have its own, and each officiant sets their price.
The marriage licence is extra in every case: the provincial fee of $75, plus any municipal fee. See our guide on marriage licence fees by city.
What city hall ceremonies cost
A few examples, as published by each municipality:
Municipality | Civil ceremony fee |
|---|---|
Ottawa | $168 + HST on weekdays, $252 + HST on Friday evenings and Saturdays |
Waterloo | $190, or $315 with the licence |
London | $275 + HST, Monday to Friday |
Kingston | $350 ($400 from January 1, 2027), on set Fridays |
Mississauga | $391.04 including tax, plus room rental |
Brampton | $395.50 including HST, up to 12 people |
Cambridge | $406 ($164 administration + $242 officiant), up to 50 people |
City hall ceremonies are short and simple, at the municipality's times and places, often with a limit on guests, and some are fully booked months ahead. Our fees by city guide compares 18 areas.
What changes a private officiant's price
- The ceremony. A short legal ceremony takes a few minutes; a ceremony written with you, around your story, takes meetings and writing.
- The date. A Saturday in high season is the most requested.
- The travel to your venue, especially far from the officiant's area.
- The notice. A wedding in the next two weeks may cost more.
- Extras, such as a rehearsal, a ritual or a ceremony in two languages.
When you compare, ask what is included: the meetings, the writing, the rehearsal, the travel, the taxes, and what happens if the officiant can't make it.
How Celebrance prices work
Celebrance sets the price for each area and each package, and shows it all-in before you book: any supplement for the date, short notice or travel is in the price you see. There are three packages:
- Essential: the legal ceremony, short and simple, with the declarations, the vows and the signing of the licence;
- Personalized: a ceremony written with you, around your story, with a discovery call with your officiant;
- Custom: a ceremony designed entirely around you, with more time together to shape it.
Every Celebrance officiant is registered, and if yours can't make it, we send a replacement at no cost. See the prices in your area on our wedding officiants in Ontario page.
Before you book
Whatever you choose, plan your licence: our licence planner gives the dates for your wedding, and how to get married in Ontario covers every step.
Sources: forms.mgcs.gov.on.ca: on00459e.pdf · ontario.ca: getting married · ottawa.ca: requesting civil marriage ceremony · london.ca: marriage oaths · cityofkingston.ca: marriage licences and ceremonies · waterloo.ca: get married at city hall · brampton.ca: simple civil ceremonies · mississauga.ca: book a civil marriage ceremony · cambridge.ca: marriage weddings
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to get married in Ontario?
A ceremony by a judge or a justice of the peace, whose fee is set at $75, or a short civil ceremony at city hall where your municipality offers one. Add the marriage licence in every case: the provincial $75 plus any municipal fee.
Is the officiant's fee included in the marriage licence?
No. The licence is paid to the municipality that issues it. The officiant, or the city hall's ceremony, is paid separately.
What changes a private officiant's price?
Mostly the ceremony itself (a short legal ceremony or one written with you), the date (a Saturday in high season is the most requested, and can cost more), the travel to your venue, the notice you give, and extras such as a rehearsal.
Does a religious officiant charge a fee?
The Marriage Act sets no fee for registered religious officiants. Their religious body may have its own fees or suggest a donation: ask them.
How do Celebrance prices work?
Celebrance sets the price for each area and package, and shows it all-in before you book: any supplement for the date, short notice or travel is in that price. If your officiant can't make it, we send a replacement at no cost.