Guide
Wedding witnesses in Ontario: who can be one, and what they do
In short
Every Ontario marriage needs at least 2 witnesses, physically present at the ceremony, who understand what they are witnessing and sign right after: the marriage licence and the officiant's register. The Marriage Act sets no minimum age for them, but some city halls do for their own ceremonies, such as 12 in Ottawa and 16 in Brampton. A friend, a parent or one of your children can be a witness. Your officiant can't be one of the two.
Written by Sofiane B. · Founder, Celebrance
- Witnesses needed
- At least 2, present in person
- What they sign
- The licence and the officiant's register
- City hall age rules
- For example 12 in Ottawa, 16 in Brampton
- Witnesses provided by the city
- $25 each in London, $30 each in Waterloo
On this page
What does the law ask of witnesses?
Section 25 of Ontario's Marriage Act says that every marriage takes place in the presence of the two of you and at least two witnesses, who sign as witnesses in the officiant's register. The province's guide for officiants adds three things:
- the witnesses must understand what they are witnessing;
- they must be physically present: proxy and virtual marriages are not permitted in Ontario;
- right after the ceremony, they sign the marriage licence and the register in person, with the two of you and the officiant.
That makes five people who must be there: the two of you, your 2 witnesses and your officiant. Your officiant is one of the five, so they can't also be one of your witnesses. Other guests, even those who join online, don't sign anything.
Who can be a witness?
The Marriage Act sets no age and no other condition for witnesses, beyond being present and signing. So a friend, a brother or sister, a parent or one of your children can be your witness, as long as they understand what they are witnessing. Many couples choose one person each.
The rules some city halls add
If a municipality performs your civil marriage, it may set its own rules for its ceremonies:
City hall | Minimum age | Witnesses provided by the city | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
Ottawa | 12 | No | An interpreter is needed if one of the couple or the witnesses doesn't understand the language of the ceremony (English or French) |
Brampton | 16 | Not stated | Witnesses must understand and speak English; an interpreter can't be a witness |
London | Not stated | Yes, $25 per staff witness | Bring an interpreter for a language other than English |
Waterloo | Not stated | Yes, $30 each | Interpreters can't be witnesses, and sign a form confirming the translation |
With an officiant of your choice, ask them what they need from your witnesses: the Act's rules apply everywhere.
What witnesses do on the day
- Arrive on time and stand where they can see and hear the ceremony, especially the legal words: see what must be said at an Ontario wedding.
- Sign the licence and the register right after the ceremony, with the two of you and your officiant. A flat surface and a pen help.
- That's it. The officiant sends the licence for registration within 2 days.
Choosing your witnesses
- Choose people who understand the language of the ceremony. For a bilingual ceremony, see a French or bilingual wedding ceremony in Ontario.
- Ask them early, and tell your officiant their names: with Celebrance, the couple's questionnaire asks for them.
- Have a back-up. If a witness is ill on the day, without a second person the officiant can't marry you.
- Eloping? Your 2 witnesses are the only guests you can't do without: see eloping in Ontario.
Ready to book? See our wedding officiants in Ontario.
Sources: ontario.ca: 90m03 · forms.mgcs.gov.on.ca: on00459e.pdf · ottawa.ca: requesting civil marriage ceremony · brampton.ca: simple civil ceremonies · london.ca: marriage oaths · waterloo.ca: get married at city hall
Frequently asked questions
How many witnesses do we need?
At least 2. Section 25 of the Marriage Act requires every marriage to take place in the presence of the two of you and at least two witnesses, who sign the officiant's register. Many city halls ask for one witness for each partner.
How old does a witness have to be?
The Marriage Act sets no age: the province asks that witnesses understand what they are witnessing. Some city halls set an age for their own ceremonies, such as 12 in Ottawa and 16 in Brampton. Ask your officiant or the city hall.
Can a witness join by video?
No. Proxy and virtual marriages are not permitted in Ontario: the two of you, your 2 witnesses and the officiant must all be physically present. Other guests can follow online.
Can our parents or children be our witnesses?
Yes, as long as they understand what they are witnessing and meet any age rule of the place. Many couples choose a parent, a sibling or a close friend.
What if we have no one to ask?
Some city halls provide witnesses for their civil ceremonies, for a fee: $25 per staff witness in London, $30 each in Waterloo. Ottawa does not. With an officiant, ask two people you trust before you book: without witnesses, the marriage can't take place.