Marriage Licences and Ceremonies

Cenotaph

Marriage licences

Our office is open to issue marriage licences by appointment. Only one individual is required to attend an appointment for a marriage licence, and where possible, we are requesting that only one applicant attend. 

The City of Peterborough issues marriage licences Monday to Friday by appointment in the Clerk's Office. The process takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. Preference is given to couples from the City of Peterborough.

Fee: $150.00 (payment by debit, Visa or MasterCard preferred; cash is accepted).

A marriage licence can only be issued to the applicants named in the application. Both parties must sign the Marriage Licence Application Form, but only one person needs to be present in order to get the licence. That person will need to bring identity documents for both parties.

The date and place of the ceremony must be noted on the application in order for the licence to be issued. A marriage licence is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued and can be used anywhere in Ontario.

Please carefully read and follow the steps below to apply for a marriage licence:

  1. Fill out the online application form. Print the completed form and have both parties sign.
  2. Send pictures of your identification and any divorce documents (if applicable) to marriage@peterborough.ca. Please note that we need to be able to read the information in the pictures.
  3. Book an appointment time by calling us at 705-742-7777 ext. 1820.
  4. Come to City Hall for your appointment through the front doors at 500 George St. N. Make sure to bring all original documents – the signed application, original identification for both you and your partner, and any original divorce documents (if applicable). Payment by debit or credit card is preferred.

Apply for Marriage Licence

Identification

Two pieces of original identification are required for each applicant; photocopies will not be accepted. One piece of identification must establish proof of identity and the second piece must be photo identification. 


Documents in a language other than English or French must be translated by a certified translator. 

Valid identification documents
  • Birth Certificate (including any change of name certificates)
  • Valid passport
  • Record of Immigrant Landing
  • Canadian Citizenship Card
  • Canadian Permanent Resident Card
Valid Photo ID
  • Valid driver's licence
  • Valid passport
  • Ontario photo card
  • Native Status card
  • Nexus card

If a valid passport is used as the identity document, it cannot also be used as the photo I.D.
Interpreter
If you do not understand or read English, you must provide your own interpreter. The interpreter must also present two pieces of identification (one photo identification, one other) and sign an affidavit of interpreter.
Under 18
The minimum age to get married in Ontario is 16. However, anyone under the age of 18 must have parental consent. Parents must sign a Consent of Parent or Guardian to Marriage form and provide photo identification. Consent forms are available at the Clerks Office.
If you are previously divorced
Divorce in Canada: If any party to the marriage has a previous Canadian divorce, the original Certificate of Divorce must be presented. This certificate can be obtained from the courthouse where the divorce was granted. No photocopies will be accepted. If you need further information, please call our office at 705-742-7777 ext. 1820.

Divorce outside of Canada: If there is a previous divorce that was granted outside of Canada, you will need to obtain approval of the foreign divorce certificate from the Office of the Registrar General in Thunder Bay. 

You will need to send the following documents to ServiceOntario:

  • marriage licence application form: completed and signed
  • statement of sole responsibility: for each divorce (signed by both people who are planning to get married and a witness)
  • legal opinion letter: from an Ontario lawyer, addressed to both people who plan to get married, giving reasons why the divorce or annulment should be recognized in Ontario
  • divorce decree or annulment: an original or court-certified copy in English or French. If the decree is in another language, you will need to include a translated copy and an affidavit sworn by a certified translator

Please visit ServiceOntario for more information and to complete the appropriate forms.

Marriage Certificates

Marriage certificates are records of your marriage. They are issued by the Registrar General.

To get a marriage certificate or more information visit the Service Ontario web page.

Marriage Ceremonies at City Hall

 Council Chambers marriage ceremonies

The fee for the ceremony is $360.00 + HST payable by cash, debit, Visa or Master Card at the time of booking.  Please contact the City Clerk's office at 705-742-7777 ext. 1820 for further information.

In order to marry you must obtain your marriage licence and provide it to the officiant prior to your wedding day.

 Booking a Marriage Ceremony at City Hall

Please call or visit the Clerk's Office to review available dates and make a payment to book your civil marriage ceremony. Marriage ceremonies will be held in the City Hall Council Chambers on the dates listed below at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.

Dates

  • Friday, February 17
  • Friday, March 17
  • Friday, April 21
  • Friday, May 26
  • Thursday, June 15
  • Friday, June 23
  • Wednesday, July 12
  • Friday, July 21
  • Thursday, August 3
  • Friday, August 18
  • Friday, September 15
  • Friday, October 20
  • Friday, November 17
  • Friday, December 15
 Marriage Ceremony Policy
  1. Ceremonies will be conducted in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 500 George St. N.
  2. Ceremony Fee: $360.00 plus HST payable at the time of booking. Dates are only reserved once the fee has been paid in full. No refunds will be issued if the ceremony is cancelled without cause, or if the applicant(s) do not show up for the wedding ceremony. 
  3. Applicants must obtain an Ontario marriage licence (from any municipality in the province), and it must be provided to the wedding officiant at least three (3) business days before the ceremony.
  4. The Council Chambers are booked for 30 minutes. All wedding attendees must meet outside the Council Chambers 5 minutes prior to the ceremony. Late arrivals will not be permitted to enter.
  5. The celebrants understand that they and their guests are not permitted to consume alcohol and/or drugs prior to or during the ceremony. If the officiant feels someone is under the influence, they have the right to cancel the ceremony.
  6. The wedding officiant may request an interpreter at the ceremony (at the expense of the wedding couple) if there is a concern with language interpretation.
  7. Weddings held at City Hall are civil ceremonies. No religious readings, vows or materials are permitted during the ceremony.
  8. A maximum of 10 guests (2 witnesses plus 8 others) can attend the ceremony in the Council Chambers.
  9. Photography, videography and/or livestreaming are permitted during the ceremony and are the responsibility of the wedding couple. Photos are only permitted inside the Council Chambers.
  10. If music is desired, it must be arranged by the wedding couple. Please keep in mind that this is an office building and music must not interfere with other City activities.
  11. The celebrants for the civil marriage ceremony consent to defend and indemnify the City of Peterborough for any loss or damages incurred by their guests. The celebrants agree that the City of Peterborough will not be held responsible for personal injury or damage, nor for the theft or loss of any personal property of anyone attending City Hall on the invitation of the celebrants.
  12. The celebrants shall be responsible for the conduct and supervision of all persons admitted to the Council Chambers and shall ensure that all health and safety protocols and regulations pertaining to the event are strictly followed.
  13. All exits must be kept free from obstruction in case of fire.
  14. The only animals permitted in the ceremony room are service animals.

Civil Marriage Ceremony Scripts

The City offers three ceremony script options to choose from. 

Ceremony Option 1

Ceremony Option 2

Ceremony Option 3