Marriage Licences and Civil Ceremonies

Fees

The fee for a marriage license is $130.00, payable by cash or debit.

What do I need to bring?

Along with your completed Marriage License Application form, both applicants will need to have two pieces of government issued identification. Once piece must be photo ID. Valid government ID includes a:

• Birth certificate, including any change of name certificates
• Valid passport
• Record of immigration landing
• Canadian Citizenship Card
• Valid driver's license
• Valid Ontario Photo Card

If both applicants can't attend in person, one applicant can bring the above identification requirements for both applicants.

Second marriages

If you are divorced or widowed and applying for a marriage license, you will need to review the Government of Ontario guidelines to make sure you have all of the necessary paperwork.

Applicants under 18 years of age

In order to get a marriage licence in Ontario, you must be at least 16 years of age. Review the Government of Ontario age regulations to determine what you need to get a marriage license under the age of 18.

Book an officiant

You can book an officiant at Town Hall located at 203 Main St. E. Our officiants will perform weddings at the Town Hall or at your location. You need to give at least 10 days' notice to book a marriage officiant or Town Hall venue. We recommend you book this well in advance if you would like to reserve a specific date.

Marriage consultation

At the time of booking, we will discuss scheduling a mandatory marriage consultation with the officiant to discuss ceremony details. This will take place a minimum of seven to ten days before the scheduled ceremony. Both participants must attend the consultation. You will need to provide:

Photo identification (driver's license, passport or health card)

A completed Civil Marriage Questionnaire

A valid Ontario Marriage License if purchased from another location or completed application with required identification

Fees

The following fees apply for civil ceremonies:

• $300.00 to book an on or offsite officiant
• $25 administration fee to change the date of the ceremony within seven days from the original date, subject to availability
• $50 administration fee to cancel a booking before the mandatory consultation
• $150 administration fee to cancel a booking after the mandatory consultation

The Municipality will provide staff witnesses if required, for a fee of $50.00 each only during regular business hours.

Ceremony

Ceremonies can be small and intimate, or large and elaborate; it's your day! We have sample ceremonies, which can be tailored to your specifications within the guidelines, fees and scripts package. You can also add your own vows, but the officiant needs to approve them in advance.

Rules and regulations

You can choose between three different ceremony scripts for the ceremony. You can also add your own vows, but the officiant needs to approve them in advance. The following rules apply to all ceremonies that take place at Town Hall:

• You must provide your own photographer
• You can include small flower arrangements in the ceremony
• No confetti, candles, rice, incense or bubbles are permitted
• Alcohol consumption is not allowed
• No smoking allowed
• You can provide your own music
• No religious symbols or traditions are allowed at a civil ceremony

Officiants

The Town of Shelburne has appointed two officiants to perform marriages:

• Patti Hossie
• Jennifer Willoughby

Patti and Jennifer have been marriage officiants since January of 2014. Both enjoy working with couples to help create a meaningful and memorable ceremony. They want to ensure that the ceremony and vows are tailored to the couple's wishes.