Marriages and oaths

Marriage licence and civil ceremony package

The combined fee for the marriage licence and civil ceremony is $315.

If you purchase a marriage licence or a ceremony separately:

• the marriage licence fee is $149
• the fee for a marriage ceremony is $190

Application process

1. Complete and print an online marriage licence application. 
2. Bring all necessary documents for both parties when you come to City Hall to get your license.
3. Original documentation is required for both parties.
4. Only one person is required for the issuance of the license, but the application must be signed by both parties. Digital signatures will not be accepted.
5. Licenses are issued in person at the legislative services counter in City Hall. They take 10 to 15 minutes to issue and we are open Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
6. The fee is $149. We accept cash or debit.

If you are unable to complete the online form, a printable form (PDF) can be found on the province's website. 

Supporting documents 

Two pieces of identification must be provided for both individuals. Expired, electronic or photocopied identification is not acceptable. Ontario health cards and social insurance number (SIN) cards are not acceptable forms of identification to obtain a marriage licence.

Any two of the following pieces of identification are accepted, provided at least one contains a current photo and signature:

• Birth certificate
• Valid passport
• Valid driver's licence
• Canadian citizenship card
• Canadian government refugee travel document
• United States green card
• Native status card
• Permanent residency card or record of immigrant landing
• Ontario photo card
• Citizenship card from any country

Documents in a language other than English or French must be translated by a certified translator. A certified true copy of the above is also acceptable.

Divorced applicants

If a previous marriage was dissolved or annulled in Canada, the original or court certified copy (not photocopies) of the decree absolute or certificate of divorce must be presented with the completed application.

A decree nisi, divorce order or divorce judgment is not acceptable proof of divorce.

If a divorce was granted outside Canada, additional documentation must be provided and it may take four weeks or longer to obtain a marriage licence. The necessary forms are available at city clerk's office.

Age of consent

You need to be at least 16 years old to get married in Ontario.

If you're under 18 years old, you will need written consent from both your parents. You can get consent forms from the same office as a marriage licence.

Widows

Ceremony requirements

• both parties must be present
• must have a valid Ontario marriage licence (see above)
• must have two witnesses — the city can provide witnesses for $30 each
• the marriage ceremony costs $190 (we accept cash or debit) — save $24 by buying your marriage license at the City of Waterloo
• if you buy your marriage licence at the City of Waterloo, the total cost for the licence and ceremony is $315
• must provide your own interpreter if one or both applicants do not speak or understand English
• interpreter cannot be one of the witnesses
• interpreter is required to sign a form confirming that wedding ceremony has been represented accurately

Booking a ceremony

We offer civil ceremonies at City Hall, Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ceremonies are held in a casual setting at:

• council chambers (unavailable in July and August)
• outside City Hall (if the weather permits)
• another location in City Hall

We offer one basic ceremony script. Your booking is not confirmed until we contact you.

Book ceremony online