Getting Married

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage! Before your big day arrives, there are some important steps that you must complete.

A marriage licence is a key step in getting married. Licenses are available by appointment only. Please call 519-463-5347 ext. 7422 or email us to set up your appointment. A marriage license must be obtained within three months of the marriage date. The cost for a marriage license is $120.00 (cheque, cash or debit).

You can fill out a Marriage Licence Application online, pick up, or fill out an application form in person from the Township Administration Office.

Visit the Township Administration Office with the completed application, along with your identification and supporting documents. Please ensure your application is completely filled out, inclusive of parents middle names. The license will typically be issued the same day, usually within 30 minutes. One or both of you must attend at the Township Administration Office with the completed application.

Marriage License Applications must be submitted between 8:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. to allow time for same day processing. Please contact the office before coming in to ensure a license issuer is available to sign your license.

To get a marriage license, you will need to:

Bring 2 pieces of government-issued identification for each person getting married. One piece of identification must include your photo.

It is important that you bring identification that states your name in full. The Marriage Licence will only state what is displayed on your identification.

Examples of government-issued identification:

government-issued birth certificate, including any change of name certificates
valid passport
record of immigrant landing
Canadian Citizenship Card
valid driver’s license
valid Ontario Photo Card

Age

Both partners must be 18 years of age or older. If you are 16 or 17 years of age, parental consent is required. Please contact the Township Administration Office at 519-463-5347 for further information. If you are under the age of 16 years, you may not marry in the Province of Ontario.

Gender
The Township of Blandford-Blenheim issues marriage licenses to all eligible couples. Same-sex couples have been receiving licenses since June 11, 2003, following the June 10, 2003 Ontario Court of Appeal decision making same-sex marriages legal in Ontario.

Citizenship/Residency
There are no citizenship or residency requirements when applying for a marriage license in Ontario.

Marriage after Divorce
Canadian Divorce: If you were divorced in Canada, you must provide the original (or a court-certified copy) of your Certificate of Divorce, or Decree Absolute. A certified copy of your Certificate of Divorce may be obtained from the court office that granted the divorce. Please note that a Judgement issued by the Court is not acceptable proof of divorce. Photocopies of the Certificate of Divorce cannot be accepted.

Foreign Divorce: If you were divorced, or your marriage was dissolved or annulled outside of Canada, please request additional forms, which provide further information and instructions. A foreign divorce kit will be provided to you outlining the steps required to proceed. Note: You will forward the completed kit to the Province of Ontario, Minister of Government Services for authorization. This process could take up to 4 weeks to complete. You must get authorization from the Minister of Government Services before a Marriage License can be issued to you.

Contact our office at 519-463-5347 or visit Service Ontario to learn how to obtain this authorization.

Publication of Banns
A marriage may be solemnized under the authority of the Publication of Banns. If you are having a religious ceremony, please check with the Clergy prior to purchasing a Marriage License.

Blandford-Blenheim offers civil marriage services. A civil marriage may be performed by an Ontario judge, justice of the peace or municipal clerk. Civil marriage ceremonies last up to 30 minutes, depending on the vows chosen. The service time booked would be approximately one (1) hour to allow for photo opportunities and use of an interpreter if required.

Wedding Ceremonies may be conducted in the Council Chambers, which is located at 47 Wilmot St. S., Drumbo, Monday to Friday between 9:30am and 3:30pm.

The Township fee for civil marriage service is $250.00 on site, during municipal office hours. The fee is $350.00 for off site, during evenings or weekends.

Take a look at our Civil Marriage Ceremony Package. Contact our office at 519-463-5347 ext. 7422 or email us for more information.

When you get married, you don’t have to legally change your last name (surname). The general practice now is to assume your partner's last name. But if you choose to legally change your last name, you can do so through Service Ontario.

Getting Married

Marriage Licenses

Marriage License Applications

Supporting Documents Required

Additional Requirements / Information

Civil Marriage Service

Changing your name