Marriage
MARRIAGE
There are a number of government offices that are involved in the
process of getting married in Ontario. The local municipality issues
marriage licences, and the Office of the Registrar General (ORG) is
responsible for registering marriages and issuing marriage certificates.
Prior to a marriage licence being issued in the Province of Ontario,
couples should be aware that a marriage must be solemnized under the
authority of a marriage licence or the publication of banns.
MARRIAGE LICENCE APPLICATION
Couples wishing to be married in Ontario must complete a marriage
licence application form, signed by both parties to the marriage. The
application form must be submitted, with the appropriate identification
(see below), in person by one or both of the parties to the Municipal
Office at 35 Alice Street, Brighton.
Provided that the information is complete and correct, the licence will
be issued within a few days, and is valid anywhere in Ontario for a
period of 90 days from the date of issuance.
To obtain a Marriage Licence Application form come to the Municipal Office at 35 Alice Street.
LICENCE FEE
The fee for a marriage licence at the Municipality of Brighton is
$100.00 payable by cash, debit card, or cheques made out to the
Municipality of Brighton.
IDENTIFICATION
Two pieces of identification are required for both parties when applying
for a marriage licence, and must include birth identity and picture
I.D., with the completed application form.
Proof of Birth Identity - must be original documents & not photocopies
* Birth Certificate
* Change of Name Certificate
* Record of Immigrant Landing
* Canadian Citizenship Card
* Current Passport
* Original Divorce papers with seal
Above proof must be provided along with photo identification.
MINORS
No person under 16 years of age may be married. An applicant who is 16
or 17 years of age is required to have both parents or guardian fill out
a form at the Clerk's office at the time of applying for the marriage
licence giving their written consent.
DIVORCE WITHIN CANADA
If either party's previous marriage ended in Divorce, the original copy
or a certified true copy of the Decree Absolute or Certificate of
Divorce must be submitted to the Issuer of Marriage Licences. A Divorce
Judgement or Decree Nisi is not acceptable. Certified true copies can be
obtained from the court, which granted the divorce. Photocopies are not
accepted.
DIVORCE OUTSIDE OF CANADA
If either party's previous marriage ended in Divorce outside of Canada,
authorization from the Registrar General is required before a marriage
licence may be issued. To obtain this authorization, the applicants, or a
lawyer representing them, must submit the following to: The Office of
the Registrar General, P.O. Box 4600, 189 Red River Road, Thunder Bay,
ON P7B 6L8
* A completed marriage application form, signed by both applicants
* A certified copy of the Decree Absolute or Certificate of Divorce
or Annullment from the jurisdiction where the divorce was granted sealed
by the court. If the divorce is in another language, include a
certified translation
* A Statement of Sole Responsibility for each divorcee, signed by both applicants
* A legal opinion of an Ontario lawyer, addressed to both
applicants, giving reasons why the divorce or annulment should be
recognized by the Province of Ontario.
WIDOW OR WIDOWER
If either party to the proposed marriage is a widow or widower they are
not required to produce a death certificate to obtain a marriage
licence.
MARRIAGE CEREMONY
It is your responsibility to arrange the marriage ceremony of your choice.
If you are not a member of congregation there are a number of wedding officients in the area:
Lavern Snider Phone: 905-373-4375
Email: Klsnider@phc.igs.net
Larry Hurley Phone: 613-968-3125
Email: evlar@sympatico.ca
Margie Olmstead Phone: 613-968-5969
Email: marjieolmstead26@msn.com
PUBLICATION OF BANNS
A marriage may be solemnized under the authority of the publication of
banns where both parties to the proposed marriage worship regularly at
their own Church in Canada.
For further information regarding the publication of banns please contact a member of the clergy.
MARRIAGE REGISTRATION & CERTIFICATE
After the marriage, the marrying couple may receive a Record of Solemnization of Marriage.
This document includes the couple´s names, the date of the marriage, the
names of the witnesses and whether the marriage was performed under the
authority of a licence or the publication of banns. This is not a legal
record.
The person who performed the marriage must forward the Record of
Solemnization of Marriage and the marriage licence to the Office of the
Registrar General for registration.
Once your marriage has been registered, you may apply for a marriage
certificate. For an application form Click Here or you can pick up a
form at the Municipal Office at 35 Alice Street, Brighton.
Send the completed form to the Office of the Registrar General with the proper fees.
FEES
Certificate (7" x 8.25") $15.00
Certified Copy (8.5" x 14") $22.00
Confirmation letter (five year search) $15.00
Delayed Registration $22.00
Amendment to original registration $22.00
CONTACT
Office of the Registrar General
P.O. Box 4600
189 Red River Road
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B 6L8
1.800.461.2156 or 416.325.8305
