Marriage Licence

Who can apply for a marriage licence

There are no gender, residency, citizenship, or medical requirements when applying for a marriage licence.

Anyone over the age of 16 years old can get married in Ontario. Parties under 18 years of age need consent from their parents or legal guardians. In these cases, parents or legal guardians must also be present during the marriage licence appointment.

Please call (905-957-3346 ext. 6720) or email the Clerk's Department for more information about this process. 

How to obtain a marriage licence

Marriage licences are issued by appointment only during regular operating hours (Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays) at Township of West Lincoln Administration, 318 Canborough Street, Smithville ON, L0R 2A0. No walk-ins are accepted.

Call (905-957-3346 ext. 6720) or email to book an appointment with the Clerk's Department. Appointments are subject to availability. The appointment is for the marriage licence only. We do not perform civil ceremonies at this time.

Before your appointment:

• Print, complete, sign and email the marriage licence application form to the Clerk's Department.
• Submit via email photocopies or photos of two (2) pieces of valid identification for each partner for review (see below for a list of accepted identification).
• If one or both parties have been previously divorced, subsequent information must be submitted (See below for information about previous divorce).

The above information must be sent in advance so the Clerk's Department may review and identify any issues prior to your appointment. Originals must also be brought to your appointment. Documents in another language must be supported by a certified translation and must be original.

Any person without access to a computer/printer/scanner may pick up a paper application and may drop off the necessary documents in advance of the appointment at Township Administration any time during regular business hours.

At your appointment:

• Either or both partners can attend the appointment to obtain the marriage licence. Still, the form must include original signatures from both parties and be presented with two pieces of original valid identification for each person at the appointment. Photocopies, scanned images, or photos of identification will not be accepted at the appointment.
• Documents in another language must be supported by a certified translation and must be original. Photocopies or expired documents will not be accepted.
• The marriage licence fee of $130 will need to be paid at your appointment. We accept cash, debit or personal cheque. Credit is not accepted. This fee is non-refundable.

Identification

The first piece of identification must be any of the following:

• Government-issued birth certificate, including any change of name certificates;
• Valid passport;
• Record of immigrant landing; or
• Canadian citizenship card.

The second piece of identification must be in the form of government-issued photo identification, including:

• Valid driver's license; or
• Valid Ontario Photo Card.

Health cards and Social Insurance cards are not accepted.

Identification must be valid (not expired) and original. Photocopies, scanned images, or pictures on electronic devices will not be accepted at the in-person appointment.

Your first and last name must match the two pieces of ID presented.

The address stated on the application form must match the address on the identification submitted.

A Refugee Protection Claimant Document will be accepted.

Proof of divorce

Divorce in Canada

You must submit official divorce proof when applying for a marriage licence. This can be the original or a court-certified copy of a:

• Certificate of Divorce (Form 36B); or,
• Final Decree.

All original documents will be returned. A certified copy of the above divorce documents may be obtained from the court office that granted the divorce.

If you do not know where your divorce was granted, you can contact the Central Registry of Divorce Proceedings or 1-613-957-4519.

Documents in another language must be supported by a certified translation and must be original. Photocopies or expired documents will not be accepted.

Divorce outside of Canada (foreign divorce)

If you were divorced outside of Canada, you would need to obtain a Foreign Divorce Authorization from the Office of the Registrar General. This office can be reached at 1-800-461-2156 (toll-free) for more information.

Once you have received your Foreign Divorce Authorization from the Office of the Registrar General, you can make an appointment for a marriage licence. If you arrive at your appointment without a Foreign Divorce Authorization, your marriage licence cannot be issued.

Documents in another language must be supported by a certified translation and must be original. Photocopies or expired documents will not be accepted.