Say your vows this Valentine’s Day
The City of Quinte West is offering civil marriage ceremonies for couples looking to make Valentine’s Day their special day!
Where: Quinte West City Hall Council Chambers, 7 Creswell Dr., Trenton
When: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024; appointments are booked in 45-minute increments between 9 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.
Cost: Special Valentine’s Day civil ceremony fee of $350 (regular fee is $450); a valid marriage licence ($160) is also required
Couples interested in a simple, dignified ceremony to exchange vows can contact the Clerk’s Office at [email protected] or 613-392-2841 ext. 4540 for more information and to reserve their spot.
Limited appointments are available. Participants must have a valid marriage licence issued by Feb. 9, 2024.
PLEASE NOTE: Marriage licences are issued by appointment only. If you wish to be married in a civil ceremony at City Hall, you must request your civil ceremony before you apply for a marriage licence to ensure we have availability.
Marriage licences
We issue licences for people getting married in Ontario. A licence is valid anywhere in the province for 90 days. Visit the Ontario government’s website for full marriage regulations and to order your marriage certificate.
Please read the information on how to apply below.
- Complete the online marriage licence application. Both applicants must complete the application. If you are looking for a civil ceremony, please complete the civil ceremony request form before your marriage licence application to ensure availability.
- You should receive a confirmation email after applying for your marriage licence. City staff will respond within three (3) business days to schedule an appointment.
- Once an appointment has been confirmed, bring all necessary documents for both parties to City Hall on the day of your appointment. A list of government-issued identification includes:
– Government-issued birth certificate, including any change of name certificates
– Valid passport
– Record of immigrant landing
– Canadian citizenship card or certificate
– Valid driver’s licence
– Valid Ontario Photo Card
– *Supporting documentation (example: divorce certificate – form 36B) if applicableA certified translator must translate documents in a language other than English or French.
Only one of the applicants is required at the appointment for marriage licence issuance. However, all documents supplied for identification for both applicants must be presented in person for validation purposes.
- Licences are issued in person at the customer service counter on the second floor at City Hall. It will take 10 to 15 minutes to issue your licence.
- The fee is $160. We accept cash or debit.
A list of government-issued identification includes:
– Government-issued birth certificate, including any change of name certificates
– Valid passport
– Record of immigrant landing
– Canadian citizenship card or certificate
– Valid driver’s licence
– Valid Ontario Photo Card
– *Supporting documentation (example: divorce certificate – form 36B) if applicable
A certified translator must translate documents in a language other than English or French.
You can electronically upload a court-certified copy of one of the following for each applicant, as applicable, alongside your application or provide in person to the municipality:
- The final decree (divorce or annulment)
- The final judgment (divorce or annulment)
- A certificate of divorce
A divorce order issued by a judge is not the same as a certificate of divorce, which acts as proof of a divorce. Learn more about the differences and how to obtain a divorce certificate.
Obtain a foreign divorce or annulment authorization for each applicant, as applicable, from the Office of the Registrar General by mailing the following documents:
- Marriage licence application form
- Statement of sole responsibility
- Legal opinion letter from an Ontario lawyer
- Final decree (divorce or annulment)
- Final judgment (divorce or annulment) or certificate of divorce
- Translation into English or French of the final decree (divorce or annulment), final judgment (divorce or annulment) or certificate of divorce if in an language other than French or English (must be translated by a professional translator and include a written declaration* by the translator)
to:
Office of the Registrar General Marriage Office
PO Box 3000
189 Red River Rd.
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5W0
You will receive a foreign divorce or annulment authorization for each applicant, as applicable, by courier. You can electronically upload the document alongside your application or provide in person to the municipality.
* The professional translator’s declaration must state that the translator understands the language of the translated document and the language of the original document, and the translator is of the opinion that the translation is complete and correct.
You need to be at least 16 years old to get married in Ontario.
Applicants under 18 years old need written consent from both parents. Consent forms are available from the city clerk’s office.
You can electronically upload one of the following for each applicant, as applicable, alongside your application or provide in person to the municipality:
- Death certificate of spouse
- Funeral director’s statement of death
- Court order declaring that your spouse has died
For more information or questions, contact 613-392-2841 or email [email protected].
Civil ceremonies
Civil marriage ceremonies are for couples looking for a simple, dignified option to exchange marriage vows. Ceremonies are conducted at Quinte West City Hall within the Council Chambers. Pre-booking is required.
The fee for a civil marriage ceremony is $450, to be paid by cash or debit. Ceremonies are available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., subject to staff and room availability.
Ceremony information
Once our Legislative Services Team has received your civil ceremony request form, City staff will respond within three (3) business days to confirm availability. If you are unable to access the form or wish to speak to an individual regarding a civil wedding ceremony, please email [email protected] or call Legislative Services at 613-392-2841.
Once a request form has been completed and confirmed, an officiant will contact you to schedule a required pre-ceremony consultation. You must complete a civil ceremony booking agreement at the appointment and submit payment in full. The reserved date will not be confirmed until payment has been received.
At the pre-ceremony consultation, we will review all necessary arrangements for your special day, including ceremony scripts, vows and other custom elements. Two witnesses are required. Please note that witnesses must be over the age of 16. If you cannot provide your own witnesses, the City can provide witnesses for a fee of $25 per witness.
We will not formalize the marriage of any person if:
- One or both parties are under physical or mental duress
- One or both parties fail to meet the age requirements
- The parties are related as grandparent, parent, child, grandchild, brother or sister
- One or both parties are currently married
- One or both parties are under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs and incapable of understanding the nature of the marriage contract and duties, obligations and responsibilities of marriage
Civil ceremony frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Yes. Up to 10 guests plus the wedding party (the wedding couple plus two witnesses) may attend.
The cost of a civil marriage ceremony is $450. The cost of the ceremony does not include the marriage licence. A separate fee of $160 will be charged for the marriage licence.
Civil ceremonies are offered in the Council Chambers of Quinte West City Hall.
This service is booked in 45-minute increments. The ceremony takes approximately 20 minutes depending on the vows chosen. Service time booked allows for photo opportunities.
Items such as a bouquet of flowers or a corsage are allowed. Confetti, rice, bubbles, candles, and related items are not permitted.
Yes. Pictures and videos may be taken provided they do not disrupt the ceremony. A photographer and videographer is not provided.
Yes. Please provide the completed licence and valid photo identification with the Clerk’s Office to verify your marriage licence prior to your ceremony.
Yes. All you require is a valid Ontario marriage licence. If you obtained a marriage licence from another municipality, please provide the completed licence and valid photo identification to the Clerk’s Office when booking your civil ceremony.