Marriage Licence
The Clerk’s Office issues Marriage Licences to couples who are getting married in Ontario. A Marriage Licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Please see below for details on how to obtain a Marriage Licence.
How to Apply for a Marriage Licence
Marriage Licences are issued by appointment. To book an appointment, contact the Clerk’s Office at clerks@pecounty.on.ca or call 613.476.2148 ext. 1020
For your appointment, you need to:
- Complete the Marriage Marriage Licence Form.
- Bring the completed form, an original or certified copy of divorce documents, if applicable, and two pieces of valid government issued identification to the Clerk’s Office. Only one applicant is required to obtain a marriage licence, as long as two pieces of valid identification are provided for both parties. One piece of identification for each party must include your photo. Examples of acceptable identification include a driver’s licence, passport, birth certificate or change of name certificate, record of immigrant landing, Canadian citizenship card, or Ontario photo card. Marriage Licence Identification Requirements.
- Payment of $140.00 for marriage licence fees (cash, debit and credit).
More information on applying for a marriage licence is provided by Service Ontario.
Before You Get Married
Check that the person performing your marriage is an authorized official. A marriage can be performed by a Religious Official, Ontario Municipal Clerk or delegate, Judge, or Justice of the Peace.
For more information on who can perform a marriage, read the Service Ontario Marriage Notice.
Civil Marriage Ceremonies
Civil Marriage Ceremonies are for couples looking for a simple and dignified approach to exchange their marriage vows.
Ceremonies are conducted at Shire Hall, 332 Main Street, Picton, or at the Macaulay Heritage Museum, 23 Church Street, Picton.
After You've Been Married
Either party to the marriage is entitled to three basic options following the marriage:
Option 1 – Continue to use your current last name
Under the course of action, the spouse who wishes to keep their current last name needs to take no action. Ontario law does not require a spouse to change their last name after marriage.
Option 2 – “Assume” the use of the spouse's last name
Upon marriage, spouses may “take” a last name of their choice and use it. Most government organizations, credit card firms, etc., will accept a copy of the marriage certificate issued by the Office of Registrar General as proof of the marriage and issue revised identification. It is not against the law to simply use another name, provided that is not for fraudulent purposes.
Option 3 – Legally change your last name
In this instance, the spouse elects the option under the Change of Name Act, completes the appropriate forms and submits them to the Office of Registrar General. If the person is born in Ontario, the birth registration is notated, and a birth certificate in the new name is issued, as well as a change of name certificate.
If this is done within 90 days of marriage, there is no charge, otherwise a fee is charged.
If at some point a divorce takes place, or the other spouse dies, and the spouse wishes to return to the use of their former name, they must apply once more for a change of name. If they apply within 90 days of the date of divorce, the fee is $20.00; otherwise, the spouse must make a formal application under Section 4 of the Change of Name Act and pay a fee of $137.00.
For any questions, please contact clerks@pecounty.on.ca