Marriage Licenses & Civil Ceremonies

Marriage Licenses

Couples planning to get married in Ontario require a valid marriage license. The Township of Essa now participates in Ontario's online Marriage Licenses Application service.

Step 1 - Apply Online

Complete your marriage licence application online through the Province of Ontario: Apply for a Marriage Licence Online: Apply Marriage License Application Online

**Please Note: As part of your application, you will be required to upload two pieces of valid government-issued identification for each applicant. Ontario Health Cards are not accepted as identification. **

Step 2 - Book an In-Person Appointment:

After submitting your online application, please kindly book In - person appointment for picking up your marriage license: Book Your Appointment

To book your appointment, you will need:

  • Your application reference number (found in your confirmation email, e.g. 24-123456)

Follow the steps below to apply for a marriage licence in person:

  • The Marriage Licence Fee is $125.00 which can be paid by Cash, Debit, Credit or Mastercard (Visa or Mastercard are subject to 2.9% fee).

You will be required to provide two pieces of government-issued identification (ID) for each person getting married when completing your marriage licence application. One piece of ID must include your photo. Examples of government ID include:

  • Birth certificate, including any change of name certificates if applicable
  • Valid passport
  • Record of immigrant landing
  • Canadian Citizenship Card
  • Valid driver's licence
  • Valid Ontario Photo Card

If a previous marriage was dissolved or annulled within Canada, you must submit your original or certified copy of the Decree Absolute or Certificate of Divorce to the Town. You can get a certified copy from the court that issued the divorce. We return these documents to you immediately.

If a previous marriage was dissolved or annulled outside of Canada, you must obtain authorization from the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services before getting a marriage licence. This process can take up to four weeks. Please note a Divorce Order will not be accepted. You are required to provide an original or court-certified copy of the Certificate of Divorce, Decree Absolute, or Final Judgment. These documents must be obtained from the court that granted the divorce. Please note: These documents must be submitted to ServiceOntario at the following address:

ServiceOntario – Marriage Office
Office of the Registrar General
P.O. Box 4600, 189 Red River Road
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B 6L8

Civil Ceremonies

The Township offers civil ceremony services for those looking for a simple, non-religious ceremony. Ceremonies are offered during regular business hours only.

If you are interested in having your Ceremony performed through the Township, please contact the Clerks Department to make arrangements for this event or complete our Online Booking Request.

Bookings for the ceremony are required to be made at least One week prior to the actual date of the ceremony. The Clerks Department requires the marriage licence and payment at the time of booking.​​

  • The cost for a civil ceremony performed at our Administration Centre is $250.00. If you prefer to have the ceremony at an off-site location, the fee is $350.00 which can be paid by Cash, Debit, Credit or Mastercard (Visa or Mastercard are subject to 2.9% fee).
  • A ceremony can be booked during business hours Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm 
  • You may select one of the ceremony variations below:

Township of Essa
5786 Simcoe County
Road 21, Utopia, ON 
L0M 1T0
Phone: 705-424-9770 ext. 101
Fax: 705-424-2367
TTY: 705-424-5302

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