Civil Marriage Ceremonies

• This service is available only pending the availability of a marriage commissioner.
• Ceremonies must be booked at least 48 hours prior, however they are not confirmed until payment has been made. Valid government-issued photo identification is required at the time of booking. Marriage Commissioner Booking Agreement must also be completed.
• Couples are to provide two (2) witnesses who must be present at the ceremony. Should witnesses be required and the ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Municipal Office, the Municipality can provide up to 2 staff members to witness at a cost of $25.00 plus HST per witness.
• Should the marriage licence not be obtained from the marriage commissioner, a pre-ceremony meeting will be required. This meeting will require the attendance of both parties, with photo identification and the license will need to be presented to the marriage commissioner at this time.
• A valid Province of Ontario marriage licence is required.  This must be provided to Officiant at least 30 minutes ahead of the ceremony. The couple is required to attend at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony with a government issued photo ID and the licence to validate the ceremony. 

• Fee: $300.00 + HST ($339). All fees will need to be paid at the time of booking to the Municipality. 
• This service is available only pending the availability of the Council Chambers.
• Couples are to provide two (2) witnesses who must be present at the ceremony. Should witnesses be required, the Municipality can provide up to 2 staff members to witness at a cost of $25.00 plus HST per witness.
• Couples are permitted minimal decorations such as flowers or balloons, however they must take these with them when they depart. No confetti, bubbles, candles or incense are allowed.
• No music will be provided during the ceremony.
• Photographs permitted, it is up to the couple to provide a photographer.
• A maximum of 15 guests are permitted.  The Couples are responsible for the conduct of their invitees.
• A $100 + HST ($113) administration fee will be retained should the booking be cancelled at least 24 hours prior to booking.  No refund will be issued if the couple does not arrive on the date of the scheduled ceremony.

• Fee: $300.00 + HST ($339).  All fees will need to be paid at the time of booking to the Municipality, the Officiant is not able to accept payment at the ceremony. 
• This service is available only pending the availability of a marriage commissioner.
• Couples are to provide two (2) witnesses who must be present at the ceremony. 
• Mileage will be charged for attendance of marriage commissioner at off-site locations at the current rate in the Fees and Charges By-law.
• Marriage Commissioner will arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the ceremony time and the couple will have the officiant for a maximum of 1 hour from the set ceremony time.
• $50.00+ HST fee for attendance at a rehearsal (subject to Officiant availability).
• A $100 + HST ($113) administration fee will be retained should the booking be cancelled at least 24 hours prior to booking.  No refund will be issued if the couple does not arrive on the date of the scheduled ceremony.

• Services will be provided by Legislative Services Department and Officiated by the Clerk or a Clerk designate. Due to the civil nature of the service, there cannot be any religious connotation to the ceremony.
• Marriage Commissioner will provide examples of ceremonies, which the couple may alter and combine to create a personalized ceremony, to the extent that is allowed within the law. Couples may also write their own vows, however these must be approved by the marriage commissioner prior to the ceremony.

For information on how to obtain a Marriage Licence from the Municipality of Thames Centre, please click here.