Government Issued original proof of identity is required for both applicants (birth certificate along with photo identification, any change of name certificates, or current passport, Record of Immigrant Landing or Canadian Citizenship card as proof of identity).
When issuing a Marriage Licence to only the bride or only the groom , the original birth certificate along with government issued photo identification or passport for the absent person is required. Photocopies are not acceptable.
Licence fee: $145.00 (cash/certified cheque or debit) payable to The City of Owen Sound.
Hours Licences issued: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. (Open during lunch)
If you have been divorced within Canada , your original or a court certified copy of the Decree Absolute or Certificate of Divorce must be provided for examination. These documents will be returned once the Court File Number and the Name of the Court that granted the divorce has been recorded on Form 7 of the Marriage Licence.
If you were divorced outside of Canada , you will require a Foreign Divorce Kit (Statement of Sole Responsibility). Please ask for this kit from the Clerk's office.
Sixteen and seventeen year olds require both parents' consent or consent of their guardian. Please request Form 6. (Persons under the age of 16 may not marry)
There are no residency, medical, or citizenship requirements.
A Marriage Licence is valid for use anywhere in Ontario for a period of three (3) months from the date of issue. Licences may be purchased anywhere in Ontario.
Civil ceremonies are no longer performed in Owen Sound by the Justice of the Peace . The Clerks Department now provides this service (please refer to Civil Marriage Service page). Additionally, a list of Solemnizers (pdf) who will provide non-denominational ceremonies is also available from the Clerk's office. The City Clerk is now authorized to perform civil marriage ceremonies. Please contact Marion Koepke, City Clerk.
Election to Change Surname - If you choose to legally change or hyphenate your surname, a Change of Name form must be filed with the Office of the Registrar General. If filed within 90 days after your marriage there is no fee. After 90 days a fee is charged for applications. You can assume your husband's name to become your married name and your legal surname. However, the souvenir copy of your marriage licence is no longer acceptable proof of your marriage to change your name on your Drivers Licence.
