Marriage Licences

• The online application takes approximately 25–30 minutes and requires both applicants to be present to provide their information.

• After submitting your online application, contact the Municipality to schedule an appointment for licence issuance.

  • Phone: 613-473-4030

  • Email: Jeffrey Holmes – Customer Service Specialist at jholmes@centrehastings.com

• Once all required documentation is provided, licences are typically issued within 1–2 business days.

Couples may also download and complete a Marriage Licence Application form. Completed forms can be submitted via email to jholmes@centrehastings.com.

Start your application today and take the first step toward your special day!

Both individuals must complete the online marriage licence application form together. During the application process, applicants will be required to upload the necessary supporting documents. Please note that the original documents must also be presented at the scheduled licensing appointment. Alternatively, couples may choose to download the Marriage Licence Application form and submit it via email to jholmes@centrehastings.com.

To arrange an in-person appointment at the Centre Hastings Municipal Office for the completion of the oath (Part 2, Item 18), signing, and payment of the licence, please contact jholmes@centrehastings.com.  or call 613-473-4030. One or both applicants must attend the appointment to obtain the licence, as a marriage licence can only be issued to, and signed by, the prospective applicants in person.

Before submitting your application, please ensure you have confirmed the date and location for your marriage ceremony.

For further information, please visit Ontario.ca/GettingMarried.

Excited About Your Big Day?

Marriage licences are issued at the Centre Hastings Municipal Office, located at 7 Furnace Street, Madoc, Ontario, during regular office hours.

Appointment Booking

Appointments are required to obtain a marriage licence. To schedule your appointment, please email jholmes@centrehastings.com or call 613-473-4030.

Application Requirements

Applicants must complete the Marriage Licence Application form and present two pieces of original, valid government-issued identification at the appointment. Photocopies, scanned copies, or expired identification will not be accepted.

If only one applicant attends the appointment, the attending individual must also bring the original identification of the joint applicant.

Licence Validity

A marriage licence is valid for use anywhere within the Province of Ontario for a period of 90 days from the date of issuance.

Important Note

The date and location of your planned marriage ceremony must be confirmed before your marriage licence application can be processed.

For more information, please visit Service Ontario: Getting Married in Ontario.

The Municipality of Centre Hastings issues marriage licences from the municipal office located at 7 Furnace Street, Madoc, Ontario.

To book your marriage licence appointment, please call 613-473-4030 or email jholmes@centrehastings.com

Please bring the following items to your scheduled appointment at the Centre Hastings Municipal Office:

Identification

• Two pieces of original, valid government-issued identification for each applicant, as submitted during the online application.

• At least one piece of identification must include a photograph.

• Acceptable forms of identification include:

  • Government-issued birth certificate (including any change of name certificates)

  • Valid passport

  • Record of immigrant landing

  • Canadian Citizenship Card

  • Valid driver’s licence

  • Valid Ontario Photo Card

Note: Health cards and Social Insurance Number (SIN) cards are not acceptable. Expired identification will also not be accepted.

Original Divorce Documentation (if applicable)

If either applicant has been previously married and divorced, original court-issued divorce documentation must be provided.

Payment

• The cost of a marriage licence in Centre Hastings is $200.00 (HST exempt).

• Accepted payment methods include:

  • Cash

  • Cheque (payable to the Municipality of Centre Hastings)

  • Debit

Note: Credit cards are not accepted.

Please ensure all identification and documentation are valid, original, and up-to-date to avoid any delays in processing your application.

The cost of a marriage licence in Centre Hastings is $200.00 (HST exempt), as outlined in the current Fees and Charges By-law.

Accepted Payment Methods

• Cash

• Cheque (payable to the Municipality of Centre Hastings)

• Debit

Please Note: Credit card payments are not accepted.

Divorced in Canada

If either applicant was previously married in Canada, an original or court-certified copy of the Canadian Certificate of Divorce (or Decree Absolute) is required. Certified copies can be obtained from the court where the divorce was granted. For further assistance, please contact the Office of the Registrar General or the court office where the divorce was finalized.

Divorced Outside of Canada

Applicants who were divorced outside of Canada must provide specific documentation to confirm their marital status. These documents must be validated by the government, a process that may take up to four weeks.

Completed documentation should be sent to:

ServiceOntario
Office of the Registrar General
Attention: Marriage Office
PO Box 4600, 189 Red River Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6L8

Required Documentation for Foreign Divorces

1. Marriage Licence Application Form – Completed and signed.

2. Statement of Sole Responsibility – For each divorce, signed by both applicants and a witness.

3. Legal Opinion Letter – Issued by an Ontario lawyer, addressed to both applicants, explaining why the foreign divorce or annulment should be recognized in Ontario.

4. Divorce Decree or Annulment – An original or court-certified copy in English or French. If the document is in another language, include:

   • A translated copy, and

   • An affidavit sworn by a certified translator.

Important Note:
Completed Foreign Divorce Authorizations are sent to applicants by courier. To ensure delivery, include your complete mailing address on the marriage licence application form. Incomplete addresses may result in the package being returned to ServiceOntario.

Once received, the completed Foreign Divorce Authorization must be provided to the Centre Hastings Municipal Office along with the Marriage Licence Application form and valid identification to obtain a marriage licence.

If you or your partner are remarrying after the death of a spouse, you must provide one of the following documents for each applicable applicant:

• Death Certificate of the deceased spouse

• Funeral Director's Statement of Death

• Court Order Declaring the Death of the Spouse

These documents may be electronically uploaded as part of your online application or presented in person at the Centre Hastings Municipal Office during your appointment.

After your ceremony, you will receive a Record of Solemnization of Marriage. Please note, this is not a marriage certificate or legal record—it is a keepsake of your special day.

The officiant who performs your marriage will submit the signed marriage licence to ServiceOntario for official registration. About 8–10 weeks after your ceremony, you can apply to the Office of the Registrar General (online through ServiceOntario) to obtain your official Certificate of Marriage, which is the legal record of your marriage. You can apply online at www.serviceontario.ca.

Important: Your Marriage Certificate is not automatically mailed to you by the Registrar General.

Why you might need a marriage certificate:

• To provide legal proof of marriage

• To apply for certain social benefits

• To settle an estate

• To change your last name

In Ontario, only an authorized official can legally perform a marriage ceremony. This ensures that your marriage is recognized under provincial law.

There are two types of marriage ceremonies in Ontario:

1. Religious Marriage – Conducted by a recognized religious official.

2. Civil Marriage – Conducted by a judge, justice of the peace, or an authorized municipal clerk, often at a municipal office or city hall.

Both types are legally valid as long as the officiant is authorized under Ontario law.

ServiceOntario offers a resource entitled "Before You Get Married", and the ServiceOntario website houses material to ensure accurate information is provided to couples.

It is important to ensure that your marriage is performed properly and legally. You are encouraged to check that the person performing your marriage ceremony is an authorized official. A list of Religious Officials Authorized to Solemnize Marriage can be found on the ServiceOntario website, or call ServiceOntario at 1-800-461-2156 for more information.