Marriage Licences

How do I obtain a marriage licence?

The City of Welland offers a convenient online marriage licence application system in collaboration with ServiceOntario. We encourage applicants to complete their application and upload the required documents online for faster service.

Once your application has been submitted and reviewed, you will receive a confirmation email. This email will contain a link to schedule your appointment to pick up your marriage licence in person at Welland City Hall. Please note that appointments are required; walk-ins are not accepted.

Apply for a marriage licence online | ontario.ca

Paper applications are also available. To apply using a paper form:

• Complete the Marriage Licence Application - Marriage Act - Form 3 - Forms - Central Forms Repository (CFR) and ensure it is signed, with original signatures, by both applicants.
• Once the form is complete, you must book an appointment by emailing marriage@welland.ca or calling 905-735-1700 ext. 2227.
• Please ensure you bring all necessary documents and identification or the appointment will need to be rescheduled.

Paper application forms are also available from the City of Welland at:

City of Welland
60 East Main Street
Welland, ON L3B 3X4

This process takes approximately fifteen (15) minutes to complete if all necessary documents are present when applying.

For more information, please contact the Clerk’s office at marriage@welland.ca.

Who may marry?

Any person who is at least 18 years of age may marry. Any person 16 or 17 years of age may marry with the written consent of their legal guardians. A consent form is available in the City Clerks department. No person under 16 years of age may marry.

What if I was previously married?

If the applicant or joint applicant has been previously married and the marriage was dissolved or annulled in Canada. You must present the original or a court-certified copy of the final certificate of divorce or certificate annulling the marriage to the Clerk’s department.

If the applicant or joint applicant has been previously married and the marriage was dissolved or annulled in Canada. You must present the original or a court-certified copy of the final certificate of divorce or certificate annulling the marriage to the Clerk’s department.

Please submit the document online and bring to your appointment.

What if my former marriage was dissolved or annulled outside of Canada?

The applicant whose former marriage was dissolved or annulled outside of Canada must obtain authorization by submitting the following documents:

1. A completed marriage licence application form signed by both applicants.
2. The original or a court-certified copy of the decree of divorce or annulment (certified by the proper court officer in the jurisdiction the divorce or annulment was granted). If the document is in a language other than English or French, include a translated copy and an affidavit sworn by the translator.
3. A statement of sole responsibility for each divorce signed by both applicants. This form is available in the City Clerks department.
4. A legal opinion of an Ontario lawyer, addressed to both applicants, giving reasons why the divorce or annulment should be recognized in the province of Ontario. A sample legal opinion letter can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar General by calling
   1-807-343-7492 or 1-800-461-2156 toll-free in Ontario. A sample letter will be faxed to your lawyer upon the lawyer’s request.

These documents are to be submitted to:
The Office of the Registrar General
P.O. Box 3000
189 Red River Road
Thunder Bay, Ontario
P7B 5W0

Once you have received the approval letter from The Office of the Registrar General, please submit the document online and bring it to your appointment.