Marriage Licence:

1. Marriage Licences are issued only to the bride and/or groom. Both parties must complete and sign the Marriage Licence application prior to a licence being issued.
2. When the application has been completed and signed, the bride, groom, or both, may bring the application to City Hall to obtain the licence with identification for both parties.
3. When issuing a Marriage Licence, original proof of identity is required for both applicants (birth certificate or current passport along with government issued photo identification). Photocopies are not acceptable.
4. 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.
5. If you were divorced outside of Canada, you will require a Foreign Divorce Kit. Please ask for this kit from the Clerk's office.
6. If you have been widowed, the original copy of the death certificate of your deceased spouse/partner must be provided for examination.
7. Sixteen and seventeen year olds require the consent from both parents or consent from their guardian. Please request Form 6. (Persons under the age of 16 may not marry)
8. There are no residency, medical, or citizenship requirements.
9. Licence fee: $150.00 (cash or certified cheque or debit) payable to The City of Owen Sound.
10. Hours Licences issued: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. (Open during lunch)
11. 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.
12. The City of Owen Sound is pleased to offer Civil Marriage Ceremonies. For more information, please contact Lee-Anne Kazarian at 519-376-4440 #1268. Civil ceremonies are no longer performed at the court house by the Justice of the Peace.
13. A list of non-denominational officiates is also available from the Clerk's office.
14. Election to Change Surname - You can assume your partner's surname by applying for a marriage certificate after the marriage-it changes your name on all identification except for your birth certificate. The souvenir copy of your marriage licence that you receive after your ceremony is no longer acceptable proof of marriage to change identification. If you choose to legally change your name (all of your identification including birth certificate) a change of name form must be filed with the Office of the Registrar General. If filed within 90 days after the marriage there is no fee.