Marriage Licences

You are able to obtain marriage licences at Loyalist Township. A marriage licence is valid in Ontario for a maximum of 90 days from the date it was issued. For more information regarding marriage licences, certificates and regulations within Ontario please visit the Ontario Government’s website.

Marriage Licence Application Process

Complete the online Marriage Licence application form.
Once submitted staff will reach out to set up an appointment.
For your appointment bring all required supporting documents. Only one applicant is required to attend the appointment, however, they must bring both parties’ documents with them. Appointments will take approximately 30 minutes.
Your licence will be issued at your appointment.
The fee is $140. We accept cash, debit or cheque made payable to Loyalist Township.

You appointment will be at the Township office at 263 Main Steet, Odessa.

Age of Consent

Please be advised you must be at least 16 years of age to legally get married in Canada.

If an applicant is under the age of 18 then they must obtain written consent from both parents. Consent forms are available upon request.

If you require further information please contact the Clerk’s Division at clerk@loyalist.ca

Required Supporting Documents

You will need to provide 2 pieces of government-issued identification for each person getting married. One piece of identification for each person getting married must include their photo.
Examples of government-issued identification include:

government-issued birth certificate, including any change of name certificates
valid passport
record of immigrant landing
Canadian Citizenship Card or Certificate
valid driver’s licence
valid Ontario Photo Card

Divorced Applicants

If you were divorced in Canada:

You will need to bring official proof of the divorce with you when you apply for a marriage licence. This can be the original or a court-certified copy of one of three documents:

the final decree
the final judgment
a certificate of divorce

If you were divorced outside of Canada:

If you were divorced outside of Canada, you will need to provide specific documents to prove that you are no longer married. These documents must be validated by the government and may take up to 4 weeks to process.

You will need to send the following documents to Service Ontario:

Marriage Licence Application form: completed and signed
Statement of Sole Responsibility: for each divorce (signed by both people who are planning to get married and a witness)
Legal Opinion Letter: from an Ontario lawyer, addressed to both people who plan to get married, giving reasons why the divorce or annulment should be recognized in Ontario
Divorce Decree or Annulment: a copy in English or French. If the decree is in another language, you will need to include a translated copy and an affidavit sworn by a certified translator

For further information on what is required please visit the Ontario Government's website on Marriage Licence Regulations.

Civil Ceremonies

The Clerk's Division offers civil ceremonies to be booked and performed by the Township Clerk or Deputy Clerk. Ceremonies can be held within Council Chambers or Babcock Mill.

Booking a Civil Ceremony

If you wish to book a civil ceremony please fill out the Civil Ceremony Request form.
Once your form has been completed, the Clerk's Division will confirm the ceremony date and time.
Upon confirmation of your ceremony date, an officiant will schedule a pre-ceremony consultation to go over arrangements for the ceremony day.
Please note that two witnesses will be required and the witnesses must be over the age of 16. If you are not able to provide your own witnesses the Township can provide witnesses at your request. The witness fee is $25 per witness.
All ceremony fees must be paid before the ceremony date.
- Council Chambers - $300
- Babcock Mill - $300 plus the park rental fee found in Schedule 'F' of the Miscellaneous Fees and Charges By-law
- Witness Fee (if applicable) - $25 per witness

All ceremonies are performed within the Ontario Government regulations. An Officiant may refuse to conduct a ceremony if they believe that it would not conform under the Marriage Act.

Physical forms can be picked up at the Township office at 263 Main Steet, Odessa upon request.

Vow Scripts

Script 1

Script 2

Script 3

Ceremony Locations

Council Chambers

Location: 263 Main Street, Odessa

Details: Council Chambers is an indoor ceremony space which will allow for approximately 20 ceremony guests. Some parking is available.

Cost: $300

Availability:

Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., subject to availability.

Conditions: Seating for up to 20 guests. No alcohol is permitted on Municipality property. No rice or confetti throwing is permitted.

Historic Babcock Mill

Location: 100 Bridge Street, Odessa

Details: Babcock Mill is an outdoor ceremony space which will allow for approximately 20 ceremony guests, however, there is no guest seating provided.

Cost: $300 plus the park rental fee found in Schedule "F" of the Miscellaneous Fees and Charges By-law

Availability:

Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., subject to availability.

Conditions: There is no seating available at this location. No alcohol is permitted on Municipal property. No rice or confetti throwing is permitted. All Loyalist Township Facilities Rental Agreement conditions apply. Please also note this location is available seasonally.

Past Civil Ceremonies

Photo Gallery: Civil Ceremonies will appear here on the public site.

Ceremony FAQ's

How many guests can I have attend the ceremony?

Both ceremony locations can accommodate up to 20 guests.

Can I bring decorations?

Decorations such as flowers are permitted but must be removed directly after the ceremony. Please be advised the throwing of rice/confetti will not be permitted.

Can I take photos or videos?

Yes, you are welcome to have your guests or witnesses take photos and videos throughout the ceremony.

Is there seating available for ceremony guests?

There is seating available in Council Chambers however, Babcock Mill has no seating options and guests will have to stand.

Is there an Alcohol Policy?

Consumption of alcoholic beverages on Loyalist Township property is strictly prohibited unless under authority of L.C.B.O. (A.G.C.O.). Failure to follow the Liquor Licence Act, R.S.O. c. L.19 may result in a referral to appropriate authorities, a warning, written notice, suspension of bookings or loss of bookings to the group, or a combination of any of these, as determined appropriate by Township staff.

Marriage Licences & Civil Ceremonies