How to Get Married in Ottawa: A Simple Guide for Couples

Wedding officiant performing intimate elopement ceremony in Ottawa

Planning to Get Married in Ottawa? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement, a pop-up wedding, or a full celebration with family and friends, getting married in Ottawa is surprisingly simple once you understand the steps.

As a bilingual Ottawa wedding officiant team, we help hundreds of couples each year navigate both the legal requirements and the ceremony experience — so this guide walks you through exactly what to expect.

Step 1: Obtain Your Ontario Marriage Licence

Before your wedding day, you’ll need an Ontario marriage licence.

Key things to know:

  • You can obtain your licence from any Ontario municipality

  • The licence is valid for 90 days

  • Both partners must attend together (or submit completed paperwork)

  • Identification is required

Many couples travelling from Montreal or elsewhere choose nearby municipalities such as Rockland or Ottawa City Hall for convenience.

👉 Tip: Book an appointment in advance whenever possible.

Step 2: Choose a Wedding Officiant

In Ontario, your marriage must be performed by a registered officiant authorized under the Marriage Act.

An officiant will:

  • perform the ceremony

  • ensure all legal wording is included

  • register your marriage with the province

  • guide you through signing documents properly

At Merry Fairy Weddings, we specialize in:

  • elopements

  • bilingual ceremonies

  • pop-up weddings

  • personalized ceremonies that feel natural and relaxed

Our goal is simple: make getting married feel joyful, easy, and meaningful.

Step 3: Select Your Ceremony Style

Ottawa offers incredible flexibility for weddings of all sizes.

Popular ceremony options include:

✨ Elopements

Perfect for couples who want an intimate experience focused entirely on the two of you.

🌿 Outdoor Ceremonies

Some favourite Ottawa locations include:

  • Experimental Farm Ornamental Gardens

  • Major’s Hill Park

  • Rockcliffe Park

  • Private venues and breweries

💍 Friend-Led Ceremonies

In Ontario, friends cannot legally marry you — but they can lead the ceremony while an officiant completes the legal signing afterward. Many couples love this hybrid option.

Step 4: Witness Requirements

Ontario requires two witnesses to sign your marriage licence.

If you are eloping or travelling, witnesses can often be arranged — meaning you don’t need to worry about logistics.

Step 5: Signing & Registering Your Marriage

After the ceremony:

  1. The licence is signed

  2. Your officiant registers the marriage with the province

  3. You may later apply for your official marriage certificate

The legal side is handled for you — allowing you to focus on celebrating.

Why Couples Choose Ottawa for Their Wedding

Ottawa has quietly become one of Canada’s best cities for intimate weddings because it offers:

  • stunning outdoor spaces

  • accessible urban locations

  • bilingual services

  • beautiful seasonal scenery year-round

  • flexibility for non-traditional celebrations

Whether you’re local or travelling from Montreal, Toronto, or abroad, Ottawa makes getting married wonderfully uncomplicated.

Our Approach at Merry Fairy Weddings

We believe ceremonies should feel:

  • warm

  • relaxed

  • personal

  • authentic to who you are as a couple

No awkward performances.
No pressure.
Just a meaningful moment that reflects your story.

We guide couples through every step — from planning to paperwork — so you can arrive on your wedding day feeling completely at ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we get married the same day we get our licence?
Yes — once you have your licence, you may marry immediately.

Can we have a bilingual ceremony?
Absolutely. We regularly perform seamless English-French ceremonies.

How long is the ceremony?
Most intimate ceremonies range between 10–20 minutes depending on personalization.

Do you provide witnesses?
Yes, witnesses can often be arranged if needed.

Ready to Get Married?

If you’re dreaming of an intimate Ottawa wedding or elopement, we would love to help you create a ceremony that feels effortless and unforgettable.

👉 Contact Merry Fairy Weddings to check availability and start planning your ceremony.