Marriage Licence vs. Marriage Certificate in Ontario: How to Order Your Certificate After the Wedding

You’ve said “I do,” the cake is gone, and the thank-you cards are (mostly) written. Then someone at the bank asks for your marriage certificate, and you realize you’re not sure whether you have one.

You’re not alone. The marriage licence and the marriage certificate are two of the most commonly mixed-up documents in wedding planning. Happily, the difference is simple, and ordering your certificate takes only a few minutes once your marriage is registered.

Here’s what each document does, what happens after the ceremony, and how to get your certificate in hand.

Marriage licence vs. marriage certificate: the short answer

Think of it this way: the licence gets you married, and the certificate proves you’re married.

• Marriage licence: You get this before the wedding. It gives you permission to marry, and it’s signed on the day. Need one? Our guide on how to get a marriage licence in Ontario, quickly walks you through it.
• Marriage certificate: You order this after the wedding, once your marriage is registered with the province. It shows the key details of your marriage, including the date, the place and your names. This is the document you’ll use as proof of marriage.

There’s a third piece of paper that causes confusion, too. On your wedding day, you may receive a record of solemnization of marriage. It’s a lovely keepsake of the day, but it is not the same as a marriage certificate.

What happens to the paperwork after your ceremony

Once the ceremony is over and the signatures are dry, your officiant takes it from there. The officiant sends your completed marriage licence to ServiceOntario so your marriage can be registered.

You don’t need to do anything at this stage. But this step matters, because you can only receive a marriage certificate once your marriage has been registered. It’s also why your officiant should be someone you trust with the details. Getting the paperwork right is a big part of what we do at Merry Fairy, and we’ll explain exactly what comes next before we say goodbye.

Certificate or certified copy: which one do you need?

ServiceOntario offers two main documents, and the names are confusingly close.

• Marriage certificate: Shows the details of your marriage. It’s the right choice for most couples and most everyday situations.
• Certified copy of the marriage registration: A copy of the registration itself, which only the married couple can request unless a court order allows otherwise. It’s sometimes requested for specific legal or immigration purposes.

If you’re ordering for a particular reason, ask the organization which document it accepts before you pay. That one question can save you weeks of waiting.

How to order your marriage certificate in Ontario

You have three ways to order. Online is the easiest for most couples.

Before you start

Have these details ready:

• The full names of both spouses
• Both dates of birth
• The date of your marriage
• The city or town where the marriage took place

Option 1: Online

Apply through the ServiceOntario website. Regular online service costs $15 for a certificate and $22 for a certified copy. It takes about 15 business days, plus Canada Post delivery.

In a hurry? Premium online service costs $45 for a certificate or $52 for a certified copy, and takes five business days, including courier delivery.

Option 2: In person

Good news for local couples: Ottawa has a ServiceOntario centre that handles these requests, at 110 Laurier Avenue West. Bring your completed Request for Marriage Certificate application form.

Option 3: By mail

Send your completed application to ServiceOntario in Thunder Bay. Allow six to eight weeks.

How long does it take?

This is the question we hear most, and the answer has two parts. Your marriage must be registered first, and the province notes that applications can take up to eight weeks after registration. Then the processing time for your chosen service applies.

Our advice is to be patient, and to avoid booking anything that depends on your certificate right after the wedding. That includes plans to change your passport before a trip. For anything truly urgent, ServiceOntario has an urgent request process, which requires proof of urgency.

What can you do with your certificate?

Your marriage certificate is what you’ll use for life’s less romantic admin, such as:

• Updating your ID if you’re changing your last name
• Proving your marriage for benefits or insurance
• Supporting legal, financial or immigration applications

If you’re planning to take your spouse’s last name, you can use your marriage certificate to update your identification. The Ontario government notes that assuming your spouse’s name is free, takes less time than a legal name change, and leaves your birth registration unchanged. A legal name change is a separate process through the Office of the Registrar General.

What if there’s a mistake or you lose it?

It happens. If your certificate is lost, stolen or damaged, you can order a replacement online. If you spot an error, you can ask the Office of the Registrar General for a registration amendment form.

Check your certificate carefully when it arrives. Names and dates are much easier to fix sooner rather than later.

Frequently asked questions

Is my marriage licence proof that I’m married?

No. The licence gives you permission to marry. Your marriage certificate is your proof.

Can I order my certificate before the wedding?

You need to be married first, and you can only receive the certificate after your marriage is registered.

Who can order a marriage certificate in Ontario?

The married couple, their children, either spouse’s parents, or an authorized representative with proof of authorization.

We got married in Quebec. Does this apply to us?

No. This guide covers Ontario only, as Quebec has its own process. We’re licensed in both provinces, so feel free to ask.