Wedding officiant performing intimate elopement ceremony in Ottawa

How to Get Married in Ottawa: A Simple Guide for Couples (2026)

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.