Civil Marriage Ceremonies

The City of St. Catharines is pleased to offer Civil Marriage Ceremonies. You don't have to live in St. Catharines or even Ontario to have a civil marriage performed by the City. All you need is an Ontario marriage licence, which you can get from the Office of the City Clerk inside St. Catharines City Hall.

Three easy steps to getting married at City Hall 

1. Make sure you have a marriage licence. Licences are available at City Hall (third floor - Office of the City Clerk), Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Marriage licences cost $150.
2. Contact the Office of the City Clerk to arrange a date for your civil marriage ceremony. Call 905.688.5601 ext. 1517 or email tietheknot@stcatharines.ca. Civil marriage ceremonies performed at City Hall during business hours cost $300 (including HST).  After hour/off site ceremonies cost $325 (including HST). 

Frequently Asked Questions

When can a civil marriage ceremony be performed?
Civil ceremonies are performed Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. inside Council Chambers at City Hall. Ceremonies are performed by appointment only; however, special arrangements may be made with individual designates outside of our regular hours. Speak with a representative in the Office of the City Clerk for more information.

Can guests attend the ceremony?
Your friends and family are welcome to attend. Council Chambers can seat up to 65 guests and City Hall is fully accessible.

Can we bring in our own flowers and decor?
Yes, you're able to bring in flowers and other items to make your day special; however, all items brought into Council Chambers must be approved by the designate and must be removed after the ceremony.

Are we allowed to take photos and videos?
Yes, pictures and videos may be taken throughout the ceremony provided they do not disrupt the ceremony.

What is the cost of a civil marriage ceremony?
The fee for a ceremony performed at City Hall during business hours is $300 (including HST).  Ceremonies performed after hours / off site cost $325 (including HST).  The cost of the ceremony does not include the Marriage Licence. A separate fee of $150 will be charged for the Marriage Licence. There is a fee of $25 per witness if witnesses need to be provided.  A cancellation fee of $50 is applicable.

How do I obtain a marriage licence?
Marriage licences can be obtained Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at City Hall in the Office of the City Clerk. The licence is effective immediately and is valid for a period of three (3) months anywhere in Ontario from the date of the issuance.

How much advance notice is required for a ceremony?
Civil Marriage Ceremonies are performed by appointment only. We will try our best to accommodate last minute requests but we recommend booking your civil ceremony at least two weeks in advance.

What do we have to do in advance of the ceremony?
Both partners must attend a meeting with the Municipal Clerk / Designate approximately one week prior to the ceremony to finalize details. A valid marriage licence is required at the time of the meeting.

Can I get married at St. Catharines City Hall even if I don't live in St. Catharines?
Yes. All you require is a valid Ontario marriage licence.

Can the Clerk perform a civil marriage ceremony at a location other than City Hall?
Yes. The City Clerk or Designate will make every attempt to accommodate your plans. Contact the Office of the City Clerk for more information.

It's your day. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Please call 905.688.5601 ext. 1517 or email tietheknot@stcatharines.ca.

The Municipal Clerk / Designate is authorized to perform Civil Marriage Ceremonies at the City of St. Catharines under the authority of Subsection 24(1) of the Marriage Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.M.2, R.R.0 1990, Reg. 738.