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Marriage licence documents and City Clerk visits in St. Catharines, Ontario
St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
St. Catharines issues marriage licences without an appointment, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Complete the online application, print it, and obtain both applicants’ original signatures before visiting the Clerk.
Key information
St. Catharines issues marriage licences without an appointment, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Complete the online application, print it, and obtain both applicants’ original signatures before visiting the Clerk.
On this page
Prepare the application and originals at a glance
- Complete the Marriage Licence Application online, then print the emailed attachment
Complete the Marriage Licence Application online, then print the emailed attachment. Both applicants sign and date in ink; no scanned or photocopied signatures. A paper form is available at the Clerk’s office if online use is unavailable.
- Bring two original government IDs for each applicant and any required
Bring two original government IDs for each applicant and any required divorce certificate or foreign-divorce authorization. At least one applicant must attend with the originals for both.
- Pay $160 by debit, credit or cash
Pay $160 by debit, credit or cash. Staff cannot process an application after 4 p.m. The licence is valid anywhere in Ontario for up to three months.
Sources: Marriage licence appointments
Prepare the application and originals
- Complete the Marriage Licence Application online, then print the emailed attachment. Both applicants sign and date in ink; no scanned or photocopied signatures. A paper form is available at the Clerk’s office if online use is unavailable.
- Bring two original government IDs for each applicant and any required divorce certificate or foreign-divorce authorization. At least one applicant must attend with the originals for both.
- Pay $160 by debit, credit or cash. Staff cannot process an application after 4 p.m. The licence is valid anywhere in Ontario for up to three months.
Sources: Marriage licence appointments
Identification requirements
| Item | City requirement |
|---|---|
| First ID | Original birth certificate, valid passport or Nexus card |
| Second ID examples | Birth certificate, citizenship/immigration record, driver licence, Ontario Photo Card or Status Card |
| Names/signatures | Original signed application; original IDs |
| Previous Canadian divorce | Certificate of Divorce or Decree Absolute |
| Divorce Order alone | Not final paperwork; not accepted |
Sources: Marriage licence appointments
Foreign divorces, language and minors
A foreign divorce needs provincial validation before collection. The source lists a signed application, sole-responsibility statements, a legal opinion from an Ontario lawyer and original divorce or annulment documents with translation if needed. The province can take up to four weeks and sends an approval letter valid for three months.
Applicants must certify information under oath. Bring an interpreter if needed. Minor applicants require the parental-consent process and identification; confirm the applicable documents with the Clerk before attending.
A licence is separate from a marriage certificate after the ceremony. The source links certificate applications to ServiceOntario.
Sources: Marriage licence appointments
Questions and answers
Do I need a licence appointment?
No. The city explicitly says appointments are not required.
Source: Marriage licence appointments
What are the licence counter hours?
Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; applications cannot be processed after 4 p.m.
Source: Marriage licence appointments
Can I use a scanned signature on the form?
No. Both signatures must be original.
Source: Marriage licence appointments
Must both applicants attend the counter?
At least one attends, bringing original ID for both.
Source: Marriage licence appointments
Is any photo ID sufficient as the first document?
The first piece must be a birth certificate, valid passport or Nexus card under this city’s list.
Source: Marriage licence appointments
Is a Canadian Divorce Order enough?
No. Bring the final Certificate of Divorce or Decree Absolute.
Source: Marriage licence appointments
How long can provincial foreign-divorce validation take?
Up to four weeks, according to the city guidance.
Source: Marriage licence appointments
How long is the licence valid?
Up to three months after issue, anywhere in Ontario.
Source: Marriage licence appointments
Where is a marriage certificate obtained?
Through the separate ServiceOntario certificate application after the marriage.
Source: Marriage licence appointments
Sources: Marriage licence appointments