3697 Schedule "A" - Civil Marriage Package
Town of Tillsonburg
Civil Marriage Package
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Civil Marriage Ceremony
Applicant’s Check List
Review Civil Marriage Ceremony Guidelines (see page 3)
Contact Town Clerk to schedule a pre-ceremony meeting with the officiant
Obtain a valid marriage license in Ontario. For information, contact the Clerk’s office
Complete the Pre-Ceremony Information Questionnaire for review with the officiant
(see page 11)
Complete the Booking Agreement form for a Town of Tillsonburg civil marriage service
(see page 12)
Pay all required fees in accordance with this package (see page 4)
Choose vows for your civil marriage ceremony (see page 7 )
Determine a location for the ceremony
Make arrangements for two witnesses.
If required, please make arrangements for an interpreter for the ceremony (see page 3)
Arrange for any music, videographer, photographer and decorations
Reminder:
It is recommended that you complete an application form for a marriage certificate approximately
three (3) months following the date of marriage. Forms will be included with your marriage
license or can be obtained on-line at http://www.ontario.ca/en/life_events/married/004444
Clerk’s Department Contact Information
Donna Wilson
Town Clerk
519-688-3009 Ext 3224
200 Broadway, 2nd Floor
Tillsonburg, ON N4G 5A7
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Civil Marriage Services Guidelines
1. Civil marriage ceremonies last up to 30 (thirty) minutes, depending on the vows chosen. The service
time booked would be approximately one (1) hour to allow for photo opportunities and use of an
interpreter if required.
2. A request for a civil marriage ceremony must be received a minimum of 14 days prior to the date of
the ceremony. The applicants are required to complete the Civil Marriage Booking Agreement and
pay the appropriate fee at the Town office. As well, applicants must complete a Pre Ceremony
Information Questionnaire and meet with the marriage officiant.
3. Two witnesses are required during the ceremony. Witnesses must be at least 14 years old and
speak English, or have a translator present. If no witnesses are available the Town may supply them
upon request. The cost is $25 per witness if required and this is only available for ceremonies
conducted in Council Chambers.
4. It is the Applicants’ responsibility to provide an interpreter if they do not speak English and/or
require language assistance. The interpreter cannot be one of the witnesses. The interpreter shall be
required to sign a form confirming that he/she has interpreted the wedding ceremony.
5. The officiant has the authority to refuse to perform a marriage ceremony if anyone in the wedding
party (being the bride, groom and witnesses) appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Location
1. Wedding Ceremonies are conducted in the Council Chambers, which is located on the 2nd floor of
200 Broadway, Tillsonburg. Ceremonies are conducted Monday to Friday between 9:30am and
3:30pm. Ceremonies will not be conducted on days that Town Council meets (usually the 2nd and 4th
Monday of each month).
2. Officiants may conduct ceremonies at a different location, and/or outside of regular business hours
upon request. When the ceremony is held outside of business hours an alternative location must be
provided.
3. The Council Chambers will only be made available for a maximum of one hour per ceremony.
4. Music will be permitted at certain times throughout the ceremony, and is to be determined during
the pre-ceremony meeting. When selecting the type of music, consideration should be given to its
appropriateness and contribution to the dignity of the occasion. Music and an audio device must be
supplied if you wish to have music at the ceremony.
5. A maximum of 25 guests (not including the wedding party) can be accommodated in the Council
Chambers should this location be used for a civil marriage ceremony.
6. No candles, confetti, rice, or bubbles are allowed in the Council Chambers or on municipal property.
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7. When using Council Chambers, minimal decorations are permitted (e.g. flowers, balloons). They may
be placed 15 minutes prior to the Ceremony and removed within 15 minutes of the conclusion of
the Ceremony. The use of decorations that are to be affixed to walls or furniture (i.e. tape, staples,
nails, etc.) are not permitted. The Town of Tillsonburg will provide minimal decorations including a
white tablecloth for the signing of the marriage registry.
8. The renter shall be responsible for the conduct and supervision of all persons admitted to Council
Chambers and shall see that all regulations pertaining to the event are strictly followed.
9. The Applicants, as the renters of the Council Chambers for the civil marriage ceremony, hereby
consent to defend and indemnify The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg for any loss or
damages incurred by their invitees. The applicants agree that The Corporation of The Town of
Tillsonburg will not be held responsible for personal injury or damage, nor for the theft or loss of any
personal property of anyone attending on the invitation of the Applicants.
Fees
1. All fees are payable in advance at the time of booking and requires the execution of a Booking
Agreement. A blank booking agreement form is included in this package for your reference.
Payments are to be made by cash or certified cheque.
Council Chambers $250 (+HST)
Other Location $300 (+HST)
Per Witness (Only available in Council Chambers) $25 (+HST)
Marriage License $125 (+HST)
Travel (Outside of Town limits) $0.52/km
2. All fees are subject to change based on revisions to the Town’s Rates and Fees by-law. Please check
with the officiant for the most up-to-date fees.
3. The marriage fee includes a pre-consultation with the officiant, use of Council Chambers, Officiate,
limited decorations and the license sent to the provincial government.
4. The fee for a marriage licence is $125.00. More information regarding the application process for
obtaining a marriage licence in Ontario can be obtained by accessing the Government of Ontario
website, www.ServiceOntario.ca or from the Town Clerk.
5. Changes to date and/or time are permitted at no additional charge, provided the location and
officiants are available and the request is received a minimum of two business days prior to the
originally scheduled date and time. An administration fee of $50.00 will be applied should the
Ceremony be cancelled prior to the scheduled date. No refund will be issued if the Ceremony is
cancelled on the day of the Ceremony, or the Applicant(s) fail to appear for the Ceremony.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What documents are needed for a civil marriage service?
Before meeting with the marriage officiant you should have completed and paid for your Ontario
marriage licence (valid for three (3) months following its date of issue), which you need to show the
officiant. You should have also completed the Pre-Ceremony Information Questionnaire and Booking
Agreement, which are both included in this package.
2. Who may officiate the wedding?
In the Town of Tillsonburg, the Clerk and Deputy Clerk are appointed officiants and may perform
wedding ceremonies.
3. Where will the wedding be located?
The ceremony takes place in Council Chambers, which is located on the 2nd floor of 200 Broadway. The
wedding officiants may go to other locations upon request. Please inquiry with the Town Clerk.
4. Can we get married on Saturday?
Yes. Weddings take place at the Town office from Monday to Friday during business hours. Officiants
may conduct ceremonies outside of regular hours upon request. When the ceremony is held outside of
business hours a location must be provided.
5. Does the Town offer “same day service” for a ceremony?
The Town does not offer same day ceremonies. Requests must be made and an pre-ceremony meeting
must be conducted a minimum of two weeks prior to the ceremony.
6. Do we have to purchase our Ontario License in Tillsonburg to be married in Tillsonburg?
No, an Ontario License may be purchased anywhere in the Province of Ontario to be married anywhere
in the Province.
7. Are witnesses required for a civil marriage ceremony?
Yes, all couples require two witnesses present during the ceremony. Witnesses must be at least 14
years old and speak English, or have a translator present. If no witnesses are available the Town may
supply them upon request. The cost is $25 per witness if required and this is only available for
ceremonies conducted in Council Chambers.
8. May we include readings from the Bible or have a Blessing at our ceremony?
The marriage officiant may not perform any type of religious ceremony in keeping with the spirit of the
Ontario Marriage Act which requires civil ceremonies to be “non-denominational”. The couple may
have someone other than the officiant provide a reading or a blessing.
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9. Who registers our civil marriage?
After the ceremony all parties must sign the Record of Solemnization (to be retained by the couple) and
the Statement of Marriage, both are included on the licence. The marriage officiant will ensure all
documentation is forwarded to the Office of the Registrar General in Thunder Bay within two (2)
business days to register your marriage with the Province of Ontario.
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MARRIAGE CEREMONY
OPTION # 1
PURPOSE
We are gathered at this place for the purpose of joining in the legal state of matrimony (this man and
this woman/these two people), under the authority given and provided by the Government of the
Province of Ontario.
Marriage is not to be entered upon thoughtlessly or irresponsibly but with a due and serious
understanding and appreciation of the ends for which it is contracted.
Therefore if there is any one present who can show just cause why these two persons may not be
lawfully joined together in matrimony they should now declare it or hereafter remain silent.
Officiant to 1st person: Please repeat after me:
REPEAT (Person #1)
I do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I _______________, may not be
joined in matrimony to _______________.
Officiant to 2st person: Please repeat after me:
REPEAT (Person #2)
I do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I _______________, may not be
joined in matrimony to _______________.
DECLARATION OF INTENT AND VOWS
Would you please face each other, join hands and repeat after me.
REPEAT (Person #1)
I call upon these persons here present, to witness that I _______________, do take you
_______________, to be my lawful wedded (husband/wife/spouse/partner).
REPEAT (Person #2)
I call upon these persons here present, to witness that I _______________, do take you
_______________, to be my lawful wedded (husband/wife/spouse/partner).
EXCHANGE OF RINGS
(Make provision for ring bearer)
This ring is a symbol of your marriage and a symbol of your love and life together.
REPEAT (Person #1)
Please place the ring on the third finger of _______________'s left hand saying after me:
This ring I give you in token of the covenant made this day between us.
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REPEAT (Person #2)
Please place the ring on the third finger of _______________'s left hand saying after me:
This ring I give you in token of the covenant made this day between us.
As you wear these rings may you find them reminders of an endless love which may grow more
meaningful with each passing day.
SIGNING OF THE REGISTER
At this time, the wedded parties and their witnesses will sign the Official Marriage Register.
PRONOUNCEMENT
_______________ and _______________ have pledged themselves to each other and have declared this
symbolically by their vows and the exchange of rings.
I _______________, by the virtue of the powers vested in me by the Marriage Act, do hereby pronounce
you _______________ and _______________ to be (husband and wife/married as partners in life).
You may not exchange a kiss as a token of your love.
May you enjoy length of days, fulfillment of hopes and peace and contentment of mind, as you day by
day live and fulfill the terms of this covenant you have made with one another.
May I introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. _______________.
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MARRIAGE CEREMONY
OPTION # 2
PURPOSE
We are gathered at this place for the purpose of joining in the legal state of matrimony (this man and
this woman/these two people), under the authority given and provided by the Government of the
Province of Ontario.
Marriage is not to be entered upon thoughtlessly or irresponsibly but with a due and serious
understanding and appreciation of the ends for which it is contracted.
Therefore if there is any one present who can show just cause why these two persons may not be
lawfully joined together in matrimony they should now declare it or hereafter remain silent.
_______________ and _______________ you have made it known that you want to be joined in
marriage and no one has shown any valid reason why you may not. If either of you know of any lawful
impediment why you should not be married, you are now to declare it.
Officiant to 1st person: Please repeat after me:
REPEAT (Person #1)
I do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I _______________, may not be
joined in matrimony to _______________.
Officiant to 2st person: Please repeat after me:
REPEAT (Person #2)
I do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I _______________, may not be
joined in matrimony to _______________.
Marriage is not a single event but, rather a developing process. Marriage is the faithful union between
two persons, the result of which is the formation of a family unit whose members shall help, support
and enjoy each other in good times and in bad times. It is this relationship these two persons wish to
have declared and celebrate.
If either person is escorted forward, Officiant states:
Who is it that gives this (man/woman/these individuals) in marriage?
Answer: I/we do. (father, mother, children, relatives, etc)
DECLARATION OF INTENT AND VOWS
Would you please face each other, join hands and repeat after me.
REPEAT (Person #1)
I call upon these persons here present, to witness that I _______________, do take you
_______________, to be my lawful wedded (husband/wife/spouse/partner). For better, for worse, for
richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, so long as we both shall live.
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REPEAT (Person #2)
I call upon these persons here present, to witness that I _______________, do take you
_______________, to be my lawful wedded (husband/wife/spouse/partner). For better, for worse, for
richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, so long as we both shall live.
EXCHANGE OF RINGS
(Make provision for ring bearer)
This ring is a symbol of your marriage and a symbol of your love and life together.
REPEAT (Person #1)
Please place the ring on the third finger of _______________'s left hand saying after me:
With this ring, I thee wed. I shall love, honour and cherish thee and this ring is the symbol of my love.
This ring is a symbol of your marriage and a symbol of your love and life together.
REPEAT (Person #2)
Please place the ring on the third finger of _______________'s left hand saying after me:
With this ring, I thee wed. I shall love, honour and cherish thee and this ring is the symbol of my love.
As you wear these rings may you find them reminders of an endless love which may grow more
meaningful with each passing day.
SIGNING OF THE REGISTER
At this time, the wedded parties and their witnesses will sign the Official Marriage Register.
PRONOUNCEMENT
_______________ and _______________ have pledged themselves to each other and have declared this
symbolically by their vows and the exchange of rings.
I _______________, by the virtue of the powers vested in me by the Marriage Act, do hereby pronounce
you _______________ and _______________ to be (husband and wife/married as partners in life).
You may not exchange a kiss as a token of your love.
May you enjoy length of days, fulfillment of hopes and peace and contentment of mind, as you day by
day live and fulfill the terms of this covenant you have made with one another. I wish you happiness
and prosperity and may the vows you made to each other today, sustain you forever.
May I introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. _______________.
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Civil Marriage Services
Pre-Ceremony Information Questionnaire
Applicant Co-Applicant
Last Name: _______________________________ __________________________________
First Name: _______________________________ __________________________________
Address: _______________________________ __________________________________
_______________________________ __________________________________
Phone: _______________________________ __________________________________
Witness #1: _________________________ Witness #2: ________________________________
Marriage License Number: __________________ Date Issued: ___________________________
Note: License valid for three months from date of Issue
Interpreter Required? Y / N Interpreter Contact information: ___________________________
Ceremony Details:
Proposed Date of Marriage: _________________ Proposed Time: ________________________
Proposed Location: _______________________________
Number of Guests: _______________________________
Ceremony Option #: _______________________________
Incorporation of personalized vows? _______________________________
Exchange of Rings: Y / N Exchange of embrace: Y / N
Photographer: Y / N Videographer: Y / N
Will there be decorations or music? _______________________________
(Note: nothing can be affixed to any wall surface)
Additional Comments or Requests:
For Office Use
Policy Review:
Appropriate dress required
No alcohol permitted on Town property
No consumption of alcohol prior to or during the ceremony for the couple and witnesses
No music or flowers will be provided
No religious connotation
No confetti, rice, candles or incense allowed in or outside of Council Chambers
Review Council Chambers
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Civil Marriage Services
Booking Agreement
Applicant and Co-Applicant Information
Applicant's Name Co-Applicant's Name
Date of Ceremony (mm/dd/yyyy):
Time of Ceremony:
Telephone Number:
Email Address:
Address:
1. Date Marriage Licence Issued: __________________ (valid for three months from date of issue)
2. Is the Town Council Chambers being used? Yes ____ or No _____
3. If not using Council Chambers, please identify exact location/address of wedding.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
4. Fee: $ ______________ (+ HST)
Travel: $ ______________
Witnesses: $ ______________ (+ HST)
Marriage License $ ______________ (+ HST)
HST: $ ______________
Total: $ ______________ (includes HST)
The applicants acknowledge that they have read the Town of Tillsonburg Civil Marriage Guidelines as
attached hereto and shall adhere to the requirements established with respect to the provision of civil
marriage services by the Town of Tillsonburg. The applicants also acknowledge that the information
provided on the Pre-Ceremony Information Questionnaire is accurate to the best of their knowledge.
______________________________________ ____________________
Signature of Applicant Date
______________________________________ ____________________
Signature of Co-Applicant Date
For Office Use
Name of Officiant:
Ceremony Date:
Marriage License Number:
Amount Paid: Date Paid:
Signature of Clerk’s Office Representative:
Date: