Civil Ceremony Information Package and Booking FormPage 1 of 12
Town of Tillsonburg
Civil Ceremony Information
Package and Booking Form
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Civil Ceremony Guidelines
1. Civil marriage ceremonies are conducted by the Clerk, or an authorized deputy.
2. Civil ceremony services are offered Tuesday to Friday, from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM,
holidays excluded. Requests for civil marriage ceremonies to be held on a
Saturday, Sunday, or Monday are approved at the discretion of the Officiant.
3. The cost of a civil marriage ceremony in the Town of Tillsonburg is $294.00 plus
applicable taxes, payable by cash or debit. If the civil ceremony is at an alternate
location the cost is $354.00 plus applicable taxes, payable by cash or debit.
Ceremonies held at an alternate location outside of the Town of Tillsonburg are
subject to a mileage charge per the current Town of Tillsonburg Rates and Fees
By-Law. Payment can be made on the day of the ceremony provided it is
scheduled during the Town of Tillsonburg Customer Service Centre’s regular
hours of operation and is held in a Town of Tillsonburg ceremony space.
Ceremonies scheduled outside of regular hours of operation and/or in an
alternate location must be paid for in advance of the ceremony.
4. Related fees are as follows. Payments are to be made by cash or debit.
Marriage Licence $153
Town $294 (+HST)
Other Location $354 (+HST)
Per Witness $33 (+HST)
Travel (Outside of Town limits) – current mileage rate
5. All fees are subject to change based on revisions to the Town of Tillsonburg’s
Rates and Fees By-Law. Please confirm all fees with the Officiant before booking
your civil ceremony.
6. Two witnesses are required during the ceremony. Witnesses must be at least
eighteen (18) 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
$33 per witness plus applicable taxes if required and this is only available for
ceremonies held in a Town of Tillsonburg ceremony space.
7. It is the applicants’ responsibility to provide a translator if either Applicant does
not understand English. The translator must not be related to the Applicants and
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must be willing to present photo identification and sign an affidavit that they will
translate the civil ceremony correctly and as per requirements.
8. Applicants must have a valid Ontario Marriage Licence. A marriage licence can
be obtained from the Town of Tillsonburg at a cost of $153.00 (taxes included) or
from another issuing municipality.
9. Alcohol or stimulants are not to be used by the Applicants or their witnesses prior
to the ceremony. If the Officiant believes that either of the Applicants and/or
Witnesses are intoxicated, the Officiant has the authority to refuse to perform the
civil ceremony.
10. Civil marriage ceremonies take approximately between 5 and 20 minutes to
conduct depending on the vows selected. Plan to arrive approximately 10
minutes prior to the scheduled ceremony time to allow time to review any final
details. Please also be mindful to tell any guests that the ceremony must start on
time.
11. The Officiant is responsible for conducting the civil ceremony only and is not
responsible for other related activities (i.e. photography, decorating, wedding
planning, etc.).
12. When using a Town of Tillsonburg ceremony space, minimal decorations are
permitted. The use of decorations that are affixed to the walls, ceiling or furniture
are not permitted. Candles, confetti, rice, or bubbles are not permitted.
Decorations may be placed in the ceremony space 15 minutes before the
ceremony is scheduled to begin and must be removed within 15 minutes of the
conclusion of the ceremony.
13. Music is permitted at certain times throughout the ceremony and it is to be
determined in advance of the ceremony. When selecting the type of music,
consideration should be given to its appropriateness and contribution to the
dignity of the occasion. It is the responsibility of the Applicants to supply the
music and audio playback device for the ceremony.
14. The renter shall be responsible for the conduct and supervision of all persons
admitted to the ceremony space and shall see that all regulations pertaining to
the event are strictly followed.
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15. The Applicants, as the renters of the ceremony space, 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.
16. Changes to the date and/or time of a civil ceremony are permitted at no
additional charge provided the location and the Officiant is available, and the
request is received a minimum of five (5) 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 if the Applicant(s) fail
to appear for the ceremony.
To schedule your civil ceremony, please contact us at:
Clerks Office
clerks@tillsonburg.ca
519-688-3009 ext. 4041
10 Lisgar Avenue,
Tillsonburg, ON N4G 5A5
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Civil Ceremony Booking Form
The Applicants acknowledge that they have read the Town of Tillsonburg Civil
Ceremony 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 here is true
and accurate to the best of their knowledge. Personal information on this form is
collected under the authority of the Marriage Act R.S.O. 1990, as amended, and will be
used for the sole purpose of booking a Marriage Commissioner and making the
necessary preparations for the civil marriage ceremony. Questions regarding this
collection should be forwarded to the Clerk of the Town of Tillsonburg.
Ceremony Details
Date of marriage:
Time:
Location:
Applicants
Applicant Name:
Applicant Signature:
Phone:
Email:
Joint Applicant Name:
Joint Applicant Signature:
Phone:
Email:
Witnesses
Witness #1 Name:
Address:
Witness#2 Name:
Address:
Witnesses to be provided by the Town of Tillsonburg? Yes/No
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Office Use Only
Marriage Licence $153
Town $294 (+HST)
Other Location $354 (+HST)
Per Witness $33 (+HST)
Travel (Outside of Town limits) – current mileage rate
Total Due:
Paid:
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Civil Ceremony Options
The only legally required elements for a marriage ceremony script are outlined in
Section 24(3) of the Marriage Act. In that section it states that during some part of the
ceremony, in the presence of witnesses and the Officiant solemnizing the marriage,
a. Each of the parties to be wed shall declare “I do solemnly declare that I do not
know of any lawful impediment why I (name of Person), may not be joined in
matrimony to (name of other Person)”; and,
b. Each of the parties to be wed shall say to the other “I call upon those persons
present to witness that I, (name of Person) do take you, (name of other Person)
to be my lawful wedded (husband/wife/spouse/partner)”; and,
c. After the declarations and statements required have been made, the Officiant
solemnizing the marriage shall say “I, (name of Officiant), by virtue of the powers
vested in me by the Marriage Act, do hereby pronounce you (name of Person)
and (name of other Person) to be married.” No other ceremony is required if you
and your partner prefer a basic legal ceremony; however, we have provided the
basic outline of a civil ceremony script in this package, along with options for
customizing it to suit your personality and needs as a couple. Please feel free to
discuss your preferences with your Officiant.
Ceremony Option #1
PURPOSE
Would you please face each other and join hands.
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 [NAME], may
not be joined in matrimony to [NAME].*
Officiant to 2st person: Please repeat after me:
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REPEAT (Person #2)
I do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I [NAME], may
not be joined in matrimony to [NAME].*
DECLARATION OF INTENT AND VOWS
REPEAT (Person #1)
I call upon these persons here present, to witness that I [NAME], do take you [NAME],
to be my lawful wedded (husband/wife/spouse/partner). *
REPEAT (Person #2)
I call upon these persons here present, to witness that I [NAME], do take you [NAME],
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 [NAME]'s left hand saying after me: This ring
I give you in token of the covenant made this day between us.
REPEAT (Person #2)
Please place the ring on the third finger of [NAME]'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.
PRONOUNCEMENT
[NAME] and [NAME] have pledged themselves to each other and have declared this
symbolically by their vows and the exchange of rings.
I [OFFICIANT NAME], by the virtue of the powers vested in me by the Marriage Act, do
hereby pronounce you [NAME] and [NAME] to be (husband and wife/married as
partners in life). *
You may now exchange a kiss as a token of your love.
SIGNING OF THE REGISTER
At this time, the wedded parties and their witnesses will sign the Official Marriage
Register.
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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 _______.
* These lines must be spoken by officiant.
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Ceremony Option # 2
PURPOSE
Would you please face each other and join hands.
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.
[NAME] and [NAME] 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 [NAME], may
not be joined in matrimony to [NAME].*
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 [NAME], may
not be joined in matrimony to [NAME].*
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
REPEAT (Person #1)
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I call upon these persons here present, to witness that I [NAME], do take you [NAME],
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.
REPEAT (Person #2)
I call upon these persons here present, to witness that I [NAME], do take you [NAME],
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 [NAME]'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 [NAME]'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.
PRONOUNCEMENT
[NAME] and [NAME] have pledged themselves to each other and have declared this
symbolically by their vows and the exchange of rings.
I [OFFICIANT NAME], by the virtue of the powers vested in me by the Marriage Act, do
hereby pronounce you [NAME] and [NAME] to be (husband and wife/married as
partners in life). *
You may now exchange a kiss as a token of your love.
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SIGNING OF THE REGISTER
At this time, the wedded parties and their witnesses will sign the Official Marriage
Register.
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 _____.
* These lines must be spoken by officiant.