Civil Marriage Information PackagePage 1 of 12
Town of Tillsonburg
Civil Marriage Information Package
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Civil Marriage Ceremony Applicant’s Check List
o Review the Civil Marriage Ceremony Guidelines (see page 3).
o Contact the Office of the Clerk to book a civil ceremony.
o Complete the Pre-Ceremony Information Questionnaire (see page 12).
o Obtain a valid Ontario marriage licence.
o Pay all required fees in accordance with this package (see page 4).
Contact Information
Office of the Clerk
clerks@tillsonburg.ca
519.688.3009 ext. 4041
200 Broadway, Suite 204
Tillsonburg, ON N4G 5A7
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Civil Marriage Ceremony Guidelines
1. Civil marriage ceremonies last up to thirty (30) 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 fourteen
(14) days prior to the date of the ceremony. The applicants must complete a Pre-
Ceremony Information Questionnaire and pay the appropriate fees at the Town
office.
3. 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
$30 per witness if required and this is only available for ceremonies conducted in
the 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 or witnesses) appears to be
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Location
1. Wedding ceremonies are conducted in the Council Chambers, which is located at
200 Broadway, second floor, Tillsonburg. Ceremonies are conducted Monday to
Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
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 (1)
hour per ceremony.
4. Music will be permitted at certain times throughout the ceremony and it is to be
determined in advance. When selecting the type of music, consideration should
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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 twenty-five (25) guests (not including the wedding party) can be
accommodated in the Council Chambers should this location be used.
6. No candles, confetti, rice or bubbles are allowed in the Council Chambers or on
municipal property.
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.
Marriage Licence $140
Council Chambers $270 (+HST)
Other Location $325 (+HST)
Per Witness $30 (+HST)
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Travel (Outside of Town limits) – current mileage rate
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 Council Chambers fee includes the use of Council Chambers, Officiate
services and the licence sent to the Provincial Government.
4. The fee for a marriage licence is $140.00. 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 Office of the 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What documents are needed for a civil marriage service?
A completed Pre-Ceremony Information Questionnaire and a valid Ontario
marriage licence (valid for three (3) months following its’ date of issue).
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 at 200
Broadway, second floor, Tillsonburg. The wedding Officiants may go to other
locations upon request. Please inquiry with the Office of the 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.
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5. Does the Town offer “same day service” for a ceremony?
The Town does not offer same day ceremonies. A request for a civil marriage
ceremony must be received a minimum of fourteen (14) days prior to the date of
the ceremony.
6. Do we have to purchase our Ontario Licence in Tillsonburg to be married in
Tillsonburg?
No, an Ontario Licence 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 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 $30 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.
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 Officiant will mail the Statement of Marriage to the Office of the
Registrar General in Thunder Bay to be registered with the Province of Ontario. It
is recommended that you apply for the Certified Copy of Statement of Marriage
(Long form) twelve (12) weeks after the date of your marriage. You can apply for
the Certified Copy of Statement of Marriage (Long form) online at
serviceontario.ca This document will be required to change names on any
government issued ID and it will be needed later in life for death benefits.
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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:
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)
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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.
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
W ould 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.
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Pre-Ceremony Information Questionnaire
Applicant
Full name:
Mailing address:
Phone number:
Co-Applicant
Full name:
Mailing address:
Phone number:
Witness #1 Full Name: ___________________________
Witness#2 Full Name: ____________________________
Ceremony Details
Proposed date of marriage:
Proposed time:
Proposed location address:
Number of guests:
Ceremony Option # _____
Please check if any of the following will be applicable:
Incorporation of Personalized Vows
Exchange of Rings
Exchange of Embrace (kiss)
Interpreter – If required, please include contact information_________________