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Marriage licence applications and City Hall ceremonies in Pickering, Ontario
Pickering, Ontario, Canada
Apply for a Pickering marriage licence at the Clerk’s Office with signed forms and original identification for both people.
Key information
Apply for a Pickering marriage licence at the Clerk’s Office with signed forms and original identification for both people. A civil-ceremony booking is a separate service and fee.
On this page
How the service works
Separate three documents in your plan: the application asks for a licence, the licence permits the ceremony during its validity, and the marriage certificate is ordered through the provincial registrar after registration. Pickering does not issue the final marriage certificate.
The source’s identification section has an inconsistent heading: it calls the first item photo ID but also lists a birth certificate. Do not rely on that heading to treat a non-photo document as photo identification. Confirm the intended original documents with the Clerk, especially when names differ, a previous marriage ended, or translation is needed.
Sources: Marriage licence applications and City Hall ceremonies in Pickering, Ontario official information
Compare the options
| Task | Published charge | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage licence | $160 | Signed Form 3; two original IDs per person; any prior-marriage documents |
| Civil ceremony | $400 plus HST | Booking agreement; valid licence; witnesses; required pre-meeting |
| Marriage certificate | Provincial service | Order through the Office of the Registrar General, not City Hall |
Sources: Marriage licence applications and City Hall ceremonies in Pickering, Ontario official information
Steps to use the service
- Confirm documents
Ask the Clerk about identity, name, age or prior-marriage complications.
- Obtain the licence
Bring the original signed application and originals for both people during the processing window.
- Arrange the ceremony separately
Choose an available city ceremony or another authorized ceremony route within licence validity.
Sources: Marriage licence applications and City Hall ceremonies in Pickering, Ontario official information
Eligibility and local rules
What is the marriage licence fee and counter window?
The city posts a $160 licence fee, payable by debit, Visa or Mastercard. The Clerk’s Office processes applications Monday to Friday,8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Source: Marriage licence applications and City Hall ceremonies in Pickering, Ontario official information
Must both people attend the licence counter?
Both must complete and sign Ontario Form 3, but only one must attend if they bring original identification for both. Digital signatures are not accepted.
Source: Marriage licence applications and City Hall ceremonies in Pickering, Ontario official information
How much identification is needed?
Two original government-issued identity documents per person are required, including photo identification with the current legal name, date of birth and signature. First and last names must match. Ask the Clerk to confirm the exact pair before travelling.
Source: Marriage licence applications and City Hall ceremonies in Pickering, Ontario official information
Using the service
Can my middle name be included?
It must appear on at least one identity document for the middle name to be included on the licence. The city copies the originals for the application record.
Source: Marriage licence applications and City Hall ceremonies in Pickering, Ontario official information
What happens if an applicant is under 18?
The city says ages 16 or 17 require parental consent and directs applicants to contact staff. Do not use the ordinary adult application checklist without asking about the additional requirements.
Source: Marriage licence applications and City Hall ceremonies in Pickering, Ontario official information
What if a previous divorce was granted in Canada?
The city requires an original or court-certified Certificate of Divorce or Decree Absolute. A Divorce Judgment or Divorce Order is not accepted in place of those documents. Originals are returned after copying.
Source: Marriage licence applications and City Hall ceremonies in Pickering, Ontario official information
What if a divorce was granted outside Canada?
A Foreign Divorce Authorization from ServiceOntario is required before the city can issue the licence. Follow the provincial process and ask the Clerk about the documents; the city page links the provincial instructions.
Source: Marriage licence applications and City Hall ceremonies in Pickering, Ontario official information
Exceptions and help
Where and how long can the ordinary licence be used?
The city states it can be used anywhere in Ontario for three months from issue. There is no city residency or citizenship requirement. A licence is not a post-ceremony marriage certificate.
Source: Marriage licence applications and City Hall ceremonies in Pickering, Ontario official information
What does a City Hall civil ceremony cost and include?
The posted ceremony fee is $400 plus HST, paid in person without cash. It includes a mandatory pre-ceremony meeting a week before the ceremony and 45 minutes’ use of the chosen space; the service itself takes about 20 minutes.
Source: Marriage licence applications and City Hall ceremonies in Pickering, Ontario official information
How do I book the city ceremony and plan attendance?
Book in person with the Ceremony Booking Agreement and a valid licence. The published weekday slots are 11 a.m. or 3 p.m., subject to availability. The limit is 55 people including the couple, two witnesses, officiant and 50 guests. An interpreter is supplied by the applicants and cannot also be a witness.
Source: Marriage licence applications and City Hall ceremonies in Pickering, Ontario official information
Local service locations
Pickering Clerk’s Office
One The Esplanade, Pickering, Ontario
Processes marriage-licence applications and in-person city civil-ceremony bookings. Ceremonies use Council Chambers or the outdoor gazebo when available.
- Licence processing
- Monday to Friday,8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
- Published city ceremony slots
- Weekdays 11 a.m. or 3 p.m., subject to availability
Sources: Pickering marriage services
Google Maps uses the named destination and recorded address. The map is not proof of an accessible entrance, current opening or available service.
Sources: Marriage licence applications and City Hall ceremonies in Pickering, Ontario official information
Official contacts and forms
Sources: Marriage licence applications and City Hall ceremonies in Pickering, Ontario official information