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London marriage licences and City Hall civil ceremonies
London, Ontario, Canada
Apply online before collecting a London marriage licence. The licence costs $140 and is valid for 90 days anywhere in Ontario.
Key information
Apply online before collecting a London marriage licence. The licence costs $140 and is valid for 90 days anywhere in Ontario. City Hall ceremonies require a separate booking, two witnesses and a valid licence.
On this page
Published licence and ceremony charges
| Item | Fee | Important limit |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage licence | $140 | HST does not apply |
| Civil ceremony | $275 plus HST | Reception costs are additional |
| Staff witness if needed | $25 each | Arrange in advance |
| Cancellation retention | $113 | No refund for no-show or cancellation on ceremony day |
Sources: Marriage and oaths
Key checks at a glance
- Documents and who attends pickup
Upload documents with the online application and book pickup with the confirmation reference.
- Booking and ceremony day
Payment holds the ceremony booking.
- Licence is not the marriage certificate
The licence permits the ceremony; the marriage certificate is ordered afterward through ServiceOntario.
Sources: Marriage and oaths
Documents and who attends pickup
Upload documents with the online application and book pickup with the confirmation reference. If documents meet requirements, one applicant attends with two original valid government IDs, at least one with a photograph. They do not need the joint applicant’s ID at pickup under that approved-upload route.
If no documents are uploaded, both applicants attend with two original valid government IDs each, at least one photo ID. If staff identify a problem with one person’s uploaded documents, that person must attend; if both have problems, both attend. IDs must show legal name and birth date. Middle names must appear on both IDs to be included.
For a Canadian divorce, provide an original or court-certified Certificate of Divorce or Final Decree. A Divorce Order, Judgement or Decree Nisi is not accepted. Foreign divorces need provincial authorization. A deceased spouse requires the listed death evidence. Applicants 16 or 17 need parent/guardian consent and the required adults present for swearing or affirmation.
Sources: Marriage and oaths
Two City Hall ceremony formats
| Option | Space and guest limit | Published availability |
|---|---|---|
| Ceremony only | Second-floor private space; maximum 10 guests including two witnesses | Weekdays 9 a.m.–noon and 2–4 p.m., excluding holidays |
| Ceremony and reception | Twelfth-floor Top of the Hall Café;10 to 50 guests including witnesses | Weekdays 2–5 p.m.; additional insurance and menu fees |
Sources: Marriage and oaths
Booking and ceremony day
Payment holds the ceremony booking. Both partners arrive 15 minutes early with valid photo ID and the Ontario licence. Bring two witnesses, one for each partner. Staff witnesses carry an additional fee and should be arranged beforehand.
Bring an interpreter if English cannot be understood. Sign-language arrangements can be requested through the Clerk’s Office; the city covers that cost under its accessibility standards. A licence from another Ontario municipality is valid for the city ceremony.
Sources: Marriage and oaths
Licence is not the marriage certificate
The licence permits the ceremony; the marriage certificate is ordered afterward through ServiceOntario. The city suggests approximately 8 to 12 weeks after the ceremony for ordering. Keep the provincial order information rather than treating the licence as proof that registration is complete.
Marriage does not require either spouse to change a surname. Keeping a name, assuming the spouse’s name and a legal name change are distinct routes with different documents. Contact marriage@london.ca or 519-661-4530 for licence and city ceremony questions.
Sources: Marriage and oaths
City Hall licence pickup
London City Clerk marriage licence counter
300 Dufferin Avenue, London, Ontario, Canada
Marriage licence pickup is at City Hall’s third-floor Clerk’s Office. Submit the application first and use the reference number to book an appointment; booked visitors receive priority.
Sources: Marriage and oaths
Sources: Marriage and oaths
Questions and answers
How long does the licence last?
90 days from issue and only for use in Ontario.
Source: Marriage and oaths
Is there an Ontario waiting period after issue?
The city says there is no mandatory waiting period.
Source: Marriage and oaths
Must both applicants collect the licence?
It depends on document upload and review. With approved uploads one can attend; without uploads both must attend.
Source: Marriage and oaths
Does a photocopy of ID count at pickup?
No. Bring original valid government ID, including a photo piece.
Source: Marriage and oaths
What Canadian divorce proof is accepted?
An original or court-certified Certificate of Divorce or Final Decree.
Source: Marriage and oaths
Does the $140 licence include a ceremony?
No. A city civil ceremony is separately booked at $275 plusHST.
Source: Marriage and oaths
How many guests can attend ceremony-only?
Up to 10, including the two witnesses.
Source: Marriage and oaths
Do witnesses need to attend?
Yes. Two witnesses must be present; staff witness arrangements have a fee.
Source: Marriage and oaths
Can I use another Ontario city’s licence?
Yes, a valid Province of Ontario marriage licence is accepted.
Source: Marriage and oaths
Does getting married require a surname change?
No. Keeping the current surname is allowed without a name-change step.
Source: Marriage and oaths