To get married in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, you will need to obtain a marriage license. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do that:
1. Contact the City Clerk’s office: Start by calling the City Clerk’s office at 705-759-5388 or emailing [email protected] to make an appointment. The City Clerk’s office is responsible for issuing marriage licenses in Sault Ste. Marie.
2. Schedule an appointment: It is essential to make an appointment to apply for a marriage license. The City Clerk’s office will provide you with available dates and times for your appointment. Ensure that the appointment is convenient for both you and your partner.
3. Gather required documents: Before your appointment, gather all the necessary documents to apply for a marriage license. These documents typically include:
– Identification: Each person getting married will need to provide valid identification, such as a passport, driver’s license, or birth certificate.
– Proof of age: If you are 18 years or older, you will need to provide proof of age. This can be a birth certificate or passport. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you will also need parental consent.
– Proof of divorce or death: If you or your partner have been previously married, bring the original or court-certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate.
– Application form: You will need to complete an application form, which you can obtain at the City Clerk’s office or sometimes download from their website.
4. Attend the appointment: Show up for your appointment at the City Clerk’s office on the scheduled date and time. Bring all the required documents mentioned above. The City Clerk’s office will review your application and documents, and if everything is in order, they will issue you a marriage license.
5. Pay the fee: There is usually a fee associated with obtaining a marriage license. Contact the City Clerk’s office to inquire about the current fee and payment methods accepted.
6. Marriage license validity: It’s important to note that marriage licenses in Ontario are only valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Ensure that your marriage ceremony will take place within this timeframe.
7. Find an authorized officiant: Once you have your marriage license, you need to find an authorized officiant to perform the marriage ceremony. This can be a religious or civil officiant, such as a priest, minister, judge, or justice of the peace. They will guide you through the process of planning and conducting the ceremony.
8. Plan your wedding ceremony: Work with your chosen officiant to plan your wedding ceremony. Discuss the date, time, and location of the ceremony, as well as any specific vows or rituals you may wish to include.
9. Get married: On the day of your wedding, bring your marriage license to the ceremony. The officiant will sign the license, along with two witnesses over the age of 18. After the ceremony, the officiant will submit the signed license to the City Clerk’s office to be officially registered.
Remember, this guide provides a general overview of the process to get married in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. It is always recommended to contact the City Clerk’s office directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding marriage licenses and requirements.