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Marriage licence documents and application in Hamilton, Ontario
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Hamilton marriage licence applications are walk-in at Municipal Service Centres. Bring the printed form with both original signatures, two original IDs for each person and the $178 fee.
Key information
Hamilton marriage licence applications are walk-in at Municipal Service Centres. Bring the printed form with both original signatures, two original IDs for each person and the $178 fee.
On this page
Timing and attendance
Ontario marriage licences must be obtained before the ceremony and are valid for 90 days. Apply within three months of the intended wedding. Hamilton uses walk-in service rather than appointments and asks applicants to arrive at least 30 minutes before the stated 4:30 pm closing.
One applicant may attend with the original form signed by both and original documents for the absent partner. There is no Ontario residency or citizenship requirement. Bring an interpreter if you cannot understand or read English.
Sources: City of Hamilton: Marriage licence documents and application
Identity and age
Each applicant needs two current original government IDs showing matching legal names and dates of birth. At least one needs a photo and signature. To include middle names, those names must appear on both IDs.
Health cards, SIN cards, scans and photocopies are not accepted. Non-English identification needs a certified written translation. Applicants aged 16 or 17 need the signed parent or guardian consent form; those 18 and older use the ordinary route.
Sources: City of Hamilton: Marriage licence documents and application
Previous marriage documents
A Canadian divorce requires an original Certificate of Divorce, Decree Absolute or court-certified true copy, properly stamped or sealed. A Divorce Order, judgment, Decree Nisi or ordinary photocopy is not accepted.
A divorce outside Canada needs Registrar General authorization before licence issue, with specified documents and an Ontario lawyer’s opinion. Widowed applicants do not need to show a death certificate under the City guidance.
Sources: City of Hamilton: Marriage licence documents and application
Payment and service contact
The listed licence fee is $178 with no HST, payable by cash, money order, debit or credit card. The City marriage page lists 905-546-4408 for questions. A licence is separate from a wedding ceremony or later marriage certificate.
Sources: City of Hamilton: Marriage licence documents and application
Quick reference
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Fee | $178; no HST |
| Validity | 90 days |
| Attendance | Walk-in; arrive at least 30 minutes before closing |
| ID | 2 original current government IDs each |
| Form | Both original signatures; no scanned signatures |
Sources: City of Hamilton: Marriage licence documents and application
What to do next
- Prepare
Print and sign the form and collect original ID.
- Resolve prior marriages
Obtain certified divorce documents or foreign authorization.
- Visit
Attend a service centre early enough for processing.
Sources: City of Hamilton: Marriage licence documents and application
10 useful questions
Do I book a marriage licence appointment?
Hamilton lists walk-in service, with no appointments.
Source: City of Hamilton: Marriage licence documents and application
How early should I arrive before closing?
At least 30 minutes before the posted 4:30 pm closing.
Source: City of Hamilton: Marriage licence documents and application
Can only one partner attend?
Yes, with the original signed application and original documents for both.
Source: City of Hamilton: Marriage licence documents and application
How much is the licence?
$178, with no HST.
Source: City of Hamilton: Marriage licence documents and application
Are scanned signatures accepted?
No. Both signatures on the printed form must be original.
Source: City of Hamilton: Marriage licence documents and application
Can I use a health card as required ID?
No. The City excludes health and SIN cards.
Source: City of Hamilton: Marriage licence documents and application
Does a foreign-language ID need translation?
Non-English ID needs a certified written translation.
Source: City of Hamilton: Marriage licence documents and application
Is a Divorce Order enough?
No. The City asks for the specified original or court-certified final divorce evidence.
Source: City of Hamilton: Marriage licence documents and application
Does a widow need a death certificate?
The City says widowed applicants do not need one for the licence.
Source: City of Hamilton: Marriage licence documents and application
Official information and forms
This guide covers the City of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, including its named former municipalities. Check property-specific programme boundaries where stated. Fees and active service notices can change. Use the linked official page for the application or latest notice.