Civil Marriage Ceremonies

The Town is pleased to offer civil marriage ceremonies, held on available Fridays between
9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the Council chamber at the Town offices, 4th floor, 37 Sandiford Drive in Stouffville. The non-religious ceremonies are performed by authorized Town staff under the authority of a Marriage Act regulation.  Click here to review the Town’s media release on civil marriage ceremonies.

Ceremony Options

Click on the links below to review the three ceremony scripts couples may choose from:

Script One

Script Two

Script Three

Subject to approval by the marriage officiant, the couple may personalize parts of the scripts, including vows.

Following the ceremony, you will receive a copy of your vows, a congratulatory letter signed by the Mayor of the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville and your Record of Solemnization of Marriage.

Marriage Consultation

A pre-ceremony consultation is required to be held with your Marriage Officiant; both applicants must be in attendance and provide:

1. Current photo identification;
2. A completed Civil Marriage Ceremony Questionnaire;
3. A valid Ontario Marriage Licence. The Ontario Marriage Licence can be purchased from the town or another Ontario municipality with the authority to issue marriage licences and is valid for a period of three months after the date of issue; and
4. Receipt for payment of the ceremony.

The consultation will be scheduled a minimum of one week prior to your wedding and will take up to one hour to complete.  It will be scheduled between 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.  Click here to view the marriage ceremony questionnaire to be reviewed at the consultation.

A valid Ontario marriage licence is available from the Town or other authorized municipalities.  For more information on obtaining a marriage licence, call 905-640-1900.  Please note that a marriage licence is required to have your marriage solemnized and registered regardless of where the ceremony occurs.

Witnesses

Two witnesses are required, both of whom should be over fourteen (14) years of age; they must be able to understand and appreciate what is taking place and be able to give evidence of such at a later date, if required.  If you are unable to provide your own witnesses, there will be an additional charge of $50.00 (plus GST) per witness for municipal staff to act in this capacity and must be arranged at the time of the consultation.

Interpreter

Applicants must provide an interpreter if they do not speak and/or understand English or require sign language interpretation.  The interpreter must not be one of the witnesses.  The interpreter will be required to sign a form confirming that he/she has accurately and completely interpreted the wedding ceremony.

Fees

The Town charges a $250 fee (plus GST) for the consultation and ceremony; this fee must be paid in full at the time of booking your consultation and marriage dates.

A $50 fee (plus GST) per witness, if required, must be paid in full when scheduling the consultation and the ceremony.

Payment can be made in the form of cash, debit card, credit card (VISA or MasterCard) or money order made payable to the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville.  Failure to make payment will result in the ceremony being cancelled.

Please review important information here.

Rules and Regulations

To ensure compliance with the Town’s safety and insurance requirements and to minimize disruption of the Town’s regular business, please review the Town’s rules and regulations by clicking here.

Accessibility

The Town office, including the Council chamber is wheelchair accessible.  Accessible parking is available at the east and south entrances.

More Information

For more information and to schedule a pre-ceremony consultation or arrange to obtain a marriage licence, please call 905-640-1900.