Recently Engaged?
Congrats! Let’s get planning…
The Municipality of Sioux Lookout offers Civil Marriage Solemnization Services to those who are eligible, and who wish to be married in a Civil Ceremony.
About Civil Marriages
Civil ceremonies, available in English only, are simple and dignified. Marriage Commissioners will conduct such services at any location in Ontario with certain conditions but are authorized to perform services within the boundaries of the Municipality of Sioux Lookout and the surrounding unincorporated area. Ceremonies may also be conducted in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Office which provides a pleasant setting. The actual ceremony can last from a few minutes to a half hour, depending on the vows chosen, and related considerations.
Considering a Civil Marriage?
Municipal ceremonies are available Monday through Friday, depending on room availability, and are also available on weekends at venues selected by the couple. Same day service for a Civil Marriage Ceremony may be possible provided a valid Ontario Marriage License is produced, and upon the availability of an Officiant, and preferred location. It is recommended that ceremonies are booked in advance to allow for a pre-ceremony meeting at least Three (3) weeks prior to the ceremony. Our Commissioners are available to conduct marriages seven (7) days per week, subject to availability.
Applicable
Fees
Monday to Friday
(within our jurisdiction)
$400 (plus HST)
Saturday and Sunday
(within our jurisdiction)
$450 (plus HST)
Monday to Sunday
Outside Boundaries
(including on a boat)
$550 (plus HST)
Flat Rate
Monday to Sunday
$250 (plus HST)
The Marriage Commissioner will charge for travel and mileage costs at his/her discretion to attend a ceremony in locations outside the Municipal boundary. There will also be an additional hourly fee over and above the approximate time allowed for a Civil Ceremony and for participation at a rehearsal, regardless of its location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before meeting with the Marriage Commissioner you should have completed and paid for your Ontario Marriage License (valid for three (3) months following its date of issue), which you should show the Commissioner.
For a Civil Marriage, the Municipality’s appointed Marriage Commissioners may perform the ceremony.
Our Marriage Commissioner will perform a ceremony anywhere within the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Sioux Lookout, and its surrounding unincorporated area. Ceremonies may also be held at the Municipal Office in the Council Chambers, based on availability.
Yes, all couples must have two (2) witnesses present during the ceremony, and the witness must be over the age of 16 years.
No, in keeping with the spirit of the Ontario Marriage Act which requires civil ceremonies to be “non-denominational” the Marriage Commissioner or any other person may not perform any type of religious ceremony.
Yes, there is a constitutional requirement in Canada to issue marriage licenses to, and solemnize civil marriages of same-sex couples.
After the ceremony all parties must sign the Record of Solemnization (to be retained by the couple) and the Statement of Marriage, both are included on the license. The Marriage Commissioner will ensure all documentation is delivered to the Municipal Office following the ceremony so it can be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar General in Thunder Bay within two (2) business days to register your marriage with the Province of Ontario.
- Should applicants require a confidential ceremony, witnesses may be provided for an additional fee, if applicable.
- The Applicants are responsible to provide an Interpreter if they do not speak English and/or require language assistance. The Interpreter cannot be one of the witnesses. The Interpreter shall be required to sign a form confirming that he/she has interpreted the wedding ceremony.
- If personal vows are used, a copy is to be submitted to the Marriage Commissioner for review. Please provide a written copy at the time you attend the pre-ceremony meeting.
- Marriage Commissioners attire is optional (robe, suit or other as mutually agreed to with Commissioner).
What do you Need?
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the officially issued Ontario Marriage Licence at your ceremony. It is imperative for you to bring the Marriage Licence to your ceremony. Please download the Information Package and Ceremony Templates below for everything you need to know to plan your Civil Marriage Ceremony.
