Civil marriage ceremonies, available in French and English, are simple and dignified and are to be conducted in an appropriate location, which provides an intimate and formal setting upon approval of the Clerk. The duration of the Ceremony would be approximately 30 minutes depending on the vows chosen. The service time booked would be approximately one (1) hour to allow for photo opportunities, signing of the Register, etc.

Civil marriages will be conducted by the Clerk or designate subject to availability. The Clerk, in his/her sole discretion, shall ensure the days/time/place that civil marriages will be performed are appropriate.

There are basic requirements of the Marriage Act to be followed. Appropriate and dignified ceremonies will be developed accordingly. Applicants will be clearly informed of the style of the ceremony and that there will be no religious aspects included.

The fees for civil marriage solemnization service are listed in our user fee by-law.

Request a civil marriage ceremony

General Guidelines
  1. Ceremonies will be conducted at City Hall – 1560 Laurier Street in Rockland during regular office hours. Exceptions may be granted outside office hours in an appropriate location approved by the Clerk, subject to availability.
  2. Scheduling of a civil marriage at City Hall must be made with the Clerk or designate at least four (4) weeks prior to the intended date for the ceremony, at which time, applicable fees shall be paid, and a Civil Marriage Ceremony Booking Agreement will be executed.
  3. A standard civil marriage ceremony shall incorporate all mandatory declarations under Section 24 of the Marriage Act in all civil marriages. Personal vows, in addition to the mandatory declarations, will be permitted.
  4. A mandatory pre-ceremony meeting, which will last approximately 30 minutes, must be scheduled at least three (3) days prior to the ceremony.   Both parties must attend this pre-ceremony meeting, and shall provide:
    1. photo identification (i.e.: driver’s license);
    2. a completed application for a Civil Marriage Ceremony;
    3. a written copy of personal vows, if any; and
    4. a valid Marriage License issued in the Province of Ontario is to be presented (date issued must be within 90 days of ceremony).
  5. The Clerk or designate has the authority to refuse to solemnize the civil marriage of any person based on what he or she knows or has reasonable grounds to believe, lacks mental capacity to marry by reason of being under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or for any other reason.
  6. The persons being married must have two (2) witnesses present during the ceremony. Witnesses must be 14 years of age or older and should be able to understand and appreciate what is taking place and be able to give evidence of such at a later date, if required.
  7. The persons being married must supply an interpreter if they do not speak English or French, or require assistance, if the Marriage Officiant deems it necessary. The interpreter cannot be one of the witnesses.
  8. A maximum of 30 guests (including the wedding party) can be accommodated in the venue at City Hall.
  9. In the City Hall venue, minimal decorations are permitted (flowers, balloons). They may be placed 15 minutes prior to the Ceremony and removed within 15 minutes of its conclusion. Use of decorations affixed to walls or furniture (tape, staples, nails, etc.) are not allowed. No confetti, rice, bubbles, etc., are permitted.
  10. Music will be permitted at certain times throughout the Ceremony but must be determined during the pre-ceremony meeting. When selecting the type of music, consideration should be given to its appropriateness and contribution to the dignity of the occasion.
  11. The taking of photographs and videotaping of the Ceremony will be permitted subject to certain limitation at the discretion of the Marriage Officiant. 

For Services Provided Outside of City Hall 

If the ceremony takes place in an approved venue other than City Hall, it is the responsibility of the persons being married to make the appropriate arrangements and to pay for the facility, and to pay for the Marriage Officiant’s mileage expenses to be calculated at the rate established by the City’s travel expense policy.

For Services Provided Outside of Regular Hours 

If the ceremony takes place outside regular office hours, it shall be in an approved venue and it is the responsibility of the persons being married to make the appropriate arrangements and to pay for the facility, and to pay for the Marriage Officiant’s mileage expenses to be calculated at the rate established by the City’s travel expense policy. In addition, the persons being married shall be responsible for paying any additional established fees. 

Entry in Marriage Register  

The marriage register will be kept in the care of the Clerk’s Department and the said register is the property of the Crown.

After a civil marriage is completed, the Clerk shall forward the license to the Registrar General within two (2) days following the marriage as per the requirements of Section 2(3) of Ontario Regulation 302/05.

Clerk’s discretion regarding guidelines

These guidelines may be amended at the Clerk’s discretion at any time without obtaining Council’s approval, if deemed necessary.