Frequently Asked Questions about Marriages in Ontario, Canada

Who may marry in Ontario?

Any person who is at least 18 years of age may marry. No person under 16 years of age may marry. Any person who is 16 or 17 years of age (other than a widow, widower or divorced person) may marry with the written consent of his/her legal guardian.

If any person whose consent is required is unavailable or refuses to consent, an application may be made to a judge, in Canada, to dispense with consent.

A person whose previous marriage has been dissolved or annulled will require:

• If the marriage was dissolved or annulled in Canada, the original or court-certified copy of the final decree dissolving or annulling the marriage; or
• If the marriage was dissolved or annulled in a jurisdiction other than Canada, the applicants must obtain authorization from the Minister of Consumer and Commercial Relations before a marriage license may be issued. To obtain this authorization, the applicants or a lawyer representing them, must submit the following to:

THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL P.O. BOX 4600, 189 RED RIVER ROAD THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO P7B 6L8

• A completed marriage license application signed by both applicants.
• A copy of the decree of divorce or annulment (certified by the proper court officer in the jurisdiction the divorce/annulment was granted) or sealed by the court. If the decree is in a language other than English or French, include a certified translation.
• A statement of Sole Responsibility for each divorce signed by both applicants. Blank affidavits are available from the issuer of Marriage License.
• A legal opinion of an Ontario lawyer, addressed to both applicants, giving reasons why the divorce or annulment should be recognized in the Province of Ontario.
• Where a spouse has died, proof of death of the spouse must be provided if death occurred outside Ontario.

How to obtain a marriage license?

A license to marry may be obtained from the issuer of Marriage License at the Municipal Clerk's Office, 4310 Queen Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario (905-356-7521) between the hours of 8:30 and 4:00 Monday to Friday. Both parties must complete and sign an Application Form. However, if both parties are not able to come in to obtain the Marriage License, one person may bring in the completed Application form signed by both parties along with the Birth Certificate or Passport of the absent party.

Applicants present must provide identification such as a Birth Certificate, Driver's License or a Passport.

There are no requirements respecting residency, premarital blood tests or medical certificates.

A marriage license is valid for use anywhere in Ontario. The license expires 3 months after the date of issue.

THE FEE FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE IS $100.00 (CASH ONLY)

Who may perform a marriage ceremony?

A marriage ceremony in Ontario may be performed by:

• a minister or member of the clergy registered under the Marriage Act
• a judge or justice of the peace

Civil Ceremony
There are no ceremonies at City Hall.

Contact Information

If you require further clarifications please the Niagara Falls Municipal Office at:

Lydia Picca
lpicca@city.niagarafalls.on.ca
City of Niagara Falls
4310 Queen Street, Box 1023
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Canada L2E 6X5

Frequently Asked Questions about Same Sex Marriages in Ontario, Canada

1. Will our same-sex wedding ceremony mean that we are legally married?

Yes. The Ontario Court of Appeal issued a decision on June 10, 2003 that ruled that same-sex couples have the right to be legally married.

2. Will our marriage be recognized outside of Canada?

Depending on your local laws, yes and no. Yes, you will be assuming all the responsibilities and commitments of marriage. When you go home you will be married. However, it may take a few years for courts outside of Canada to agree on the "status" of gay couples that marry. Certain states or public agencies may resist recognition of Canadian same-sex marriages. Although couples who marry in Canada may not be automatically granted all the rights and benefits of marriage in their own country/state, they will be legally wed. In the meantime, married gay couples will have the unique opportunity to act as role models and pave the way for others to follow in their path.

3. Where else may same-sex couples legally marry?

The Netherlands and Belgium.

4. What is the marriage process for same-sex couples?

The process is exactly the same for both heterosexual or homosexual couples. Couples must first apply for a license with the city clerk. You must then have the marriage solemnized by an authorized officiant. The officiant then files paperwork with the Ontario Provincial Office of the Registrar General, and the married couple may apply to receive their official marriage certificate in about 12 weeks.

5. What do I call my significant other after we become married?

Some individuals prefer not to use the traditional "wife and husband" terminology. Alternatives include life partner or spouse. Some change the word according to the situation and to whom they are speaking with.

Frequently Asked Questions about The The Tower Hotel

What are your check-in/check-out times?
Check-in 4:00 pm / Check-out 11:00 am.

When was your hotel built?
The The Tower Hotel Fallsview (Formerly known as the Seagrams Tower) is a new hotel that is situated atop the Konica Minolta Tower. The Konica Minolta Tower was finished being built in 1962, and the The Tower Hotel opened for business in the spring of 2002.

What is your location?
We are ideally located in the heart of the "Fallsview District" directly above the Horseshoe Falls. We are situated atop, the Konica Minolta Tower Centre.

What is your hotel like?
The The Tower Hotel Fallsview is a boutique hotel. Our guest rooms and corridors are uniquely situated up inside the tower.