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How to Get Married in Toronto (Venues, Licence, Budget, & More)

Getting married in Toronto calls for a marriage license, a venue, an officiant, two witnesses, and a solid budget. Obtaining the licence requires one appointment, but planning the ceremony and reception takes time. Start planning 12-18 months in advance. 

Getting married in Toronto is a dream: you get skyline views, great food, vibrant neighbourhoods, plus a diverse, welcoming culture. While there’s always a celebration to be had, planning your own wedding in this city takes some finesse.

But we’re here to make it easy. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting married in Toronto, from applying for a marriage license to choosing the perfect venue. Let’s get you down the aisle! 

Step 1: Set Your Wedding Date, Timeline, & Budget 

During wedding planning, Toronto couples must decide on three key decisions that shape the entire celebration: 

  • The wedding date. Base it on your preferred wedding season, but factor in potential demand + planning time. For example, if you got engaged in June and are aiming for the summer, book popular vendors early the following year (so you need to move ASAP!). 
  • Timeline. Map out the major milestones leading up to the wedding so you have a compass for the rest of the planning. Aim for at least 12 to 18 months of planning
  • Wedding budget. Set your total budget, then break it down by category so you know exactly what you’re working with before you fall in love with anything.

Related resource: How to Plan a Wedding in 6 Months or Less

Close-up of a couple signing a marriage licence with a pair of rings on top of it

Image Source: Shutterstock

Step 2: Plan Your Wedding Ceremony + Reception Details 

With a roadmap ready, you can start making creative decisions, starting with the following: 

Ceremony Planning Reception Planning
  • Ceremony style = (i.e., civil, religious, secular)
  • Processional & recessional Order
  • Vows and unity rituals
  • Readings and music
  • Guest list 
  • Seating arrangement
  • Photography & videography
  • Special traditions or cultural elements 
  • Decor & florals
  • Venue & layout
  • Catering & menu
  • Entertainment (music, guest activities)
  • Themes & decor
  • Timeline & schedule
  • Bar service
  • Wedding favors 
  • Wedding cake 
  • Lighting & audio-visual
  • Guest transportation and/or accommodation

Step 3: Book Your Venue 

Toronto has no shortage of great wedding venues. Choose one that:

  • Fits your budget. A good venue rental in downtown Toronto can be as low as $3,000
  • Accommodates your guest list. Research standing and seated capacity. 
  • Matches your wedding style. Find a location with excellent lighting and a suitable architectural style that can easily adapt to your design or ambiance.
  • Includes essential amenities, i.e., catering, bar service, tables and chairs, sound system, parking, and accessibility.
  • Has a convenient location. Downtown Toronto, especially around King Street, offers easy access for guests, nearby accommodations, and great city backdrops for photos. 
Tip: Toronto traffic can be difficult. Instead of moving family and friends between venues, consider hosting both the ceremony and reception at The Loft on King. This historic space is conveniently located near public transportation and parking, making it easy for your guests to attend.

Step 4: Apply for a Marriage Licence 

You can totally have a wedding ceremony without a license, but you’ll need one if you want it to be legally binding. Lucky for you, getting a marriage licence in Toronto is a piece of cake. 

What you’ll need: 

  • Two government-issued IDs for you and your partner
  • If previously married, a court-certified copy of your divorce certificate or final decree
  • Printed marriage licence application form
  • $160 fee
How to get a marriage license in Toronto?
  1. Submit an application online through the City of Toronto website
  2. Supply the necessary information, including:
    • place and date of marriage, and language for the licence
    • your and your partner’s information
  3. Review the application. Be sure to double and triple-check for potential typos or errors! 
  4. Submit and print the downloaded form. Record your Application Number; you’ll need it for the next step. 
  5. Book an appointment to pick up your marriage licence. 
  6. Attend your appointment and submit your application and documents at your chosen location. You should then receive your marriage licence. 

Step 5: Book Officiant & Other Vendors 

You can only get (legally) married in Toronto through an authorized officiant. You may opt for a spiritual/religious or a civil officiant. Ontario maintains a list of registered officiants who are legally authorized to perform marriages. 

Other essential vendors to book early include: 

  • Wedding Planner and/or Coordinator
  • Photographer & Videographer
  • Caterer
  • Florist & Décor Team 
  • Entertainment (i.e., DJ, live band, folk musicians, etc.)
  • Hair & Makeup Artists
  • Cake & Dessert Vendors 
  • Attire 
  • Transportation & Accommodation for Wedding Party

Newlywed couple kissing during their wedding ceremony at The Loft on King

Step 6: Get Married! 

It’s time to get married! Prepare the following on your wedding day:

  • Two witnesses 
  • Your authorized officiant
  • Printed marriage license (for you and your spouse to sign)

Step 7: Obtain Marriage Certificate 

After the ceremony, your officiant will give you a Record of Solemnization of Marriage and submit the paperwork to the province. You can order your official marriage certificate online, 10 to 12 weeks after your wedding for $15 to $45, including processing and delivery. 

In Summary 

  • Start planning your wedding 12 to 18 months before. Settle on a wedding date, planning timeline, and budget. 
  • Plan the details of your wedding ceremony and reception. Consider what vibe, style, program, or decorations you want. 
  • Book your wedding venue first. Popular venues sell out early, so be sure to plan ahead. Locations in downtown Toronto, close to public transportation and with great amenities like The Loft on King, are a great choice. 
  • Apply for a marriage license online. You’ll need to come in person for your appointment, with your and your partner’s IDs and the printed form. If you’ve been married before, prepare your divorce certificate too. 
  • Book an officiant and other vendors like a photographer, a wedding planner, entertainment, and a caterer. 

On your wedding day, you need two witnesses, your officiant, and your marriage licence. After the ceremony, the officiant will file your paperwork, and you can order a marriage certificate online.

FAQs 

A marriage licence serves as proof that a couple is eligible to marry. It’s not your actual marriage certificate yet

Couples getting married in Toronto must secure a marriage licence before the wedding ceremony (the latest you can apply is a day before). It is valid for 90 days, so your ceremony must happen within that timeframe.

Getting married in Toronto City Hall’s wedding chambers costs $133.50 for a 30-minute booking (HST included). Any time past that must be booked in 30-minute blocks. 

You need two witnesses to get legally married in Ontario. 

Say “I Do” to the Perfect Toronto Wedding Venue 

Getting married in Toronto is a dream, especially when your venue has it all: stunning views, style, and stress-free convenience. The Loft on King is Toronto’s favourite wedding venue, hosting hundreds of gorgeous ceremonies and receptions (often both at the same time!) every year. 

Our historic building presents 1,850 square feet of completely customizable space, plus all the modern amenities and services you need to wow and delight. Book your wedding while slots last