Fort Erie now offers civil marriage ceremonies at town hall

Couples can now say “I do” at town hall.

There is a $130 license fee which must be paid with cash or debit, and applicants must be at least 18 years old.

According of the Town of Fort Erie’s website, “No person under 16 years of age may marry. Any person 16 or 17 years of age (other than a widow, widower or divorced person) may marry with the written consent of their legal guardian. A special consent form from the Customer Service Unit is available for this purpose.”

The page also notes that if “consent (from a legal guardian) is a requirement, and (if) it is not forthcoming or is refused, an application can be brought to a judge to dispense with consent.”

If the marriage is following an annulment or divorce, an original or a court-certified copy of the divorce or annulment certificate must be presented. If the marriage is following the death of a spouse, a court order declaring the presumed death of the spouse is required.

For a civil marriage ceremony, applicants must submit an application and payment at least two weeks in advance of the ceremony.

A civil ceremony at town hall (1 Municipal Centre Dr.) costs $325. It costs $350 for offsite ceremonies or those outside regular hours. There is a $75 rehearsal fee and a $50 cancellation fee.

Applicants also require a valid Ontario marriage license, government issued identification, plus two witnesses 16 years old and up. Some accepted forms of identification include a birth certificate, valid passport, record of immigrant landing, or Canadian citizenship card.

The civil ceremony can be held in the town gazebo, council chambers or an off-site location pending approval and availability.

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