Planning your special day? The Nation Municipality offers Civil Marriage Services with professional officiants to make your ceremony simple and meaningful.
Available in English or French, ceremonies last about 30 minutes depending on the vows you choose. They can be held at Town Hall on Friday afternoons, or at a location of your choice, subject to approval, on any day depending on officiant availability.
General Requirements
A mandatory pre-ceremony meeting, approximately 30 minutes in length, must be scheduled at least three (3) days prior to the ceremony. Both parties must attend and provide:
- Valid photo identification (e.g. driver’s licence);
- A written copy of any personal vows; and
- A valid Ontario Marriage Licence issued within 90 days of the ceremony date.
A standard civil marriage ceremony shall incorporate all mandatory declarations under Section 24 of the Marriage Act. Personal vows, in addition to the mandatory declarations, are permitted.
The Clerk or designate may refuse to solemnize a marriage where there are reasonable grounds to believe that a person lacks the capacity to marry, including by reason of intoxication or any other lawful reason.
The persons being married must have two (2) witnesses for 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.
If either party does not speak or understand English or French, or requires assistance, an interpreter must be provided if deemed necessary by the Marriage Officiant. The interpreter may not act as a witness.
Music, photography, and videotaping may be permitted during the ceremony, subject to the discretion of the Marriage Officiant. Details must be discussed during the pre-ceremony meeting.
Our Officiants
We offer professional officiants, available to make your big day even more memorable. Whether it’s a wedding, vow renewal, or any other special occasion, our officiants will personalize your ceremony according to your wishes and can travel to the location of your choice.
Fees and Payment
Please refer to the Fees and Charges page for Marriage Solemnization fees.
- Full payment must be made no later than one week before the ceremony.
- Please note that the Municipality only accepts cash or debit.
- An administrative fee will be retained in the event of a cancellation prior to the scheduled date and time.
- No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than 48 hours before the ceremony, if the applicants fail to attend, or if the officiant cancels due to the couple’s late arrival.
- Additional services are available for a fee:
- Ceremony rehearsal
- Witnesses provided by the municipality
If you choose to celebrate your wedding outside of Town Hall, please make full payment directly to your officiant.