A straightforward guide to registering your marriage and getting your marriage certificate in Ontario in 2026 — the licence, the certificate, costs, timelines and the transcription in Brazil — based on official government sources.
Pioneers in documentation and services for the Brazilian and Portuguese community in Canada 🇧🇷. That way, we help couples register their marriage correctly — from the licence to the certificate and the transcription in Brazil.
Quick Answer
They are two different documents. On one hand, the marriage licence is the authorization issued by the city before the ceremony. On the other hand, the marriage certificate is the official document issued by the Province of Ontario after the ceremony, which legally proves the marriage.
In Toronto, the licence costs $180 and is valid for 90 days. Then, once the marriage is registered, you order the certificate through ServiceOntario starting at $15. In addition, for the marriage to be valid in Brazil, you need to register it with the Consulate and have it transcribed at a civil registry office.
The Basics
Marriage Licence vs. Marriage Certificate in Ontario: Not the Same Thing
The most common mix-up is assuming there is a single “marriage document.” In reality, the process has two stages with distinct documents. Therefore, understanding the difference helps you avoid delays and rejected requests.
| Document | What It Is | When |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage Licence | Authorization to marry, issued by the city/municipality | Before the ceremony — valid for 90 days |
| Marriage Certificate | Official provincial document that proves the marriage | After the ceremony, once registered |
| Record of Solemnization | Ceremonial document handed over on the wedding day | On the day — not accepted as legal proof |
Step 1 · Before the Ceremony
How to Get a Marriage Licence in Toronto
Generally speaking, the licence is the first step and is mandatory to marry in Ontario (or the publication of banns, in specific religious cases). First, you complete the City of Toronto online application. Then, you book an in-person appointment to pick up the licence and pay the fee.
What you need to know
- Fee: $180 in Toronto, non-refundable (the amount varies by municipality in Ontario)
- Validity: 90 days from the date of issue — so apply about 1 to 2 months before the wedding
- Minimum age: 16, with written parental consent for anyone under 18
- Identification: two original, valid documents per person (showing legal name and date of birth)
- If previously married: you must provide proof of divorce or the death certificate of your former spouse
Step 2 · The Ceremony and Registration
From the Ceremony to Marriage Registration
Generally, to marry in Ontario you need three things: the licence, an officiant authorized by the Province, and two witnesses present. Right after the ceremony, the couple, the witnesses and the officiant sign the licence.
Next, it is the officiant who sends the signed licence to ServiceOntario (Office of the Registrar General) so the marriage can be officially registered. Therefore, this step doesn’t depend on you — but it’s worth confirming with the officiant that it has been sent.
Step 3 · After the Ceremony
How to Order Your Marriage Certificate in Ontario (ServiceOntario)
Once the marriage is registered, you order the certificate through ServiceOntario. By the way, the fastest and recommended way is to order online. After all, the certificate is the document that serves as legal proof to change your name, update your IDs, apply for benefits and support immigration applications.
Ontario marriage certificate costs and timelines in 2026
| Service | Estimated Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate — regular online | 15 business days + Canada Post delivery | $15 |
| Certificate — premium online | 5 business days, delivered by courier | $45 |
| Certified copy of registration — regular | 15 business days + Canada Post | $22 |
| Certified copy — premium online | 5 business days, by courier | $52 |
Not sure which document to request or how to fill out the form? Then BRS Solutions can organize your application — in Portuguese.
Chat on WhatsAppStep 4 · For Brazilians
How to Make Your Ontario Marriage Certificate Valid in Brazil
Did you marry in Canada and want the marriage to have effect in Brazil? Then pay attention: the Canadian certificate, on its own, has no legal effect in Brazil. Instead, there is a consular and civil-registry path that the Brazilian community needs to follow.
The recognition process, step by step
- 1. Registration at the Consulate. First, register the marriage with the Consulate General of Brazil in Toronto: submit your documents through the e-consular system and, once validated, attend your appointment with the originals — including the marriage certificate issued by ServiceOntario. The Consulate then issues the consular marriage certificate, in Portuguese. Note: a marriage can only be registered once, at a single consular office.
- 2. Transcription at the civil registry office. Next, take the consular certificate to the 1st Civil Registry Office (1º Ofício de Registro Civil) in the municipality where one of the spouses is domiciled in Brazil to have it transcribed (traslado). Those with no domicile in Brazil do the transcription at the 1st Office of the Federal District, which accepts requests by mail. Only after this step is the final Brazilian marriage certificate issued.
What Usually Goes Wrong
Common Mistakes When Getting a Marriage Certificate in Ontario
Confusing the licence with the certificate
The licence is for being allowed to marry; the certificate is for proving that you married. That’s why many people try to change their name or support an application with the wrong document — and the request comes back.
Ordering the certificate before registration
The certificate is only issued after the officiant sends in the licence and the marriage is registered. However, many couples order too early and the request goes nowhere. So, confirm the registration before you apply.
Using the Record of Solemnization as proof
The document handed over at the ceremony is generally not accepted as legal proof. Instead, the certificate issued by the Province of Ontario is almost always required.
Forgetting the recognition in Brazil
Registering only in Canada doesn’t make the marriage valid in Brazil. That’s why you need the consular registration, the apostille, the sworn translation and the transcription at a civil registry office — ideally within the legal deadline.
How We Help
Why Couples Choose BRS Solutions
- Document organization — we help you gather and check the paperwork for each stage, from the licence to the certificate.
- Consular guidance — we explain the registration at the Consulate, the Hague apostille and the sworn translation.
- Transcription support — we guide you step by step so your marriage is valid in Brazil, within the deadline.
- Support in Portuguese — in person in Toronto/North York or online.
For Brazilian & Portuguese Families in Toronto 🇧🇷🇨🇦
Married, or about to marry, in Canada and have questions about the paperwork? Then count on us.
BRS Solutions can help you understand the process, organize your documents and complete each step — from the licence and certificate to the consular registration and the transcription in Brazil.
Support in Portuguese, with step-by-step guidance.
The licence and certificate are issued by the official authorities (City of Toronto and ServiceOntario); the consular registration is handled by the Consulate of Brazil.
Get Prepared Before You Start
What to Have on Hand
For the licence (before the wedding)
- Two original, valid identification documents per person
- Proof of divorce or the death certificate of a former spouse, if applicable
- Completed application form, printed and signed
For the Ontario marriage certificate (after registration)
- Full names of both spouses
- Dates of birth of both
- Date and city/municipality of the marriage
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a marriage licence and a marriage certificate?
The licence (marriage licence) is the authorization issued by the city before the ceremony. The certificate (marriage certificate), on the other hand, is the official document from the Province of Ontario issued after the ceremony, which legally proves the marriage.
How much does a marriage certificate cost in Ontario in 2026?
The regular online service costs $15, with estimated delivery in 15 business days plus mailing time. The premium service costs $45, with delivery in 5 business days by courier. In addition, the certified copy of the registration costs $22 (regular) or $52 (premium).
Do I need to be a resident or citizen to get married in Canada?
No. Ontario has no residency or citizenship requirement, and there is no waiting period. That way, visitors and non-residents can legally marry, as long as they have the licence and meet the requirements.
How do I make my marriage valid in Brazil?
You need to register the marriage with the Consulate General of Brazil and then have the certificate transcribed at the 1st Civil Registry Office in Brazil, with an apostilled certificate and a sworn translation. By the way, the law provides for registration within 180 days after returning to Brazil.
Can I change my last name after the wedding?
Yes. In fact, in Ontario you can take your spouse’s surname by using the marriage certificate to update your documents — at no cost and without changing your birth registration. Alternatively, there is a legal name change, which is a separate process.
Does BRS Solutions help with marriage registration?
Yes. We guide you through and organize the paperwork for the licence, the certificate, the apostille and the consular registration, in Portuguese. So, call (647) 247-7313 and ask for Jessica Rocha, or write to info@brssolutions.ca.
Official Sources
Where This Information Comes From
This article is based on official sources from the City of Toronto, the Government of Ontario and the Consulate General of Brazil in Toronto. This way, we prioritize primary government documentation to ensure accuracy.
Get a marriage certificate — Government of Ontario
Official · Gov. of Ontario
Applying for a Marriage Licence — City of Toronto
Official · City of Toronto
Marriage Registration — Consulate General of Brazil in Toronto
Official · Consulate of Brazil
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. In addition, rules, fees and timelines may change — so always confirm the current requirements directly with the official sources before applying.
Need help with your marriage registration?
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