Municipality of Temagami

The Municipality has Officiants who can perform Civil Marriage Ceremonies in English and French in the Province of Ontario, with certain conditions. The officiants can conduct ceremonies in the Municipal Office, or on Municipal Office grounds (weather permitting), Monday to Friday, subject to availability of the facility and the officiants.

The civil marriage ceremony can last from several minutes to 30 minutes, depending on the vows chosen. Ceremonies can also be performed outside the Municipality’s geographic boundaries, subject to the officiant’s availability; however, must occur in
Ontario.

Same day service for a Civil Marriage Ceremony is possible, provided a valid Ontario Marriage Licence is produced, and a Marriage Officiant is available. It is recommended that ceremonies are booked in advance, to allow for a pre-ceremony meeting.

Changes to the date and/or time are permitted at no additional charge, provided the location and Officiant are available, and request is received a minimum of two business days prior to the originally scheduled date and time. No refund will be issued if the Ceremony is cancelled on the day of the Ceremony, or if the Applicant(s) fail to appear for the Ceremony.

It is recommended that a Civil Marriage Ceremony request be received a minimum of four (4) weeks prior to the date of the Ceremony, and applicants complete a Pre-Ceremony Information Questionnaire with the Marriage Officiant. The following is required at this meeting:
■ Both parties are required to be in attendance;
■ A completed copy of the Pre-Ceremony Information Questionnaire;
■ A copy of specific vows if personalizing the ceremony;
■ A valid Marriage Licence issued in the Province of Ontario
   (date issued must be within three (3) months of ceremony).

Please Note:

• There is no minimum age requirement for a witness; however, it is suggested they should be at least 14 years of age (16 years old preferred). A witness 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. It is the Applicant’s responsibility to provide the witnesses.
  
  
• Alcohol or stimulants are not to be used by the Applicants or their witnesses prior to or during the Ceremony. If the Officiant has reason to believe that alcohol or other stimulants have been used, the Ceremony will not proceed.
  
  
• The persons being married must supply an interpreter in the event that they do not speak English or French, and require language assistance if the Marriage Officiant deems it necessary. The interpreter cannot be one of the witnesses.
  
  
• Music will be permitted at certain times throughout the Ceremony, and is to be
  determined during the pre-ceremony meeting. When selecting the type of music, consideration should be given to its appropriateness and contribution to the dignity of the occasion.
  
  
• The taking of photographs will be permitted during the Ceremony. An opportunity will also be provided for photos before the ceremony begins, during the signing of the Register, and when the Ceremony is complete. Videotaping of the Ceremony may be permitted, subject to certain limitations at the discretion of the Officiant.
  
  
• For use of the Municipal Office, or municipal property, no confetti, rice, bubbles, candles, etc., may be used, including decorations affixed to walls or furniture (i.e., tape, staples, nails, etc.). Decorations such as flowers and balloons are permitted, and may be placed 15 minutes prior to the Ceremony and removed immediately following the conclusion of the Ceremony.
  
  
• For those using the Municipal Office and/or the grounds, are responsible for the conduct and supervision of all persons admitted to Municipal Office, and consent to defend and indemnify The Corporation of the Municipality of Temagami for any loss or damages incurred by their invitees, and further that The Corporation of the Municipality of Temagami will not be held responsible for personal injury or damage, nor for the theft or loss of any personal property of anyone attending the ceremony.
  
  
• The Municipal Office may be used for civil marriage ceremonies when conducted by a Municipality Staff Marriage Officiant, and will be made available for a maximum of one (1) hour per ceremony.
  
  
• The Record of Solemnization of Marriage provided at the ceremony is not a legal record. Approximately three (3) months after the ceremony, you may apply to the Office of the Registrar General to obtain an official Certificate of Marriage. The appropriate form is included with the Marriage Licence that was issued to the applicants. Note: there is an additional fee payable to the Minister of Finance for the application. Please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-get-copy-ontario-marriage-certificate-online for additional information.
  
  
• Applicants and their guests must arrive on-time. If there is a significant delay, the officiant may be required to reschedule your ceremony to the next available appointment.