Marriages

You must have a marriage licence before you can be legally married in the Province of Ontario. You can apply for a marriage licence or civil marriage solemnization at the Town of South Bruce Peninsula municipal office. Marriage certificates and name changes are issued by the Province of Ontario.

Marriage Licences

The Town of South Bruce Peninsula issues marriage licences during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 pm). Please make an appointment to ensure a staff member is available to assist you.

Marriage Certificates

You can access a Marriage Certificate Application through Service Ontario for a marriage that is registered in the Province of Ontario.

Change Your Name

You can assume your spouse's name.  Once you are married, you can use your spouses name or you can hyphenate your name to use as your surname.  Your identification will remain in your original name.  You can unassume the name when you want to.  Note:  some places will not accept your assumption and will require documentation which shows that you are legally married to the person whose name you have assumed. 

You may want to legally change your surname.  To do this, a Change of Name form must be filed with the Office of the Registrar General. If filed within 90 days after your marriage there is no fee. To access the form please see the Government of Ontario's website.  When you legally change your name, you will no longer be known by your former name.

Civil Marriage Solemnization

The Town of South Bruce Peninsula is pleased to offer Civil Marriage Solemnization services for applicants who want to have a ceremony without religious references.  Below you will find guidelines which will help you to decide if a civil ceremony is right for you.  Please make sure that you read the guidelines carefully. 

We ask that you particularly note that if you want to book one of our Solemnizers:

• first, contact a Solemnizer to see if they are available on the date and at the time you want to get married.  You will need to give them a proposed ceremony location so that they can decide if they are able to perform your ceremony.
• if you are going to contact more than one Solemnizer to see who you would prefer, please tell each one that you contact that you are contacting others.  This helps the Solemnizers to schedule their time.
• complete the required application form and submit it to Town Hall along with the payment at least five days before the ceremony.  Ideally, you would submit the form and fee giving as much notice as possible - you won't be able to work with a Solemnizer on your ceremony until payment and the completed form have been received and accepted at Town Hall.

ServiceOntario reminds those getting married to make sure that the person performing the ceremony is legally authorized to do so. 

Civil Marriage Solemnization Guidelines and Application 

Civil Marriage Solemnizers

Biography and Contact Information Matthew Jackson   Born and raised on the Bruce Peninsula, Matthew has family roots in the area that span 8 generations.  Matthew resides on Mallory Beach Road and enjoys spending his time on the water with his friends and family.  A leader within the energy sector, Matthew has spent more than a decade working with Indigenous communities and industry, where he is well known for his ability to be engaging and for building relationships. He served as a member of South Bruce Peninsula Council from 2014-2018.  Customized for each couple, he offers a meaningful and progressive ceremony and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, he has participated in all types of marriage ceremonies and welcomes a discussion with you about your special day.  To request Matthew Jackson for your special day, please call 519-372-7580.          Jim Kempster    After a lifetime of Public Service Jim has continued in the Emergency Management field and, as a Member of Sauble Beach and District Lions Club/Sauble Family Health Team Board member, is a dedicated volunteer within the community. His extensive 'people' experience, within the cosmopolitan structure of our country, has rendered him empathetic as to the needs, requirements and hopes of those seeking that special or customized marriage service. Jim resides in the Oliphant area with his wife of 45 years, Moira. To request that Jim Kempster performs your ceremony please call 519-534-5556 or 519-377-5556.         Mary Lou Mailloux Mary Lou is a retiree of a major Canadian airline.  She is a certified Advanced Reflexology practitioner and a Reiki Master practitioner. She has travelled world wide and has experienced, with an open mind, people of various cultures, religions and social diversities. Mary Lou resides at Sauble Beach and the ceremony, whether formal or at the beach will be professionally designed, unique and supportive.  She will work closely with you to create a personalized Civil Ceremony that is available to all couples wishing to express their love and commitment to each other by joining together in marriage.  Mary Lou looks forward to being a part of your special day and making your wedding day dreams come true.  If you wish to request Mary Lou to perform your ceremony please call 519-422-1324.   Angela Cathrae Director of Legislative Services/Clerk 519-534-1400 ext 122    Tracey Collins Deputy Clerk 519-534-1400 ext 120

Weddings on Municipal Property

The Town has a policy regarding holding weddings on municipal property.

Please contact the Town By-Law Enforcement Division with respect to dates, times, locations, requirements and any questions. 
519-534-1400 ext 122