Access Richmond Hill
The Access Richmond Hill Contact Centre provides assistance for general inquiries, responds to questions or concerns regarding programs and services as well as accepts in person payments.
Contact Us
905-771-8800
Hours of Service:
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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Report a problem with a service, e.g. missed garbage collection, overnight parking, potholes, street lights, etc.
Marriage and Weddings
COVID-19 Update:
Appointment Required
If you have arranged a marriage ceremony and require a marriage licence, complete our on-line application and send an email to access@richmondhill.ca to arrange an appointment. Please include the Marriage Licence application number, ceremony date, and a contact phone number.
Expired Marriage Licenses
A marriage licence is only valid for 3 months after it is issued however the Government of Ontario has made changes to the Marriage Act that allow couples to use their expired marriage licence if a province wide emergency is declared.
If your licence was issued between December 1, 2019 and July 24, 2020; and since the license was issued;
1. It has not been used (i.e., the couple has not married each other),
2. Neither party has married anyone else, and
3. Neither party has legally changed their name
and if you meet all of these conditions, your licence will be valid from July 24, 2020 – July 24, 2022. This also applies to Foreign Divorce Authorizations.
If your marriage licence was issued between July 25, 2020 and September 30, 2020, it has not been extended. These licenses were only valid for three 3 months from the date issued since there was no province-wide emergency during this timeframe.
Licenses issued between October 1, 2020 and February 10, 2021 are still valid and can be used until February 10, 2023. This also applies to Foreign Divorces Authorizations.
Licenses issued between January 1, 2021 and June 4, 2021 are still valid and can be used until June 4, 2023. This also applies to Foreign Divorces Authorizations.
Licenses issued after June 5, 2021 are only valid for 3 months from the date issued.
| Date issued | Valid until |
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| December 1, 2019 to July 24, 2020 | July 24, 2022 |
| July 25, 2020 to September 30, 2020 | 3 months from date issued (not extended) |
| October 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 | February 10, 2023 |
| January 1, 2021 to June 4, 2021 | June 4, 2023 |
| June 5, 2021 | 3 months from date issued (not extended) |
We are unable to provide civil ceremonies at the City's Municipal Offices at this time.
Virtual Marriages
Couples cannot be married virtually (e.g., where the marriage officiant solemnizes a marriage though an online communication tool like Skype or Zoom). The Marriage Act requires every Ontario marriage to be solemnized in the presence of the parties to the marriage, at least two witnesses, and the marriage officiant – which makes a total of 5 individuals that need to be present at the ceremony.
As well, rules on physical distancing and face coverings must be followed. Reference in the rules on the Ontario.ca website for the province-wide shutdown to virtual services being permitted does not apply for marriage ceremonies as these 5 individuals must be present; however, guests may attend virtually.
Under the Marriage Act, Municipal Clerks are able to perform marriage ceremonies. This means that you can have a convenient and affordable wedding ceremony at Richmond Hill's Municipal Offices located at:
225 East Beaver Creek Road
Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3P4
The main Municipal Offices are closed on statutory holidays.
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Age Requirements |
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Both parties participating in the wedding ceremony must be at least 18 years old to get married in Ontario. Written consent from both parents is needed for those who are 16 or 17 years old. Consent forms are available at all municipal offices within the province. |
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Ceremony |
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Ceremonies are performed by Office of the Clerk staff by appointment only. Our ceremony room holds up to 30 guests. We perform simple, non-denominational ceremonies that take about 15 minutes. The ceremonies are performed on Fridays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Ceremonies are performed in English. You must arrange for an interpreter if you need one. Call the Office of the Clerk at 905-771-8800 to book your ceremony or for more information about civil marriage ceremonies.
Please Note: If you have had a religious ceremony performed, in any country, a marriage licence cannot be issued to you as you are considered married.
ExceptionsOffice of the Clerk staff will not perform ceremonies if:
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Cost |
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The cost of a civil ceremony is $379.68, including taxes. The Marriage Licence fee is an additional $163. You can pay the ceremony fees at the time of your pre-wedding meeting. We accept cash, debit, personal cheque, Visa or MasterCard. |
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Photography |
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Feel free to bring a photographer to your civil marriage ceremony. There are also a lot of great locations in Richmond Hill for wedding, engagement and family photos. Learn more about photography locations and permits. |
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Pre-Wedding Meeting |
| You need to arrange a pre-wedding meeting before the date of your ceremony. Both applicants for the marriage must attend this meeting. |
| Witnesses |
| Two witnesses must be present at your wedding ceremony. The Office of the Clerk can provide witnesses for a fee. |
Marriage Licence
If you plan to get married in Ontario, you can obtain a marriage licence at most municipal offices in the province.
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Obtaining a Marriage Licence |
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Your marriage licence will expire three months from the date of issue. To receive a marriage licence, you must follow these steps:
DivorceIf either marriage applicant is divorced, you are required to present an original or court-certified copy of the Certificate of Divorce. Photocopies are not accepted. You can get your divorce certificate from the court that granted your divorce.
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