Civil marriage ceremonies are conducted in the Council Chambers at City Hall on Fridays at 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, or 3:00 pm (some exceptions apply). City Hall closes at 4:30 pm, all guests must vacate the building before that time.

Fees

Marriage Licence Fee – $159.50 Applicants must obtain their marriage licence from the City of Sarnia in advance of the ceremony to ensure that all paperwork is acceptable to the Clerk in order to proceed with the ceremony on the scheduled date.

Civil Marriage Ceremony Fee – $318.75 (cash, credit or debit) payable one week from the date of booking. Ceremony reservations that are not paid for within one week will be cancelled and available for another couple.

Pre-Ceremony Consultation
A pre-ceremony consultation meeting will take place within 90 days of the ceremony (approximately up to 1 hour). This can be done the same day the marriage licence is obtained. Applicants must pre-book this appointment.

Marriage Licence and the name and address of the two witnesses (must be 14 years of age or older) are to be presented and left with the Officiant at the pre-ceremony consultation. Staff Witnesses are available for $50.25 per ceremony if required.

Ceremony Reservation and Guidelines

The Council Chambers is reserved for 40 minutes. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the ceremony to allow time to review any final details. Please be mindful and tell any guests that the ceremony must start on time.

  • Alcohol or other stimulants are not to be used by the celebrants or their witnesses prior to the ceremony. If the Officiant believes that alcohol or other stimulants have been used, the ceremony will not proceed.
  • It is the applicants’ responsibility to provide an interpreter if either do not speak English and/or require language assistance. The interpreter cannot be one of the witnesses. The interpreter will be required to sign a form that he/she has interpreted the wedding ceremony as per requirements.
  • The taking of photographs is generally not permitted during the ceremony. An opportunity will be provided for photographs before the ceremony begins, during the signing of the register and when the ceremony is complete.
  • No candles, bubbles, confetti, rice, bird seed etc. are allowed in or on the grounds of the municipal offices or property.
  • The celebrants for the civil marriage ceremony will consent to defend and indemnify the City of Sarnia for any loss or damages incurred by their invitees. The celebrants shall agree that the City of Sarnia will not be held responsible for personal injury or damage, nor for the theft or loss of any personal property of anyone attending City Hall on the invitation of the celebrants.
  • The celebrants shall be responsible for the conduct and supervision of all persons admitted to the Council Chambers and shall see that all regulations pertaining to the event are strictly followed.
  • Minimal decorations (e.g. flowers or balloons) are permitted. Decorations may be placed 15 minutes prior to the ceremony and removed within 15 minutes of the conclusion of the ceremony.
  • Music is not provided in the Council Chambers. If you’d like to have music, it is your responsibility.
  • The Council Chambers may only be used for civil marriage ceremonies conducted by municipal staff.
  • If personal vows are to be made a written copy of the personal vows is to be brought to the pre-ceremony meeting.
  • The Officiant is only responsible for performing the ceremony and therefore not responsible for other activities for the ceremony (i.e. photography, wedding planning, and organizing).

Contact Information

Customer Service Department
255 Christina Street North, 1st Floor
Phone: 519-332-0330
Email: tietheknot@sarnia.ca