Civil Ceremonies at City Hall are performed by appointment. They are held on select Friday afternoons at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., or 3:00 p.m. (some exceptions apply) in the Council Chambers by municipal staff.
City Hall closes at 4:30 p.m. All guests must vacate the building before that time. Contact us for availability.
| Jump to section: | Fees Before the Ceremony The Ceremony |
Fees
Fees are payable by cash, credit, or debit.
| Civil Marriage Ceremony Fee $318.75 (HST included) | Payable one week prior to the Ceremony date. If left unpaid ceremony may be cancelled and available for another couple. |
| Staff Witnesses $53.25 (HST included) | Witnesses may be available if required. Fee is the same for one or two witnesses. |
Before the Ceremony
Before you are able to get married at City Hall, you need to obtain a Marriage Licence. Book a Pre-Ceremony Appointment by calling 519-332-0330 or emailing tietheknot@sarnia.ca.
If you have already obtained your marriage licence bring it to the pre-ceremony appointment, or you can obtain it at the same time as the appointment.
Witnesses
You will be asked to provide the name and contact information of both witnesses to your ceremony. Witnesses must be 14 years of age or older and must be capable of reading and understanding the documents that they are required to sign.
If you do not have witnesses, staff witnesses are available for a fee, if required.
Ceremony Selection and Vows
Please review the three Civil Marriage Ceremony options and select an option for your ceremony. Speak with staff if you are interested in including any additional personal vows.
Language Interpretation
If applicants require language interpretation, they must provide a Certified Interpreter as required by legislation and who cannot be one of the witnesses to the marriage.
The Ceremony
All civil marriage ceremonies take place in Council Chambers at City Hall, 255 Christina Street North, In accordance with the Marriage Act.
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 remind guests that the ceremony must start on time.
During the Ceremony
Please review the ceremony guidelines by clicking the + button.
Ceremony guidelines
- Pictures and videos may be taken during the ceremony as long as they do not interfere with the proceedings.
- Cell phones should be in silent mode or turned off.
- Bubbles, confetti, rice, candles, incense and similar items are not permitted in or on the grounds of the 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 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).
The Record of Solemnization of Marriage given at the ceremony is not a legal record. You can order a marriage certificate through ServiceOntario 6-8 weeks after your ceremony.
Contact Information
Customer Service Department
255 Christina Street North, 1st Floor
Phone: 519-332-0330
Email: tietheknot@sarnia.ca