The Municipality of Chatham-Kent offers civil marriage ceremonies by appointment only. Couples wishing to be married are required to have a valid Ontario Marriage Licence and to attend
a pre-ceremony consultation with the Clerk.
Booking & Cost
Ceremonies may be conducted in the Atrium, Council Chambers or back patio of the Civic Centre, 315 King Street West, Chatham, between 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, conditional to the Clerk's schedule. The fee for this service is
$250+ HST ($282.50).
Ceremonies may also be conducted outside of regular business hours, including weekends, at off-site locations conditional to the Clerk's schedule. The fee for this service is
$350 + HST ($395.50). A mileage fee may be applicable.
A
$50 + HST deposit will be required when booking the ceremony. The balance of the fee is payable on or before the pre-ceremony consultation with the Officiant.
Changes to date and/or time are allowed at no additional charge, provided that the location and Officiant are available.
No refund will be issued if the ceremony is cancelled on the day of the ceremony, or if the applicant(s) do not show up for the ceremony.
The $50 deposit will be forfeited if the ceremony is cancelled.
Click the button below to book a date for your ceremony.
Book a Civil Ceremony
Ceremony
A maximum of 16 guests will be allowed in the Atrium, Council Chambers or back patio.
Taking pictures will not be permitted during the ceremony. An opportunity will be provided for photos before the ceremony begins, during the signing of the registry, and after the ceremony is complete.
Videotaping of the ceremony may be permitted subject to certain limitations at the discretion of the officiant.
Candles, confetti, rice, bubbles, etc. are
NOT permitted on any municipal grounds.
Minimal decorations, such as flowers or balloons are permitted. Decorations that are to be affixed to the walls or furniture with tape or staples are
NOT permitted.
Witnesses & Certificate of Marriage
Applicants are required to have two (2) witnesses. There is no minimum age requirement for a witness, however, 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 an interpreter if they do not speak English and/or require language assistance.
The interpreter should not be one of the witnesses. The interpreter will be required to sign a form confirming that he/she has interpreted the wedding ceremony.
The Record of Solemnization of Marriage given at the ceremony is not a legal record. Approximately eight weeks after the ceremony, you may apply to the Office of the Registrar General to obtain an official Certificate of Marriage.
For further information, contact the Clerk's Office at 519-360-1998 x 3200 or email ckclerk@chatham-kent.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
