Banns of Marriage or Marriage License

What is a Marriage License/Banns of Marriage?

The Marriage License/Banns of Marriage forms are what you sign at your wedding ceremony to
officially declare that your have been married. These forms will be sent to the Government of Ontario to
register your marriage.
What is the difference between Banns of Marriage and Marriage License?
Banns of Marriage is a gift from your church to you as a couple. You do not need to go get or
purchase a Banns Form but the Banns of Marriage must be published in your church (verbally
announced in front of the congregation). Your officiant will fill out all the necessary information on the
Banns Form before the wedding. Your officiant will send the Banns Form to the Government of Ontario
for official marriage registration. There are restrictions to who can be married by Banns.
A Marriage License needs to be purchased in advance of the wedding, either online or at City
Hall. Your officiant will send the Marriage License to the Government of Ontario for official marriage
registration. You will need to provide the required identification when your purchase your Marriage
License.