Here’s how many marriage licences the City of Ottawa issues a year

Close up of a blank marriage license form. (Getty Images)

More people walked down the aisle to say ‘I do’ in Ottawa last year.

Statistics from the City of Ottawa shows 5,274 marriage licences were issued in Ottawa in 2024, up from 4,997 in 2023 and 4,992 in 2022.

The City of Ottawa issues marriage licences, which is valid for anywhere in Ontario. The licence is valid for 90 days from the date the licence is issued.

The statistics show there was a dramatic drop in the number of marriage licences issued in 2020, when gathering sizes were limited due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in Ontario. Ottawa issued 2,360 marriage licences in 2020, before there was an increase to 4,165 marriage licences issued in 2021 and 4,992 licences in 2022.

A total of 996 marriage licences were issued in Ottawa in the first three months of 2025.

Under Ontario law, a marriage licence cannot be issued if a ceremony has already taken place. A previous ceremony includes “an informal ceremony,” a spiritual ceremony or a symbolic ceremony such as a destination wedding or a ceremony performed an officiant that is not registered, according to the city.