More couples buying marriage licences from the City of Ottawa

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

More couples are walking down the aisle to say ‘I do’ in Ottawa this year.

Statistics released by the City of Ottawa show 5,357 marriage licences were issued in Ottawa during the first 11 months of the year.

The city issued 5,274 marriage licences in January-December 2024, 4,997 marriage licences in 2023 and 4,992 in 2022.

A total of 4,378 marriage licences were issued by the City of Ottawa in 2019.

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.

A marriage licence costs $186.55 from the City of Ottawa.

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 by an officiant that is not registered, according to the city.