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Marriage licences and civil ceremonies in Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Kingston marriage licences last 90 days and must be issued before the wedding. Civil ceremonies are a separate booking with a 14-day minimum and 90-day maximum booking window.
Key information
Kingston marriage licences last 90 days and must be issued before the wedding. Civil ceremonies are a separate booking with a 14-day minimum and 90-day maximum booking window.
On this page
Apply for the licence
Submit the online licence application, then staff arrange an appointment and tell you which documents to bring. Appointments are prioritized by ceremony date. A licence issued in Kingston can be used anywhere in Ontario.
The licence costs $188, or $94 for eligible Municipal Fee Assistance Program residents. Listed payment options include cash, money order, Interac and major cards. Questions go to vitalstatistics@cityofkingston.ca.
Sources: City of Kingston: Marriage licences and civil ceremonies
Book the ceremony
Civil ceremonies must be booked at least 14 days but no more than 90 days ahead. A date outside the window will not appear; no remaining bookable dates means those ceremonies are sold out. An officiant contacts the couple for a required pre-ceremony consultation.
The 2026 ceremony fee is $350, rising to $400 on January 1, 2027. A licence fee is separate. The page lists upcoming dates, including January 15, 2027 opening for booking October 17, 2026; availability still depends on remaining slots.
Sources: City of Kingston: Marriage licences and civil ceremonies
People, access and room rules
Ceremonies take place in Memorial Hall, City Hall, with up to 15 minutes for ceremony and 15 more for photos and paperwork. Maximum attendance is 20 including couple, officiant and witnesses.
Bring a valid Ontario licence, two government-issued IDs for each person and two witnesses aged at least 18. City witnesses are $25 each. Arrange and pay for a non-English interpreter; ASL interpretation is free when requested ahead. Only service animals may attend.
Sources: City of Kingston: Marriage licences and civil ceremonies
Decorations and cancellation
No rice, confetti, candles, music, alcohol, live plants or flowers, or religious elements are allowed. Minimal decoration must not attach to walls or furniture and must be removed within 15 minutes. Photos and video are the couple’s responsibility.
Cancel at least 48 hours ahead for a refund less a $50 administration fee. Less than 48 hours has no refund. The page warns of Payment Centre changes on November 2, 2026, so confirm visiting arrangements for later appointments.
Sources: City of Kingston: Marriage licences and civil ceremonies
Quick reference
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Licence | $188; eligible assistance rate $94 |
| Licence validity | 90 days |
| Ceremony booking | 14–90 days ahead |
| Ceremony fee | 2026 $350; from January 2027 $400 |
| Attendance | 20 people total |
| Cancellation | 48 hours; $50 charge |
Sources: City of Kingston: Marriage licences and civil ceremonies
What to do next
- Apply
Get the licence appointment and document checklist.
- Book
Reserve a ceremony within the 14–90 day window.
- Prepare
Bring witnesses and ID and follow room rules.
Sources: City of Kingston: Marriage licences and civil ceremonies
10 useful questions
Can a licence be issued after the wedding?
No. Obtain it before the ceremony.
Source: City of Kingston: Marriage licences and civil ceremonies
Can a Kingston licence be used elsewhere in Ontario?
Yes. It is valid for Ontario ceremonies.
Source: City of Kingston: Marriage licences and civil ceremonies
How long does it last?
90 days from issue.
Source: City of Kingston: Marriage licences and civil ceremonies
What is the ordinary licence fee?
$188.
Source: City of Kingston: Marriage licences and civil ceremonies
Is a reduced licence fee offered?
Eligible Municipal Fee Assistance residents pay $94.
Source: City of Kingston: Marriage licences and civil ceremonies
How early can I book a civil ceremony?
No more than 90 days ahead.
Source: City of Kingston: Marriage licences and civil ceremonies
What is the shortest booking lead time?
At least 14 days.
Source: City of Kingston: Marriage licences and civil ceremonies
How many people may attend?
20 total, including couple, officiant and witnesses.
Source: City of Kingston: Marriage licences and civil ceremonies
Can City witnesses be supplied?
Yes, for $25 per witness.
Source: City of Kingston: Marriage licences and civil ceremonies
When must I cancel for a partial refund?
At least 48 hours ahead; the $50 administration fee still applies.
Source: City of Kingston: Marriage licences and civil ceremonies
Official information and forms
This guide covers the City of Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Other Kingston communities and the surrounding counties have separate services. Fees and active service notices can change. Use the linked official page for the application or latest notice.