Congratulations! Now, pay up.
The City of Hamilton charges the highest marriage license fee in the region at $178.
Unlike neighbouring municipalities, Hamilton does not provide appointments to obtain licenses and does not provide online services.
In a report to City Council, City Hall managers state they expect to lose a further $100,000 or more in fee revenue in 2025 as Hamiltonians travel to other municipalities to get their licenses quicker and at lower costs.
Ontario residents can obtain a marriage license from any municipality. Ontarians are not required to apply within the municipality in which they live.
Grimsby’s fee is $134.50, Brantford’s $152.34, Guelph’s $155, Haldimand County’s $157, Cambridge’s $165, and Burlington’s $170.
Brantford and Grimsby both offer online application services.
The report does not estimate the number of Hamiltonians who also choose to have their ceremonies conducted at Grimsby, Brantford, or other City Halls.
Hamilton charges a $390 ceremony fee, Grimsby charges $335.61, and Brantford $276.16.
The staff report recommends that Council take no action to make fees more competitive or to improve services.
The $100,000-plus deficit will be added as a cost pressure in the 2025 City budget.
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v. 1.0.0
Published: January 12, 2025
Last updated: January 12, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
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