Civil Marriage Ceremonies

1. Ceremonies will be conducted at City Hall – 1560 Laurier Street in Rockland during regular office hours. Exceptions may be granted outside office hours in an appropriate location approved by the Clerk, subject to availability.
2. Scheduling of a civil marriage at City Hall must be made with the Clerk or designate at least four (4) weeks prior to the intended date for the ceremony, at which time, applicable fees shall be paid, and a Civil Marriage Ceremony Booking Agreement will be executed.
3. A standard civil marriage ceremony shall incorporate all mandatory declarations under Section 24 of the Marriage Act in all civil marriages. Personal vows, in addition to the mandatory declarations, will be permitted.
4. A mandatory pre-ceremony meeting, which will last approximately 30 minutes, must be scheduled at least three (3) days prior to the ceremony.   Both parties must attend this pre-ceremony meeting, and shall provide:
   1. photo identification (i.e.: driver’s license);
   2. a completed application for a Civil Marriage Ceremony;
   3. a written copy of personal vows, if any; and
   4. a valid Marriage License issued in the Province of Ontario is to be presented (date issued must be within 90 days of ceremony).
5. The Clerk or designate has the authority to refuse to solemnize the civil marriage of any person based on what he or she knows or has reasonable grounds to believe, lacks mental capacity to marry by reason of being under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or for any other reason.
6. The persons being married must have two (2) witnesses present during the ceremony. Witnesses must be 14 years of age or older and should be able to understand and appreciate what is taking place and be able to give evidence of such at a later date, if required.
7. The persons being married must supply an interpreter if they do not speak English or French, or require assistance, if the Marriage Officiant deems it necessary. The interpreter cannot be one of the witnesses.
8. A maximum of 30 guests (including the wedding party) can be accommodated in the venue at City Hall.
9. In the City Hall venue, minimal decorations are permitted (flowers, balloons). They may be placed 15 minutes prior to the Ceremony and removed within 15 minutes of its conclusion. Use of decorations affixed to walls or furniture (tape, staples, nails, etc.) are not allowed. No confetti, rice, bubbles, etc., are permitted.
10. Music will be permitted at certain times throughout the Ceremony but must be determined during the pre-ceremony meeting. When selecting the type of music, consideration should be given to its appropriateness and contribution to the dignity of the occasion.
11. The taking of photographs and videotaping of the Ceremony will be permitted subject to certain limitation at the discretion of the Marriage Officiant. 

If the ceremony takes place in an approved venue other than City Hall, it is the responsibility of the persons being married to make the appropriate arrangements and to pay for the facility, and to pay for the Marriage Officiant’s mileage expenses to be calculated at the rate established by the City’s travel expense policy.

If the ceremony takes place outside regular office hours, it shall be in an approved venue and it is the responsibility of the persons being married to make the appropriate arrangements and to pay for the facility, and to pay for the Marriage Officiant’s mileage expenses to be calculated at the rate established by the City’s travel expense policy. In addition, the persons being married shall be responsible for paying any additional established fees.

These guidelines may be amended at the Clerk’s discretion at any time without obtaining Council’s approval, if deemed necessary.