Cobourg selected as one of six communities for new Marriage Licence Modernization program.

Cobourg, ON (March 30, 2023) – The Town of Cobourg has been selected as one of six municipalities in Ontario to pilot a new online marriage licence program, making it less complicated and more convenient for Ontario couples to apply.

In February, the Province of Ontario announced initiatives to modernize the way services are delivered in Ontario. As part of this work to provide customers with more online delivery options, soon-to-be-married couples can now apply for marriage licences online through a new secure portal in participating municipalities.

The Marriage Licence Modernization (MLM) program is an overarching initiative which aims to streamline and transform both the paper-based marriage licence application process for applicants and the issuance process for municipalities in Ontario by moving towards a digital delivery model that minimizes physical touchpoints in a phased implementation approach.

Applicants will be able to apply for a marriage licence online and submit their IDs and supporting documents electronically. Once information has been submitted, the municipal office will be notified, providing staff an opportunity to review and process application packages prior to the applicant attending the office. This will also allow staff to flag corrections or additional information required, prior to meeting with the applicant, saving time, and minimizing unnecessary back and forth appointments.

“The Town of Cobourg is thrilled to be partnering with the Province of Ontario on the Marriage Licence Modernization program,” says Brent Larmer, Director of Legislative Services and Municipal Clerk. “As we move forward with our Customer Service Strategy at the Town of Cobourg, being able to offer online marriage licence applications is in direct line with our goals to improve the connection with our customers and the efficiency of service we provide.”

This second phase of the MLM program is being launched in six Ontario municipalities starting this March. This phased-in approach will allow the Province of Ontario to apply improvements based on user feedback, prior to a province-wide rollout in 2024/25.

In addition to the Cobourg community, the Town of Cobourg can process marriage licences for any applicants planning to be married within the province of Ontario. Marriage licences are valid for 90-days, from date of issue. Individuals cannot apply for a licence if their scheduled wedding date is beyond this 90-day window.  

How to Apply for a Marriage Licence:

To register for a Marriage licence, applicants can go to www.cobourg.ca/marriage and click on the ‘Apply for a Marriage Licence’ button. The application process will take approximately 25 minutes to complete and will prompt individuals to provide all necessary paperwork online.

For those who do not have access to a computer or the internet at home, the Town of Cobourg has installed a tablet within the Legislative Services department where applications can be completed in person.

Documentation to Complete your Marriage Licence:

• The names, dates of birth, provinces/territories of birth, countries of birth (as it was known at the time of your births, even if it is no longer used), addresses and contact information for both applicants.
  
  
•  The marital status of each applicant
  • Divorce certificates are required for those who have been previously married the names and countries of birth (country name as it was known when the parent was born) for each applicant’s parent(s)
    
    
•  Photographs or scans of two pieces of government-issued identification with at least one being photo identification (ID), for each application (four total)

Civil Marriage Ceremonies at Victoria Hall

The Town of Cobourg conducts civil wedding ceremonies every Friday afternoon. You can book a civil marriage ceremony with the Town if you're looking for a simple, non-religious ceremony. Ceremonies are conducted at Victoria Hall in the historic court room. 

For additional information, please contact the Town of Cobourg Legislative Services Department at 905-372-4301.

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Media Contacts
Kara Euale                                                           
Manager, Communications                                    
Town of Cobourg                                                  
p: 905-372-4301 x 4105                                        
e: keuale@cobourg.ca                                            

About The Town of Cobourg
The Town of Cobourg is a lakeside community (population 20,500) located on the north shore of Lake Ontario halfway between Toronto and Kingston and has been recognized multiple times by MoneySense Magazine as “One of Canada’s Best Places to Live” in populations under 25,000.

Founded in 1798, Cobourg is rich in heritage offering a vibrant downtown, sophisticated small-town atmosphere and renowned waterfront that serves as a popular getaway destination.  As the largest town in Northumberland County, Cobourg is personified by historic Victoria Hall, a 143,000 sq. ft. multiple purpose community centre, an educated and skilled labour force, flourishing commercial sector and supportive municipal government. Cobourg has received the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Sustainable Communities Award, accolades from the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance, and multiple heritage, environmental, and event awards.