The City of St. Catharines offers civil marriage ceremonies in Council Chambers at City Hall.
Book a civil ceremony
Please email tietheknot@stcatharines.ca or give us a call at 905.688.5601 ext. 1517 to book a civil marriage ceremony. We recommend booking the ceremony at least two weeks in advance.
You can book a ceremony up to six months in advance with full payment up front.
Ceremony times
Civil ceremonies are by appointment only and these appointments are limited in availability. They can be performed Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost
If you'd like to book a ceremony at City Hall, it costs $327.55 including HST. This must be paid up front to secure the date and time.
Cancellations
Please speak with your officiant to find out about the cancellation timeline. If you need to cancel the ceremony, there is a cancellation fee of $150.
Frequently asked questions
Review our frequently asked questions to learn more about civil wedding ceremonies.
| Are there any health and safety considerations as a result of Covid-19? |
| There are no Covid-19 screening requirements in place. However, please contact staff as soon as possible if you, or any of your guests, are feeling unwell. |
| Can guests attend the ceremony? |
| Yes. However, no more than 60 guests can attend. Council Chambers has a capacity of 65 people, which means in attendance can be the two individuals being married, two witnesses, the City staff member officiating the ceremony, and up to 60 guests. |
| Where do ceremonies take place? |
| Ceremonies take place in Council Chambers, which is located on the third floor of City Hall. This facility is fully accessible. During summer months, ceremonies may take place on the lawn outside of City Hall. |
| Can we bring our own flowers and decor? |
| Yes, small items such as a bouquet of flowers or corsage are acceptable décor during the ceremony. Items such as confetti, rice and bubbles are not permitted. |
| Are we allowed to take photos and videos? |
| Yes, you can take pictures and videos throughout the ceremony. |
| Can I get married at City Hall if I don't live in St. Catharines? |
| Yes, all you need is a valid Ontario marriage licence. |
| How do I obtain a marriage licence? |
| They are obtained Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at City Hall. Learn how to apply for a marriage licence. |
| Can the Clerk perform a wedding ceremony at a location other than City Hall? |
| Off-site ceremonies are not being offered at this time. |