Cobourg helps pilot provincial marriage-license initiative
By Cecilia Nasmith
The Town of Cobourg had been chosen as one of six municipalities selected by the Province of Ontario to pilot a new on-line marriage-license program that makes it easier and more convenient for couples planning a wedding.
This is part of the province's February announcement of a push to modernize the way services are delivered in Ontario. This includes a secure portal in participating municipalities (like Cobourg) by which couples can apply for marriage license – the Marriage License Modernization program, designed to streamline and transform both the paper-based marriage-license application process and the issuance process that is moving toward a digital delivery model that minimizes physical touchpoints in a phrased implementation approach.
Applicants can apply on-line and submit their Ids and supporting documents electronically. Once the information is submitted, the municipal office will be notified for staff review and processing. Corrections and requests for additional information will be processed prior to meeting with the applicants, saving time and minimizing unnecessary back-and-forth appointments.
Director of Legislative Services Brett Larmer said the town is thrilled to be a partner on this pilot program.
“As we move forward with our Customer Service Strategy at the Town of Cobourg, being able to offer on-line marriage-license applications is in direct line with our goals to improve the connection with our customers and the efficiency of service we provide,” Larmer commented.
This province's phased-in approach for the MLM program includes its launch in six Ontario municipality and an opportunity for user feedback prior to full roll-out in 2024-2025.
In addition to the Cobourg community, the ton can process marriage licenses for applicants planning to be married anywhere within the province. Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from date of issue, and individuals cannot apply for a license if the scheduled wedding date is beyond this 9-day window.
To apply, visit www.cobourg.ca/marriage and click on the Apply for a Marriage License button. The process, which will prompt individuals to provide all necessary paperwork on-line, takes about 25 minutes.
For those without computer or internet access at home, the town has installed a tablet in the Legislative Services department, where applications can be completed in person.
Documentation needed to complete your application include:
The names, dates of birth, provinces or territories of birth, countries of birth, addresses and contact information of both applicants
Marital status of both applicants (for those who have been previously married, divorces certificates are required), as well as the names and countries of birth for both applicants' parents
Photographs or scans of two pieces of government-issued identification (at least one of them being photo identification) for each applicants
The Town of Cobourg reminds couples that civil wedding ceremonies are conducted at Victoria Hall in the historic Old Bailey Courtroom each Friday afternoon – a perfect option for those looking for a simple non-religious ceremony.
For more information, contact the Legislative Services department at 905-372-4301.
