The City of Dryden offers you the freedom to have the wedding of your dreams in the location of your choice.
Our marriage commissioner will perform your service at your home, cabin, or special venue-maybe the place that you met, or somewhere that has a history in your family.
Your wedding day is special and with a civil marriage service it can be a reflection of who you are as individuals, the interests that you share as a couple , and what is important in the life you are planning to have together.
Step 1
Please look through the Civil Marriage Information Package. Please call 223-1160 to start planning and book the date for your special celebration! You will need to fill out a Civil Marriage Booking Agreement that's included in the information package to secure your booking.
Marriage Commissioners
Mr. Shayne MacKinnon is a former Councillor and Chief of Police, and has been a lifelong Dryden Resident. He's had the honour of performing many marriage ceremonies over the years in a variety of settings for many happy couples.
Ms. Mardi-Lee Plomp is a retired teacher and former principal of 31 years. She is an active volunteer in the community in a variety of capacities, all of which contribute and complement the necessary skills to perform civil marriage ceremonies.
Additional marriage commissioners are the City Clerk and the Records and Legislative Coordinator.
Sample Vows
Our Civil Marriage Commissioner will work with you to personalize your vows, ensuring that they express your love for each other, and the commitment that you are making to each other.
The following is a selection of suggested vows to help you start thinking about the words you want to use on your special day.
Sample Vows
Please note that civil marriage services are non-denominational.
FAQs
1. What documents are needed for a Civil Marriage Service?
Before meeting with the Marriage Commissioner you should have completed and paid for your Ontario Marriage License (valid for three (3) months following its date of issue). You should have also completed the Booking Agreement Form with staff at City Hall.
2. Who may officiate at our wedding?
For a Civil Marriage, only the City appointed Commissioners may perform the ceremony.
3. What would it cost to be married at my home on the lake on Saturday?
| Example 1: Location within City boundaries: | |
|
Marriage License issued in Dryden |
$ 152.00 |
| Ceremony on a Saturday (within the boundaries of the city) | $ 411.00 |
|
TOTAL |
$563.00 plus HST |
|
Example 2: Location outside the boundaries of the city) |
|
|
Marriage License issued in Dryden |
$ 152.00 |
| Ceremony on a Saturday (outside the boundaries of the city) | $ 566.50 |
|
TOTAL |
$718.50 plus HST |
* Plus Commissioner incurred expenses, if applicable.
4. Does the City offer "same day service" for a Ceremony?
We will attempt to accommodate the couple, based on the availability of a Marriage Commissioner and location, i.e. availability of Council Chambers or alternate site.
5. Where can we hold our wedding?
Our Marriage Commissioners will perform a ceremony at any location within the City of Dryden municipal boundaries and the surrounding area. Ceremonies may also be held at City Hall in the Council Chambers, based on availability.
6. Do we have to purchase our Ontario License in Dryden to be married in Dryden?
No. You may purchase an Ontario License anywhere in the Province of Ontario to be married anywhere in the Province of Ontario.
7. Are witnesses required for a Civil Marriage Ceremony?
Yes, all couples must have two (2) witnesses present during the ceremony, preferably over age 16.
8. May we include readings from the Bible or have a Blessing at our ceremony?
While the Marriage Commissioner may not perform any type of religious ceremony in keeping with the spirit of the Ontario Marriage Act which requires civil ceremonies to be "non-denominational", couples may wish to have someone other than the Commissioner provide a reading or a blessing.
9. Will the Marriage Commissioner marry Same-sex Partners?
Of course! There is a constitutional requirement in Ontario to issue marriage licenses to, and solemnize civil marriages of same-sex couples.
10. Who registers our Civil Marriage?
The Marriage Commissioner will ensure all documentation is delivered to City Hall following the ceremony. The documents will then be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar General in Thunder Bay where your marriage will be registered.