Civil Marriage Ceremonies

Ceremonies will normally be held in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Other appropriate locations at Town Hall may be used for certain Ceremony days if the Council Chambers is not available.

Council Chambers

Two (2) witnesses are required to be present during the Ceremony. Although there is no minimum age for a witness, it is suggested that they should be at least 14 years of age (16 years old preferred) 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

If you cannot provide witnesses, Town Staff may be able to fulfil this role (subject to availability).

The Couple may review and choose from Ceremony scripts. The Couple may personalize parts of the script, including the addition of their own personal vows. Changes to the Ceremony scripts, including the addition of personal vows, must be approved by the Marriage Officiant.

Applicants (the “Couple”) must agree to abide by these guidelines and rules as a condition of the Town agreeing to provide the Couple with Civil Marriage Ceremony services (“Ceremony”)

1. The Couple, as the renters of the Council Chambers (or any other Town Facility) for the Ceremony, do hereby consent to defend and indemnify The Corporation of the Town of Aurora (the “Town”) for any loss or damage incurred by their invitees and guests. The Couple agrees that the Town will not be held responsible for personal injury or damage, nor for the theft or loss of any personal property of anyone attending on the invitation of the Couple.
2. The Couple shall be responsible for the conduct and supervision of all persons admitted to the Council Chambers.
3. The use of candles, confetti, rice, flower petals, incense, bubbles, and anything else which Town Staff may determine from time to time is prohibited in or on the Town Hall property (100 John West Way).
4. The Couple is permitted to bring minimal decorations for their Ceremony (e.g., flowers, balloons). They may be placed 10 minutes prior to the start of the Ceremony and removed within 10 minutes of the conclusion of the Ceremony. The Couple shall be responsible for any damage to any Town property caused by the placement of their decoration.
5. No consumption of alcohol or other stimulants i.e. cannabis by the Couple and/or witnesses is permitted prior to or during the Ceremony. The Marriage Officiant will cancel the Ceremony without a refund if this rule is violated.
6. Music deemed by the Marriage Officiant to be appropriate to the occasion will be allowed. The Couple must supply a music player for their recorded music.
7. Due to the civil nature of the service, the Ceremony shall not refer to any particular or identifiable religious connotations or traditions.
8. In order to maintain the dignity of the Ceremony, clothing should be appropriate for the occasion.
9. A maximum of 120 guests (including the bride, groom and designated witnesses) can be accommodated in the Council Chambers. The maximum number of guests for a Ceremony held in another Town Facility will be in accordance with occupancy permits for that Facility.
10. A Ceremony will take approximately 20 minutes. The Couple should arrive at least ten(10) minutes prior to the Ceremony time to allow time to review final details. The Marriage Officiant may, at his or her own discretion, cancel any Ceremony when the Couple arrives ten (10) or more minutes after the scheduled start of the Ceremony.
11. The taking of photographs during the Ceremony is permitted provided that it does not interfere with the Ceremony as determined by the Marriage Officiant.
12. Cell phones must be turned off or put in silent mode prior to the commencement of the Ceremony.
13. An administration fee, as established by Town By-law, will be charged for any change of date within seven (7) days (subject to availability) of a scheduled Ceremony.
14. An administration fee, as established by Town By-law, will be charged for any cancellation of a scheduled ceremony.