How to get married during the Covid lockdown?

[JpnCdnrelationship]

Hi everyone, hope you guys are keeping well.

My fiance and I were planning to get married this month but unfortunately due to the covid lockdown Toronto City hall has fully closed their marriage officiant services.

From what I understood, we can apply for a marriage license but we'd still need an officiant and witnesses to get married. Only then can we submit the signed marriage license to the province to obtain a marriage certificate within 10-12 weeks.

We're in a bit of a pickle, as my fiance's open workpermit is expiring in August. I was wondering if anyone else is going through the same experience or can someone kindly provide some advice? We'd like to get married and apply for the inland spousal application but if it's not possible right now would there be any other way to get her to stay? Unfortunately we cannot apply for common law as of yet since we've only been living together for the 6 months but dating for a year.

 

[scylla]

Hi everyone, hope you guys are keeping well.

My fiance and I were planning to get married this month but unfortunately due to the covid lockdown Toronto City hall has fully closed their marriage officiant services.

From what I understood, we can apply for a marriage license but we'd still need an officiant and witnesses to get married. Only then can we submit the signed marriage license to the province to obtain a marriage certificate within 10-12 weeks.

We're in a bit of a pickle, as my fiance's open workpermit is expiring in August. I was wondering if anyone else is going through the same experience or can someone kindly provide some advice? We'd like to get married and apply for the inland spousal application but if it's not possible right now would there be any other way to get her to stay? Unfortunately we cannot apply for common law as of yet since we've only been living together for the 6 months but dating for a year.

Yes, you need an offician and witnesses to get married. I don't believe it's possible to get married right now. Although maybe someone has figured something out.

If you run short on time, your fiance can always apply to change her status to visitor to remain here longer (i.e. beyond August).

 

[Canada2020eh]

Saw on the news a few days ago a couple got married, they were outside in their yard and the official and witness were on the other side of the fence maintaining social distancing. I think it can be done, just need to find a person to do the ceremony and pick an appropriate place. Worth a try.

 

[canuck78]

Saw on the news a few days ago a couple got married, they were outside in their yard and the official and witness were on the other side of the fence maintaining social distancing. I think it can be done, just need to find a person to do the ceremony and pick an appropriate place. Worth a try.

They likely already applied for their marriage license before the shutdown.

 

[Canada2020eh]

If so might all be good, if not then probably going to get a licence now.

 

[canuck78]

If so might all be good, if not then probably going to get a licence now.

Not sure you can which is the issue.

 

[Canada2020eh]

Not sure you can which is the issue.

Oops, that's what I meant to say, probably can't get one now.

 

[espg_007]

@JpnCdnrelationship were you able to obtain a marriage license? We are on a very similar timeline.

According to the website, they are issuing them on an urgent basis. I wonder if our situation is deemed "urgent" by them. I emailed them last Thursday but haven't heard back.