Elopement Days
What is an Elopement Day?
The Town of Fort Frances offers special Elopement Day services where couples who book ahead are issued their marriage licence and married in a simple ceremony all in one appointment.
This service is especially ideal for those who:
- Are having an out-of-country wedding
- Are looking for an affordable wedding
- Are opting for a low-key, intimate celebration
- Fort Frances holds personal significance
- Want to have a low-impact wedding for the environment
- Want an easy to plan wedding
How do I book?
- Online at: https://outlook.office365.com/book/Commissioning@fortfrances.ca/
- Or contact clerks@fortfrances.ca
Who can book?
Anyone legally able to get married in the Province of Ontario, including:
- Couples 18 (eighteen) years and older
- Couples of any gender and sexuality
- Couples who are not currently married
- Couples who can provide 2 (two) pieces of government-issued identification each
When are these held?
The next available dates are February 14, 2025, and April 4, 2025.
Who is the Officiant?
The Municipal Clerk and Deputy Clerk officiate these weddings.
What is included?
- Your Marriage Licence
- Your Marriage Ceremony performed by an Officiant
- Use of the Council Chambers (or outside on Civic Centre property per your preference)
- Your completed licence mailed to the Ontario Registrar
- Simple decorations (archway, signing table, basket of white imitation flowers - indoors only unless pre-arranged for full-day)
- With advance notice, Microsoft Teams can be setup so your friends and family can stream (indoors only)
- Gallery seating for up to 30 guests (indoors only)
- The Officiant will also stay behind upon request for up to 5 (five) minutes to take group photos with your camera or cellphone
What is the price?
A combined price of $350 + HST, and $153 with no additional HST. As of January 1, 2025, the price after taxes is: $548.50, payable to the Town of Fort Frances by Debit, Cash, or Cheque.
What do I need?
- 2 (two) government-issued, non-expired pieces of identification each. One needs to be a photo identification.
- If there's a prior marriage which ended in divorce or annulment, we require the original or court certified true copy of the paperwork.
- Two witnesses, recommended to both be over 16 (sixteen) years of age understanding what they're witnessing. Witnesses can be provided by the Town of Fort Frances for $25+HST per required witness.
What if I want to get married on a different date?
Due to staff capacity, requests for specific dates and/or Council Chambers bookings may not be able to be fulfilled. Please submit your request to clerks@fortfrances.ca.
What language of ceremonies do you offer?
Currently we only offer English. Should you or your partner not speak English, you must arrange for a translator. Please note that a translator may not also act as your witness.
How soon until I get my Marriage Certificate?
Your marriage licence is mailed to the Ontario Registrar within 24 working hours of the ceremony. The Registrar recommends waiting minimum 6-8 (six to eight) weeks for your Marriage Certificate, however if there are any errors on your marriage licence, this will extend the time it takes to receive your Marriage Certificate. Always check your Marriage Licence thoroughly with your Issuer.
Your Officiant is only able to provide when the Marriage Licence was mailed to the Registrar and is unable to request updates from the Province of Ontario on the status of your Marriage Certificate.
Who do I contact for more information?
The Office of the Clerk
clerks@fortfrances.ca
(807) 274-5323