Wedding Ceremonies

Ceremony Fees (2025 Fees)

Fees for the ceremony are paid at the pre-ceremony consultation meeting. Cash, money order, debit or credit (no personal cheques) are accepted. Fees change annually typically on January 1st of each year. The fees currently are:

• $300 if held at City Hall during regular business hours
• $350 if held at City Hall outside of regular business hours
• $400 if held offsite (plus mileage at the city rate if held outside of Kawartha Lakes)
• $55 for any rehearsal attendance by officiant
• No other gratuities accepted

These fees includes the Officiant to perform the ceremony and the use of City Hall for the ceremony. These fees do not include the cost of a Marriage Licence, which is $150.00 if obtained at City Hall in Kawartha Lakes. A Marriage Licence may be obtained at any Lower or Single Tier Municipal Office in Ontario.

The Ceremony Day

Some things to you should consider for the date of the ceremony at City Hall include:

1. Changes to date and/or time are allowed at no additional charge provided that the location and Officiant are available. No refund will be issued if the ceremony is cancelled the day of the ceremony, or the applicant(s) and witnesses do not appear for the ceremony.
2. While requests for ceremonies on the weekends, or holidays are permitted, the likelihood of getting confirmation of an available municipal clerk, is significantly higher during weekday office hours at City Hall. Officiating staff receive no extra compensation for performing a ceremony after-hours or on a weekend/holiday. No gratuities are to be accepted by Municipal Staff.
3. Please plan to arrive at least 10-20 minutes prior to the ceremony to allow time to review final details. Late arrivals must be aware that your booking is only for 1 hour. Arriving 30-45 minutes late may require you to reschedule your ceremony. The Municipal Clerks who are officiating the ceremony have many other duties and responsibilities to attend to at City Hall, and can only designate 1 hour maximum per ceremony.
4. Minimal decorating, i.e. flowers, balloons, etc., is permitted, however, must be approved by the officiant in advance of the ceremony. Decorating is allowed 15 minutes prior to the ceremony and must be removed within 15 minutes following the conclusion of the ceremony. No affixed decorations, confetti, rice, bird seed, bubbles, open flame, including candles or incense, are allowed in or on the grounds of the Municipal Facility. Couples may be charged with the cost of cleanup should any debris be found.
5. Alcohol or other intoxicating substances are not to be used by the celebrants or their witnesses prior to the ceremony. If the Officiant believes that if either of the celebrants are inebriated and lack the mental capacity to marry, the ceremony may be cancelled at the discretion of the Officiant. No alcohol or drugs are permitted on City property.
6. Music may be arranged by the applicant before and after the ceremony. When selecting the type of music consideration should be given to its appropriateness and contribution to the dignity of the occasion. You may also want to select a friend or family member to press play at the right time.
7. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide an interpreter if they do not speak English and/or require language assistance. The interpreter cannot be one of the witnesses. The interpreter will be required to sign a form that he/she has interpreted the wedding ceremony as per requirements.
8. Pictures and/or videos may be taken during the ceremony provided there is no disruption of the ceremony. Let us know if you are planning to bring a professional photographer.
9. The Officiant is only responsible for preparing the script and officiating the ceremony and therefore not responsible for other activities for the ceremony (i.e. photography, wedding planning, organizing processionals, etc.).
10. The ceremony space is not a wedding reception space. No food or drink is permitted to be served in City Hall without permission of the Officiant. If you would like to book a reception space, several City facilities are available through the facility booking team, or you may contact local event spaces and/or restaurants.

If you have made special arrangements to request a Municipal Clerk to perform your ceremony outside of City Hall, you should also consider the following:

1. Additional rental fees apply to other municipal facilities (City owned Halls, or parks). Bookings for these facilities will need to be made through the appropriate Department or organization. Arrangements at private facilities are the responsibility of the applicants.
2. Ceremonies held at venues outside of the boundaries of the City of Kawartha Lakes by one (1) hour or 100km drive and/or during inclement weather may be subject to an additional fee to cover accommodations of the Officiant.