Documentation

Both parties must present valid photo identification to the Mayor prior to the ceremony, along with a valid marriage licence and receipt of payment to access St. John’s. These documents should all be presented to the Mayor’s office 4 days before the wedding to allow the appropriate time to prepare the documentation.

Marriage licences must be obtained at least 4 days before the ceremony and are valid for 30 days.

Witnesses

Couples must provide two witnesses (one for each partner) who must be present at the ceremony and must be at least 16 years' old. The City of St. John's does not provide witnesses.

Ineligibility

The Mayor or delegated wedding commissioner will not perform a ceremony where there are reasonable grounds to believe a person is not legally able to marry. This includes:

• Either party is under 19 years of age (unless special circumstances and consent apply)
• One or both parties are under duress
• The parties are closely related (parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild)
• One or both parties are currently married
• One or both parties are unable to understand the nature of marriage due to mental incapacity or impairment from alcohol or drugs

The Mayor or delegated wedding commissioner may refuse to perform a ceremony if there are concerns about eligibility or capacity.

Ceremony Information

Locations

Couples may choose one of the following locations at City Hall:

• Mayor’s Lounge (4th Floor)
• Council Chambers (4th Floor)
• City Hall Courtyard (season availability, weather permitting)

Ceremonies outside City Hall may be approved at the Mayor’s discretion and are subject to an additional $100 fee.

Location availability may change depending on scheduling and without notice.

Fees

The fee for a civil marriage ceremony at City Hall during regular hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) is $230 (tax included).

Ceremonies outside regular hours or off-site are $345 (tax included) to cover travel costs.

Fees must be paid in full at least 4 days before the ceremony and are non-refundable. The receipt must be presented to the Mayor’s office.

Payment can be made at Access St. John’s (1st Floor, City Hall) by cash (Canadian funds only), debit, Visa, or Mastercard.

This fee does not include the marriage licence, which must be purchased separately.

For marriage licence information, contact Vital Statistics at 709-729-0305, visit 149 Smallwood Drive, Mount Pearl, or contact an authorized licence issuer.

The provincial website also provides a list of marriage license issuers to contact as an alternative to visiting Vital Statistics.

Ceremony Details

• All ceremonies are performed by the Mayor or delegated wedding commissioner.
• Ceremonies are non-denominational and conducted in English only. If required, couples must provide their own interpreter. Interpreters must provide identification and cannot be one of the witnesses.
• The ceremony lasts approximately 5–10 minutes. The booking allows up to 30 minutes in the space.
• Couples may request small personal touches, but all requests must be submitted in writing in advance. Legal elements of the ceremony cannot be changed.
• Personal music is permitted and may be played from a phone, tablet, or laptop.
• Photography and video are permitted. These are the responsibility of the couple.
• Small floral arrangements are allowed but must be removed after the ceremony.

The following items are not permitted:

• Candles or incense
• Confetti, rice, bubbles, or similar items

Receptions and post-ceremony events cannot be held at City Hall.

Want to know more?

For more information about marriage ceremonies, please contact the Office of the Mayor by email at Mayor@stjohns.ca or call 709-576-8477.