A Post Wedding Ceremony Checklist for Ontario Couples
Congratulations on your marriage!
This checklist is designed to serve as a helpful starting point for couples navigating the many administrative and personal tasks that can follow a marriage. While getting married is an exciting milestone, there are often several important updates and changes that happen behind the scenes afterward, from legal documentation and name changes to insurance updates, banking information, travel documents, and more.
Every couple’s situation is unique, which means some items on this checklist may apply to you immediately, while others may not apply at all. It should not be considered a complete or exhaustive list of everything you may need to do after getting married, but rather a practical guide to help you stay organized and avoid overlooking important details during an already busy season of life.
We always encourage couples to seek additional information, professional advice, or institution-specific requirements where needed, particularly for matters related to legal documents, financial planning, taxes, immigration, insurance, or travel. Think of this as your foundation, a resource designed to make the post-wedding transition feel a little more manageable and a lot less overwhelming.
You're Married, what happens next?
Obtaining Your Marriage Certificate
A Marriage Certificate is not to be confused for the Marriage Licence that you applied for in order to get married. A Marriage Certificate is the legal document that you apply for after you are married.
Once your marriage has been registered by the province, which could take between 6-8 weeks from your wedding day, you may apply for your Marriage Certificate here.
Canada Revenue Agency
The CRA requires you to notify them by the end of the month following your wedding. For example if you were married in July, they would need to know by August 31st. You must notify them even if you are not changing your name.
Changing your name
Who to notify and when.
A copy of your marriage certificate is required to change your last name on all government related documents and may be required for various other loyalty cards and important documents.
Drivers Licence
Health Card
Insurance Providers
Financial Institutions and Credit Card Companies
While you wait for your official certificate to arrive you may also wish to notify:
Employer (including benefits provider and pension administrator, if applicable)
Medical Professionals
Loyalty cards
Travel Plans?
If you are hoping to change your name after you are married but have already booked a honeymoon or you have plans to travel within 90 days, it is recommended that you wait until you have returned to Ontario to change your name. All of your travel documents must have the same name.
