Here is yet another variation of a query for 'signing the papers', or 'registering a marriage'. A couple just asked me: they had picked up a proper Ontario marriage license, and then went abroad and had a wedding, and thought we could now just 'sign the papers' certifying their foreign wedding.
Nope. To get legally married in ONTARIO, and apply for an ONTARIO MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE, you must hold a short verbal legal wedding ceremony in ONTARIO, with a properly licensed Ontario Marriage Officiant, in front of two legal witnesses who hear and see the spoken ceremony. Then you sign documents, immediately following.
Because what marries you is this legal ceremony, not 'signing the papers'. It must be a short verbal ceremony, in front of your witnesses, and it MUST include the legal Mandatory Declarations from the Marriage Act. It's not long, and the legal parts are of course not religious, but they must be followed.
THEN you can 'sign the papers' (Registry, Marriage License, Record of Solemnization), and your officiant will certify and file the papers with the Registrar in Thunder Bay within 48 hours. After the data has been entered in the records of the Province, you can file for your Certificate of Registration (eg., "Marriage Certificate").
I seem to be discussing this weekly, so here is yet another reminder.
Please see: Legal Weddings FAQ
ELOPE TORONTO: Simple personalised legal weddings in Toronto. (Micro-weddings, pop-up weddings, 'registry or signing the papers' or 'City Hall' style weddings). Contact MaryBeaty (at) Gmail (dot) com.