Wedding Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a wedding comes with plenty of questions. Here are some answers to help you get started. And if there's something you're wondering about that isn't covered here, please ask!
Are you legally authorized to perform marriages in Ontario?
I am a registered wedding officiant in Ontario and can solemnize marriages in accordance with provincial requirements.
You will need a valid Ontario marriage licence before your wedding. I'll guide you through the ceremony requirements and complete the officiant's portion of the marriage documentation.
Do you perform religious and non-religious weddings?
Absolutely. Your ceremony can be religious, spiritual, secular, or a combination of traditions that are meaningful to you.
My background in theology, history, and worship gives me a broad understanding of ceremony and ritual, but I don't believe in imposing my beliefs on anyone else's celebration.
Can we write our own vows?
Of course! You can write your own vows, choose traditional promises, or work with me to develop something that expresses what you want to say to one another.
I'll also make sure the ceremony includes the declarations required for a legal marriage in Ontario.
Can we include family members, children, or special traditions?
Yes! Weddings bring together more than two people, and there are wonderful ways to acknowledge the relationships and communities that matter to you.
Whether you'd like to involve children, honour loved ones, include cultural traditions, or create something entirely new, we can explore the possibilities together.
What if we don't know what kind of ceremony we want?
That's perfectly fine. You don't need to arrive with a script or a detailed plan.
We'll begin with a conversation about you, your relationship, and what matters to you. I'll help you discover what feels right and develop a ceremony from there.
Do you officiate small weddings and elopements?
Yes. A wedding doesn't need to be large or elaborate to be meaningful.
Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, we can create a ceremony appropriate to the occasion.
Will you travel to our wedding venue?
I'm based in Ottawa and can discuss ceremonies in Ottawa and the surrounding communities.
Tell me where you're planning to celebrate, and we'll discuss the arrangements, including any applicable travel costs.
How much do your services cost?
The fee depends on the type of ceremony, the preparation involved, the location, and any additional arrangements.
Once I know what you're planning, I can explain what's included and provide a clear quote before you make a commitment.
How far in advance should we contact you?
As soon as you have a date in mind is ideal, particularly for popular wedding weekends. However, you're welcome to ask about shorter-notice ceremonies as well.
Availability will depend on my existing commitments.
What happens after we contact you?
We'll start with a conversation about your plans, your hopes for the ceremony, and any questions you have.
If we decide to work together, I'll help develop the ceremony, discuss the details with you, and make sure we're prepared for the day.
Still have questions?
I'd love to hear what you're planning.
Let's talk about your wedding.