FAQ's

Question:

What geography do you cover?

Answer:

We perform weddings in Toronto, Markham, Scarborough, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Vaughan, Woodbridge, Kleinburg, GTA (Greater Toronto Area), (Parts of Peel Region and York Region).

Outside of Peel Region a surcharge may apply.

 

Question:

What are your fees?

Answer:

Please see the Services page.

Question:

What are the requirements to be married in Ontario?

Answer:

To get a marriage licence, you will need to:

  • fill out a marriage licence application
  • bring the completed application to your local city hall, town hall or municipal office
  • show original identification with your current legal name, date of birth and signature – both people getting married will need to provide valid identification
  • pay a fee (fees vary and depend on the municipality.

In Ontario you must be at least 18 years of age or older (or 16 years of age with permission from parents) to get married. You need a marriage license and two witnesses over the age of 18. There is no waiting period in Ontario to be married. The marriage license is valid for 90 days and can be purchased at the local municipal office or city hall. Marriage Application forms may be downloaded from the Ontario Ministry of Business and Consumer Website Services. http://www.ontario.ca/government/get-married-ontario

Question:

When should I book the officiant for the wedding ceremony?

Answer:

Once you have finalized your wedding date, you are prudent to reserve the wedding officiant (as well as the location for your wedding). Remember spring and summer months are very busy. Reserving your date one year in advance is not too early.

 

Question:

Can we write our own vows?

Answer:

Yes, you can, and you can forward it to us for review or to have it ready for your ceremony.

 

Question:

How do I book your services?

Answer:

Please click on my Contact page.

 

Question:

Do we need to meet prior to booking?

Answer:

No, however we can have a phone conversation or meet using Zoom/Skype to make sure we are a fit.

 

Question:

Do we need a wedding rehearsal?

Answer:

It depends, if you have a large bridal party I’d say yes! You should plan on having a rehearsal a few days prior to your wedding or the day prior is acceptable as well. Remember to let us know when you are booking so we keep the date and time open for the rehearsal.

 

Question:

What time will you arrive on the day of the wedding?

Answer:

I arrive about twenty minutes prior to the commencement of your ceremony. Should there be a significant delay in the start of the ceremony it may be necessary to condense the service. At times I may have another wedding to attend to. If for some unforeseen reason the delay is extremely long (and if I have another function to attend) I may leave and return at a later time. An additional fee would be applied. Similarly, should the delay be excessive and I do not have another function there still would be an additional fee.

 

Question:

What happens if you are unable to conduct the ceremony?

Answer:

Have no worries, if I am unable to perform your ceremony, I’ll ensure to have my colleague conduct your ceremony. We cover for each other in an emergency.

 

Question:

What name do I use to sign my marriage documents?

Answer:

You sign with the same name used to obtain your marriage license. After the ceremony you may sign with your new married name.

 

Question:

How do I change my name in Ontario?

Answer:

There are two things to take care of. First, you can simply “assume” your spouse’s last name, inform your employer, banks, credit card companies, organizations, etc. that you are married and provide them with a copy of the record of marriage.

Secondly, to obtain a new driver’s license, passport, health, credit cards, etc. you’ll need a marriage certificate. You can acquire one from the Ontario Government. You can apply on-line about eight weeks after the wedding. You’ll receive the necessary forms when you purchase your wedding license or you can download the form

http://www.forms.ssb.gov.on.ca/mbs/ssb/forms/ssbforms.nsf/GetFileAttach/007-11078E~1/$File/11078E.pdf

Or for a PDF file please copy the following link into your browser:
http://www.forms.ssb.gov.on.ca/mbs/ssb/forms/ssbforms.nsf/GetFileAttach/007-11078E~1/$File/11078E.pdf

 

Question:

Do we automatically receive notification that our marriage has been registered?

Answer:

 No, there is no automatic notification of your marriage registration. 
 To have proof that the Province of Ontario has registered your marriage, you need to purchase a marriage certificate. You can order a marriage certificate about 6-8 weeks after your wedding date.
A Marriage Certificate is the legal record of your marriage. It lists the date and place of the marriage, and names of the people who were married.
At your marriage ceremony, you will be given the Record of Solemnization of Marriage from the Officiant. It is considered a souvenir document and not a legal record. The official who performed your marriage is required to forward the Marriage Licence you signed on your wedding day to the Office of the Registrar General for registration.

 

Question:

How do I obtain a Marriage Certificate?

Answer:

Although it is not required, I encourage every couple to purchase a Marriage Certificate. A marriage certificate is the legal record of your marriage. 

You can order your marriage certificate about 6-8 weeks from the date of your marriage.

You will have two options; you may purchase a “file size” (which includes basic information such as name, date and place of marriage) or “Long Form” (which is a certified copy of the marriage licence signed on your wedding day).

You can purchase your Marriage Certificate online or you can complete the Request for Marriage Certificate and then mail or fax the application with the appropriate fees to the address below.

Office of the Registrar General
P.O. Box 4600
3rd Floor
189 Red River Road
Thunder Bay, Ontario
P7B 6L8

 

Question:

When I get married, does my name automatically change?

Answer:

Couple’s frequently assume that getting married changes a bride’s name. Getting married does not legally change a name. Although either partner may legally assume their spouse’s name (you may choose to use your spouse’s surname), this does not constitute a legal change of name.

You must elect to legally change your surname (family name) as a result of marriage or a common-law relationship. You may change your surname to the surname your partner had immediately before the union or to a surname combining both your surnames in either order. If you change your name within 90 days after your marriage, there is no fee.
For more information regarding changing your name, go to the Ontario Government Website or contact the Office of the Registrar General at 1-800-461-2156, or (416) 325-8305 in the Toronto area.

 

Question:

Can my friend perform the wedding?

Answer:

Definitely!  We always support couples who wish to have a friend prepare and present a wedding ceremony while we attend the ceremony and deal with the legalities.  We can also review the ceremony, if required.  However, it is a misconception that less time is involved in this process and that fees would be reduced.  In fact, time spent by a celebrant and officiant can increase when others are preparing and presenting a ceremony and we must ensure that all legal requirements are observed in a number of ways.  Remember also, that we would still be on site for the same amount of time as well.  Please contact us for information.

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