Fees and FAQs

CEREMONIES

This is the full package. It includes an in-depth interview process where we get to talk about your ideas and mine, how you envision your ceremony, and from there, planning and composing a customized ceremony, performing the ceremony, and filing your marriage license with the Registrar of Ontario. We can add a walk-through to ease any last-minute jitters.

I will work with you to make this ceremony as personal as possible, incorporating your love story, any additional elements you want (sand ceremony, unity candle, honouring loved ones, anything). I will have you complete a questionnaire in order for me to write YOUR story, I will provide you with vow samples and a vow writing template should you decide to write your own vows, and I will send in your signed marriage license and explain how to apply for your marriage certificate.

Your Love Story includes:

A no-obligation in-person, or virtual consultation. 

A ceremony questionnaire, which I will use to compose your personalized ceremony script.

A lovely, personal ceremony script (that will either tug at your heart strings or have your guests rolling in the aisles with laughter.

Unlimited ceremony edits and revisions, as well as full control of the final draft.

Peace of mind knowing word for word what your officiant is going to say – no surprises here!

I will continue to stay in touch before the ceremony either by phone or email during the entire process to make sure we have everything just right.

Arrival at your wedding venue at least one-half hour prior to ceremony to chat with photographer, planner and DJ to make sure all goes as planned and get last minute changes.

A lovely ceremony delivered as promised and a souvenir copy as a keepsake.

All of your paperwork sent off to the Registrar of Ontario.

This is for the couple who want just a small intimate ceremony in a restaurant, in a park, in a backyard or some other location that is meaningful. This is a great alternative to a City Hall wedding for anyone who is planning a destination wedding. All you need is the happy couple and 2 witnesses and up to 10 guests. The Ottawa region has some beautiful locations for these small ceremonies and I can provide you with some recommendations.

The Elopement Ceremony includes:

A no-obligation in-person, or virtual consultation.

A choice of ceremonies, which I can personalize just for you.

I will continue to stay in touch before the ceremony either by phone or email during the entire process to make sure we have everything just right.

A lovely ceremony delivered as promised and a souvenir copy as a keepsake.

All of your paperwork sent off to the Registrar of Ontario.

This is the perfect option for couples who don’t want all the pomp and circumstance of a wedding, but just want the commitment. It’s quick, it meets all the regulations of the Marriage Act and is easily done with 2 witnesses. No rings or vows are part of this ceremony.

Couples must have their marriage license and two witnesses at a location discussed in advance. They may bring up to 4 more people with them, but it is understood that it is a simple legal ceremony, no vows or ring exchange.

After the ceremony I will mail off the paperwork to the Registrar of Ontario.

You can have a friend or relative conduct your wedding ceremony. Some people believe these ceremonies will cost less, but they require the same amount of time and costs for the Officiant in terms of communication and paperwork. A lot of time, they take more work because another party is now involved and must be advised about the symbolic elements of the ceremony and the parts the Officiant is responsible for in order to keep it legal.

I can work with your chosen person to help personalize your ceremony, while making sure that all of the legal boxes are checked. I can also meet with your chosen person to offer tips on what is expected of the person performing the ceremony, such as making sure cameras are put away, people are seated after the Bride arrives, etc.

After the ceremony I will mail the paperwork.

Should you or shouldn’t you have a rehearsal? Well, that’s entirely up to you. Truthfully, you don’t really need one. However, we can do a quick walk-through to help ease your anxiety. A walk-through doesn’t have to be held at the venue and can be a quick and efficient way to make you feel more comfortable about everyone’s role at the wedding. Elements of the walk-through include determining when to come in, where to stand, when to exchange vows, when to sign the marriage documents and figuring out the best standing positions for photos. Music can be coordinated at this time. A walk-through typically takes about half an hour.

A commitment ceremony is a service that allows a couple to make a commitment to one another without legal rights or responsibilities. You can still say vows, ask guests to do readings, play music, express your love for another, exchange rings and kiss in front of your nearest and dearest, but the service isn’t legally binding and your marital status will not change.

You can have a commitment ceremony in a barn, in a boat, in a garden, on a hill, on a beach, in a hot air balloon, in a castle, anywhere.  Many couples choose commitment ceremonies over legal weddings if they’ve been married previously or simply favour an alternative way to share and show their love for one another.

Each part of a commitment ceremony can be handcrafted to suit individual couples. There are no limitations to the content that can be used unlike that of marriage ceremonies that are legally bound by its scripts. Couples also have the choice to include traditions that are meaningful to them should they wish, such as handfasting or religious readings. The sky’s the limit.

Commitment Ceremony includes:

A no-obligation in-person, or virtual consultation.

A ceremony questionnaire, which I will use to compose your personalized ceremony script.

A lovely, personal ceremony script (that will either tug at your heart strings or have your guests rolling in the aisles with laughter.

Unlimited ceremony edits and revisions, as well as full control of the final draft.

Peace of mind knowing word for word what your officiant is going to say – no surprises here!

I will continue to stay in touch before the ceremony either by phone or email during the entire process to make sure we have everything just right.

Arrival at your venue at least one-half hour prior to ceremony to chat with photographer, planner and DJ to make sure all goes as planned and get last minute changes.

A lovely ceremony delivered as promised and a souvenir copy as a keepsake.

Vow renewals are a heartfelt way to celebrate your love and reaffirm the promises you made to each other on your wedding day. If you are thinking about having a vow renewal ceremony, a joyous celebration of your marriage can be planned easily and confidently. They are especially popular on milestone anniversaries (10, 25, or 50 years); however, there is no rule as to when to have one. 

Because a vow renewal isn't a legally binding ceremony like a wedding, virtually anyone can act as an officiant, like a clergyperson, a judge, your children, a relative or even close friends.

Regardless of who you choose, I can work with them before the date to create a vow renewal ceremony structure, or I can be as involved in your renewal of vows as you'd like me to be. There are no legal words that need to be said, or paperwork to be signed, so you can make this ceremony truly your own.

1. How can we be sure you are licensed?

This is an excellent question. And, yes, I am licensed with the Office of the Registrar General to perform ceremonies in Ontario. You can confirm my registration by clicking https://www.ontario.ca/data/registered-religious-officials  Hit Ctrl F and type my last name in and it will come up in Nepean.

2. What is a Metaphysical Officiant?

A metaphysical minister is one who lives by the Spiritual Laws and counsels others so they can attain clear thinking in their lives.   It honours everyone's path knowing that every path is valuable and that each individual aligns themselves in the most harmonious way. A Metaphysical Officiant has undergone training and has received the credentials to perform all Rites of Passage for anyone who wants a wedding ceremony.  We are licensed by the province to solemnize marriage under the Marriage Act.  All Metaphysical Officiants are required to maintain membership in the Canadian International Metaphysical Ministry.

3. How do I obtain a Marriage License Application?

Marriage License Applications are available online at  https://forms.mgcs.gov.on.ca/en/dataset/007-11018 You can purchase a Marriage License in Ontario no more than three months prior to your wedding date. It can also be obtained from the clerk of most cities, townships, towns or villages and is valid anywhere in Ontario. One or both of the persons being married must apply in person to the Marriage License Issuer to obtain a license. You will need to bring identification, such as a birth certificate (along with any change of name certificates), current passport, Record of Immigrant Landing or Canadian citizenship card, along with photo identification, for both the persons. The fee for purchasing a license is currently $182.00.

4. We don't live in Ottawa.  Do we need to come to Ottawa to get the license?

No. All municipalities in Ontario issue Marriage licenses. You can apply in your local municipality however one or both of the persons being married must make the application in person. 

5.  Do you perform ceremonies in Quebec?

No, I am not licensed to perform wedding ceremonies in Quebec.

6. What if I have been divorced?

If one or both members of the couple are divorced, documentation relating to each divorce will be required. If you live and were divorced in Canada, you must bring the original or court-certified copy of the final decree, final judgment or certificate of divorce to your local municipal office when you are purchasing the marriage license. 

7. Will we be automatically notified when our marriage has been registered?

No. 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. The 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 by me. It is considered a souvenir document and not a legal record. As the officiant who performed your marriage I am required to forward the Marriage License you signed on your wedding day to the Office of the Registrar General for registration. 

8. How do I obtain a Marriage Certificate?

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 license signed on your wedding day).You can purchase your Marriage Certificate online at this website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-get-copy-ontario-marriage-certificate-online or you can complete the Request for a Marriage Certificate here:  https://forms.mgcs.gov.on.ca/en/dataset/007-11078  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 

9. When I get married does my name change automatically?

Couples frequently assume that getting married changes a bride’s name. This is not the case. Although either partner may legally assume their spouse’s name, this does not constitute a legal change of name. You must elect to legally change your surname as a result of marriage or a common-law relationship. If you change your name within 90 days after your marriage, there is no fee. For more information regarding changing your name, go to this website:https://www.ontario.ca/page/change-your-last-name  or contact the Office of the Registrar General at 1-800-461-2156