Question 1

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

We recommend booking as early as possible, ideally 6-12 months in advance, especially for popular wedding dates (June-September weekends). However, we can often accommodate last-minute bookings depending on availability.

Question 2

What services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer a range of packages to suit every couple: Simply Married ($449) — elegant ceremony at our Vaughan venue for up to 10 guests (additional guests $20/person up to 40 max); Personalized Ceremony ($549) — fully customized at your chosen location; In-Home / City Hall ($449) — intimate ceremony at your home, a park, or city hall; Legal Signing ($299) — official legal marriage signing at our office; Grand Ceremony ($1,499) — premium ceremony for up to 200 guests in our auditorium; and Micro Wedding ($6,500) — an all-inclusive sit-down wedding reception for up to 50 guests with four-course gourmet meal, music, and champagne toast.

Question 3

What's included in each ceremony package?

Accepted Answer

All packages include: personalized ceremony script, professional officiant attendance, signing of legal documents, and submission to the Ontario government. Personalized Ceremony and above also include unlimited consultations, custom vows assistance, readings selection, and unity ceremony options.

Question 4

Can I meet my officiant before the wedding?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We encourage a meeting (virtually or in-person) to discuss your ceremony vision, get to know each other, and ensure you're comfortable with your officiant. This is included in all packages.

Question 5

Do you travel for ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We travel throughout Ontario. For Personalized Ceremony and In-Home/City Hall packages, travel fees of $0.95/km apply for distances over 40km round trip from our Vaughan office.

Question 6

Where is your venue located?

Accepted Answer

Our venue is located at 7250 Keele Street Units 362 - 364, Concord, Ontario L4K 1Z8 — Improve Canada Mall, Entrance L, Units 362-364. Simply Married, Grand Ceremony, and Micro Wedding packages take place here.

Question 7

Can I choose my officiant?

Accepted Answer

Yes! During booking, you can select your preferred officiants from our team. We'll contact them in order of your preference, and the first available will be assigned to your ceremony.

Question 8

What documents do I need for my ceremony?

Accepted Answer

You'll need: 1) A valid Ontario Marriage License (must be obtained within 3 months of your wedding), 2) Government-issued photo ID for both partners (passport, driver's license), and 3) Two witnesses over 18 years old present at the ceremony.

Question 9

How do I get a marriage license in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Visit any Service Ontario location with both partners present. Bring valid government ID, proof of divorce decree if previously married, and $140 for the fee. The license is valid for 90 days from issue date.

Question 10

Can you marry us if we're from another province or country?

Accepted Answer

Yes! As long as you obtain an Ontario Marriage License, we can legally marry you regardless of where you live. International couples just need valid passports and the Ontario license.

Question 11

How long does it take to receive our marriage certificate?

Accepted Answer

After your ceremony, your signed marriage license is mailed to the Ontario government for registration. When you can apply for your official marriage certificate depends on your mailing option. Standard mailing: Allow 10–12 weeks from your ceremony date before applying through ServiceOntario. Registered/Expedited mailing ($100): Once your tracking shows the documents were received at the Registrar General's office, you can typically apply in just 4–6 weeks. Important: the government does NOT automatically mail your marriage certificate to you — you must apply for it yourself through Service Ontario once the registration period has passed. Processing for the certificate itself is typically 2–4 weeks, or 5 business days for expedited service. We do not receive notification from the government when your registration is complete, so please use the timeframes above as your guide.

Question 12

What if I don't have witnesses?

Accepted Answer

If you don't have two witnesses available, we offer a Witness Service for $50 per witness (max 2). This is available for Legal Signing and Simply Married packages.

Question 13

Can we have a religious ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We perform religious, non-religious, non-denominational, inter-faith, and civil ceremonies. Our officiants are experienced in accommodating various religious traditions and beliefs.

Question 14

How long is a typical ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Personalized Ceremony: 20-30 minutes (can extend up to 45+ minutes). In-Home/City Hall: 15-25 minutes. Simply Married: 30 minutes base (can add 30 more minutes for $200).

Question 15

Can we write our own vows?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We encourage personal vows. Our officiants provide guidance and templates, or you can write them entirely yourself. We're happy to review and provide feedback.

Question 16

What unity ceremonies do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer various unity ceremonies including: Sand ceremony, Candle lighting, Wine/champagne toast, Handfasting, Rose ceremony, and custom cultural elements. These can be added to Personalized Ceremony packages.

Question 17

Can we include cultural or religious elements?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We embrace diversity and can incorporate elements from various cultures and religions. This includes readings, prayers, rituals, music, and symbolic gestures from your heritage.

Question 18

What if it rains on our outdoor ceremony day?

Accepted Answer

We recommend having a backup indoor location. Your officiant will work with you to make the best decision. Weather-related rescheduling is available with 48 hours notice at no cost.

Question 19

Can we have a rehearsal?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Rehearsals are available as an add-on for $199 and are highly recommended for larger wedding parties or complex ceremonies. Typically scheduled 1-2 days before the wedding.

Question 20

What about music during the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

You're welcome to have live music or recorded music. We can coordinate with your musicians or DJ. For Simply Married at our venue, we can play your selected songs through our sound system.

Question 21

How many guests can attend?

Accepted Answer

Personalized Ceremony: Unlimited. In-Home/City Hall: Up to 30 guests (venue dependent). Simply Married: Base includes 10 guests, and you can add guests 11–40 at $20/guest (max 40 total). The Grand Ceremony: Up to 200 people in our auditorium.

Question 22

What's your payment schedule?

Accepted Answer

50% deposit is due at booking to secure your date. The remaining 50% is due 3 weeks before your ceremony. This applies to all packages.

Question 23

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept: E-Transfer (no fee) to book@weddingofficiantcanada.com, and Credit/Debit cards via our secure payment portal (3.5% processing fee).

Question 24

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Beyond the standard 50/50 split, we offer installment plans (3 or 4 payments) for your convenience. Contact us to set up a custom payment schedule.

Question 25

What's included in the pricing?

Accepted Answer

All prices include: Ceremony officiation, document preparation and submission, consultations, and HST (13%). Travel fees apply separately for locations over 40km from Vaughan.

Question 26

Are there any hidden fees?

Accepted Answer

No hidden fees! Our pricing is transparent. Additional costs only apply for: Travel over 40km ($0.95/km), add-on services (rehearsal, photography, extra guests, express mailing), and credit card processing (3.5%).

Question 27

What is Registered Mail and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Registered Mail ($100) is an optional add-on that ensures your signed marriage license is securely mailed to the Ontario government via registered mail with tracking, rather than standard mail. You receive a tracking number so you can follow the progress of your license mailing to the government. Without it, you should allow 10–12 weeks from your ceremony date before applying for your certificate. With Registered Mail, once your tracking shows the documents were received at the Registrar General's office, you can typically apply for your marriage certificate in just 4–6 weeks. Please note: the government does NOT automatically mail your marriage certificate to you. Once the registration period has passed, you must apply for your certificate yourself through Service Ontario. We do not receive notification from the government when registration is complete. You can add Registered Mail at booking or even after your ceremony — just contact us at book@weddingofficiantcanada.com or call 1-855-437-3260.

Question 28

Are gratuities expected?

Accepted Answer

Gratuities are appreciated but never expected. If you feel your officiant went above and beyond, tips are graciously accepted at your discretion.

Question 29

Can I reschedule my ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Free rescheduling is available up to 48 hours before your ceremony. Simply log into your Client Portal or contact us to select a new date based on availability.

Question 30

What if I need to reschedule within 48 hours?

Accepted Answer

Rescheduling within 48 hours of your ceremony requires admin approval. Contact us at 1-855-437-3260 - we'll do our best to accommodate legitimate circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

Question 31

What's your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Deposits are non-refundable. For cancellations: 60+ days before: 50% refund of total paid. 30-59 days before: 25% refund. Less than 30 days: No refund. Full policy details in our Terms & Conditions.

Question 32

What happens if the officiant can't make it?

Accepted Answer

In the rare event your assigned officiant is unavailable (illness, emergency), we guarantee a qualified replacement officiant at no additional cost. We maintain backup coverage for all bookings.

Question 33

Can I change my package after booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can upgrade your package anytime before your ceremony. Contact us to discuss options. Price differences will be calculated and any additional payment arranged.

Question 34

What is the Client Portal?

Accepted Answer

Your Client Portal is your personal dashboard to manage everything: view booking details, sign contracts digitally, make payments, upload documents (marriage license, IDs), message your officiant, and track your wedding planning progress.

Question 35

How do I access my Client Portal?

Accepted Answer

After booking, you'll receive login credentials via email. Click 'Client Login' on our website or go directly to your portal. You can also use the link in any of our emails.

Question 36

What documents do I need to upload?

Accepted Answer

Required: Marriage License (must upload before ceremony), Photo IDs for both partners. Optional: Vows, readings, ceremony preferences, venue contracts.

Question 37

How do I sign my contract?

Accepted Answer

Your contract will appear in the Client Portal under 'Contracts'. Review the terms, then digitally sign by typing your name and clicking 'Sign Contract'. You'll receive a copy via email.

Question 38

Can I communicate with my officiant through the portal?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The portal includes secure messaging. Send messages, share files, and keep all communication organized in one place. You can also schedule video calls through the portal.

Question 39

Is my information secure?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We use industry-standard encryption for all data. Your personal information, documents, and payment details are protected with bank-level security.

Question 40

What should we do if we're running late?

Accepted Answer

Contact us immediately at 1-855-437-3260 or message through the portal. We understand weddings rarely run on schedule and will accommodate reasonable delays. Keep us informed!

Question 41

What does the officiant wear?

Accepted Answer

Your officiant will dress formally to complement your wedding style. Standard attire is business formal (suit/professional dress) unless you request otherwise. Let us know your color scheme!

Question 42

When will the officiant arrive?

Accepted Answer

We arrive 30-45 minutes before the ceremony to: meet the wedding party, review the ceremony flow, handle any last-minute details, and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Question 43

What do we need to provide at the venue?

Accepted Answer

For outdoor/venue ceremonies: A table for signing documents, pens (we bring backups), and a quiet spot for the signing. For Simply Married at our venue, we provide everything.

Question 44

Can the officiant use a microphone?

Accepted Answer

Yes! For larger ceremonies, we recommend amplification. We can use your venue's sound system or bring our own portable PA system (available on request).

Question 45

What if there's an emergency on the day?

Accepted Answer

Call us immediately at 1-855-437-3260. We have backup officiants on standby and protocols for various emergencies. Your ceremony will go on - we've got you covered!

Question 46

What exactly is the Simply Married package?

Accepted Answer

Simply Married ($449) is an elegant ceremony at our Vaughan venue including: 30-minute ceremony, up to 10 guests (add up to 30 more at $20/guest, max 40 total), professionally decorated space, ceremony coordinator, and all legal services.

Question 47

What if we have more than 10 people for Simply Married?

Accepted Answer

No problem! The Simply Married base package includes up to 10 guests. You can add extra guests at $20 per person for guests 11 through 40, up to a maximum of 40 guests total. Simply select your total guest count during booking and the cost will be calculated automatically.

Question 48

Can I extend the ceremony time?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Add an extra 30 minutes for $200, giving you a full hour. Great for longer ceremonies, photos, or time with guests.

Question 49

Is photography available?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer professional ceremony photography for $300. Our photographer captures your ceremony and provides digital photos within 2 weeks.

Question 50

Can I bring my own decorations?

Accepted Answer

Our venue is already beautifully decorated. You may add small personal touches (flowers, photos) but please discuss with us first. Setup/cleanup is your responsibility for personal items.

Question 51

What's the parking situation?

Accepted Answer

Free parking is available at Improve Mall. We'll provide specific directions and entrance information before your ceremony.

Question 52

What is the Micro Wedding package?

Accepted Answer

The Micro Wedding ($6,500) is our all-inclusive wedding reception experience at our Vaughan venue. It includes: a ceremony officiated by one of our licensed officiants, a four-course gourmet sit-down dinner, music, champagne toast, and décor — for up to 50 guests. It's a full wedding in an intimate, elegant setting.

Question 53

How many guests can attend the Micro Wedding?

Accepted Answer

The base package includes up to 50 guests. You can add extra guests beyond 50: $130/person without bar service, or $150/person with full bar service. Maximum capacity is 130 guests.

Question 54

What's included in the Micro Wedding price?

Accepted Answer

The $6,500 package includes: licensed officiant, legal ceremony and document submission, four-course gourmet meal, venue décor, music, champagne toast, and a ceremony coordinator. It is a fully hosted experience — you just show up and celebrate.

Question 55

Where does the Micro Wedding take place?

Accepted Answer

At The Chariot — our partner event venue. For full details, menus, and to get a quote, visit thechariot.ca/GetQuote or contact us directly.

Question 56

Can I customize the Micro Wedding?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Menu options, bar packages, décor themes, and ceremony details can all be personalized. Contact us or visit thechariot.ca to discuss your vision with our team.

Question 57

What is the Grand Ceremony package?

Accepted Answer

The Grand Ceremony ($1,499) is our premium in-house ceremony at our Vaughan auditorium for up to 200 guests. It includes a licensed officiant, fully decorated event space, ceremony coordinator, professional sound system, and all legal document preparation and submission.

Question 58

Where does the Grand Ceremony take place?

Accepted Answer

At our venue located at 7250 Keele Street Units 362 - 364, Concord, Ontario L4K 1Z8 — Improve Canada Mall, Entrance L, Units 362-364. The space is a beautifully appointed auditorium that accommodates up to 200 guests.

Question 59

Can we customize the Grand Ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can personalize your ceremony script, choose readings, select cultural or religious elements, and arrange your own entertainment or décor additions. Our coordinator will guide you through all the options.

Question 60

Where do I get my Ontario Marriage License?

Accepted Answer

You must obtain your Ontario Marriage License at any Service Ontario location. Both partners must be present. Bring valid government-issued photo ID (passport or driver's license). If either partner was previously married, bring the divorce decree or death certificate. The fee is $140 and the license is valid for 90 days.

Question 61

Do you submit the marriage documents for us?

Accepted Answer

Yes! After your ceremony, your officiant signs and completes all required sections of your Ontario Marriage License. We submit it to the Ontario government on your behalf within 10 business days. You do not need to do anything.

Question 62

What is an Ontario Marriage Certificate and how is it different from a Marriage License?

Accepted Answer

A Marriage License is what you purchase before the wedding and bring to the ceremony — it authorizes us to marry you. The Marriage Certificate is issued by the Ontario government after we submit your signed license, and serves as your permanent proof of marriage. You order the certificate through Service Ontario after the ceremony.

Question 63

How long does it take to get our marriage certificate after the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

After your ceremony, your signed marriage license is mailed to the Ontario government for registration. When you can apply depends on your mailing option. Standard mailing: Allow 10–12 weeks from your ceremony date. Registered/Expedited mailing: Once your tracking shows the documents were received at the Registrar General's office, you can typically apply in 4–6 weeks. You then apply for your official certificate through ServiceOntario. The government does NOT automatically mail your certificate — you must apply yourself. We do not receive notification when registration is complete, so use the timeframes above as your guide.

Question 64

What happens if we lose our marriage license before the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

You must obtain a new Ontario Marriage License. A lost license cannot be replaced — a new one must be purchased at Service Ontario. Contact us immediately if this happens so we can advise on next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

📅 Booking & Services

⚖️ Legal Requirements

💍 Ceremony Details

💳 Payment & Pricing

🔄 Rescheduling & Cancellation

🔐 Client Portal & Documents

🎊 Day-Of Logistics

💒 Simply Married Package

🥂 Micro Wedding Package

🏛️ Grand Ceremony Package

📋 Marriage License

📜 Ontario Marriage Act

💬 Premarital Counselling

📜 After the Ceremony

Still Have Questions?