You should look for your officiant as soon as you have a couple of dates, an ideal location and an approximate ceremony time in mind. The sooner, the better to allow lots of time to find an officiant available for your wedding. Couples often book into the next year during spring/summer of the year prior.

For example, if it is August 2026, couples are now booking into 2027, so if you are looking to book into 2027/2028 and beyond, contact your officiant soon. 

Your appointment with a clerk to purchase your Marriage License will include a form for your Marriage Certificate. A Marriage Certificate is needed for a partner to change their last name, if they wish, and certify that your marriage has been registered with the Registrar General of Ontario.

You will need to complete the paperwork 10-12 weeks after your wedding.

You can mail this form to the address provided, or apply online using the address listed in the paperwork. Teresa will provide a handout with steps to apply for a marriage certificate.  Service Ontario will mail the Marriage Certificate to the address you provide when you fill out the paperwork. It will take 12+ weeks after you apply, but that can change often, so contact ServiceOntario for the most accurate information.

When you have received the Marriage Certificate in the mail, you can change either partner’s last name and update essential documents ( i.e. bank accounts, insurance plans, utility bills, etc.) 

The first step to get a Marriage License is to get a Marriage License application form. Complete the application form ONLINE for the town/city where you want to purchase your license. Service Ontario website.

Both partners will need two pieces of identification. All documents must be original; photocopies will not be accepted. The legal name is the name registered at birth or legally changed through adoption, a court order/Change of Name Certificate, or marriage.  For more information about accepted identification,visit the ServiceOntario website.  

If either partner has been divorced, they will need to contact the city courthouse where they sent their divorce papers and purchase a Divorce Certificate.

Finalize your wedding date, location, and time with your officiant, and gather all necessary documents to book an appointment to purchase your wedding license. A wedding license can be purchased at any city hall, town hall or municipal office in Ontario by appointment only. 

When you purchase the wedding license, you will receive:

• the Wedding License paperwork
• the Record of Solemnization paperwork
• a form for the marriage certificate 
• And a large brown pre-addressed envelope. 

Please give the full package including the wedding license, record of solemnization, and the brown envelope to your officiant to complete before your wedding day.

The Record of Solemnization will be given to the couple on their wedding day after the ceremony is complete. This paperwork verifies that you were married on the date, but you cannot use it to change last names or notify essential companies of your marriage. You will need to apply for the marriage certificate.

The cost of a wedding ceremony depends on the type of service, the date, and the travel distance. A small weekday elopement/paperwork-style wedding costs less. In contrast, a wedding with more than two witnesses, a custom ceremony, paperwork, rehearsal, and extended weekend travel costs more.

The officiant also requires a deposit of half of the full amount of the package you choose in order to reserve your wedding’s date and time. Teresa doesn’t save a date until a deposit is received, due to the volume of requests. The balance is due any time before the start of the ceremony. Teresa will send you an email receipt upon receiving the deposit.

Anyone who is 18+ years old. You are welcome to choose your own witnesses.

Yes, a friend or family member can participate meaningfully in your wedding ceremony. Teresa will work with your chosen person to make the ceremony and legal requirements flow together.

Most definitely! Including your kids and fur babies in your wedding ceremony is absolutely encouraged! The unity of a couple and family makes your day very special. For pets, please make sure they are leashed.

It can last as long or as short as you want. Generally, a ceremony takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

Teresa will arrive an hour before the wedding ceremony time or when requested. Arriving early gives her time to review last-minute details and ease nerves.

That’s why Teresa is there! She will help you get through it!

You can give Teresa a copy ahead of time to slip to you if you need, or Teresa can whisper the words to help you. But you don’t have to memorize the words; you can read from a copy. Teresa can also take over if you need to take a breath or compose yourself.

Your guests will remember the two of you on your wedding day, so keep a happy attitude, have fun and enjoy your day. Teresa will do her best to help get things back on track. Remember, you are surrounded by people who love and know you. They know that “things happen!”

If anything changes, please let Teresa know as soon as possible. I will arrange an in-person or phone meeting to discuss next steps.

Yes, anytime you have questions, please contact Teresa by text, email or phone!!