Frequently Asked Questions
Over the years, most couples usually ask us the same questions about their ceremony and getting married. We have compiled the top questions which always come up. If however your question is not answered here, do not hesitate to contact our office, or ask your officiant prior to your big day. We're here to help!
What is the secret to all wedding planning?
Choose a picture perfect setting. Select a professional wedding officiant who takes great pride in conducting perfect ceremonies. With these two items every thing else will fall into place.
Who or what is Toronto Wedding Ceremonies?
Toronto Wedding Ceremonies is a wedding ceremony - event planning company. We enlist the help of a team of licensed male and female wedding officiants. Each officiant carries their license to marry couples with them. We conduct your wedding ceremony the way you wanted it conducted. Every ceremony is personalized.
What is your refund policy?
Weddings that need to be cancelled within 30 days of booking will be refunded minus $100 administration fee. Those weddings that are cancelled more than 30 days after booking will not be refunded.
How do we book one of your officiants to conduct our wedding ceremony?
Contact our office. We will send you a sample ceremony and other resources, as well as a quote. We will pencil you in till you talk it over. You reserve by sending a deposit for roughly half the fee.
How long does the ceremony take?
We tell couples to budget thirty minutes. The entrance, the ceremony, signing, recessional etc. For us the key is the start time as our officiants usually are heading off to another wedding.
Can my best friend conduct my ceremony?
Yes under certain conditions. We believe we are the only wedding ceremony service that allows a friend or relative to conduct your wedding ceremony. We do this by having one of our licenced officiants on site then later they register your wedding with the Government. The process begins when you contact us. Our regular fee applies.
Can we talk with an officiant before we reserve?
Certainly. Feel free to ask about any officiant on the web page.
Do you have an emergency back up officiant on my wedding day?
Yes. There is a emergency phone number posted on our answering machine after office hours to access an officiant. We are the only wedding ceremony service to provide this important service.
Do we have to memorize our vows?
No you can write your own vows but come wedding day, we 'feed them to you one word at a time'.
Can we write our own vows and have friends read etc?
You sure can! We have other ceremony resources on our web page.
Can our children take part in the ceremony?
We encourage it. Ask us for our list of ideas in how to do just that!
Can photos be taken?
Up to you. We encourage every one to be involved. Tell them to get doubles.
Is a rehearsal necessary and how much does it cost?
A tough call. Tradition, moms, and bridal books say have one. We say talk it over with your officiant. You should always walk through the ceremony with your wedding party. You may or may not need your officiant present. (Much depends on place and size of wedding). There is an additional fee for a rehearsal and the cost depends on how much time is involved for the officiant.
What do your officiants wear to the ceremony?
Appropriate business attire. Clergy garb if requested.
Does the officiant stay for dinner etc?
Most would like to but usually have another wedding ceremony to go to. You can ask your officiant when the time comes.
What time does the officiant arrive on our big day?
We arrive 15 minutes or so before the ceremony. In every case you should give your officiant an on site phone number.
Is a gratuity expected?
No but you may feel you would like to express your gratitude for an excellent ceremony in this way. Some couples send a thank you card with a picture. The best of all is to refer a friend. Some couples do all of the above.
Can the officiant be a woman?
Yes, we have a number of woman officiants located throughout the province, however some regions may not be able to accomodate.
Do we get to meet the officiant?
Most of our wedding packages call for a planning meeting 30 to 90 days before the ceremony. Other arrangements can be made as well. We will give you any officiant's phone number before you reserve
How long before the wedding should we book a wedding officiant?
Every one is different. Some months are busier than others. We suggest you should book just as soon as you have your reception venue reserved. Please call us and check our availability any time.
Where and when do I get my license?
At a local municipal office or City Hall in Ontario or downloaded from the Ontario Ministry of Business and Consumer Services web site. The license is good for 90 days. To get a license one needs to obtain an application.The application can be picked up anytime , and it explains the i.d., the legal documentation, etc. that you need to obtain the license. (There is no blood test.) In most cases you can pick up the application and license the same day. *Note: there are issues if one of you has been divorced outside Canada. We have info on this issue.
How long must I wait from the time I get the license until I can marry? Is it three days?
No. One can now get a license and be married the same day. There is no waiting period in Ontario.
How do I change my name in Ontario after the ceremony?
There are 2 issues involved in the Name Change:
The first is easy. You can just 'assume' your spouses last name. In other words to 'change' our name you do nothing. Just start using it. In short, spouses may 'take' the other spouses last name.
But second. When you run up against an organization most if not all will want to see a copy of your wedding certificate (you get one from the Government). In other words to get a new drivers license or OHIP card, credit card, immigration, etc. you will need to use a marriage certificate for a stronger proof that you are married. Ditto Bank accounts etc. Formal information about changing your name, and applications for marriage certificates can be found at the Government of Ontario website.
You may also pick up 'The Marriage and The Change of Name Act' hand out sheet at City Hall. It outlines three options. It is important to note that 99% of people who get married need only exercise Option 2 on the form, which I have explained above.
How do we get a wedding Licence if our divorce was out side Canada?
Please talk with our office regarding this issue!
What couples say about Toronto Wedding Ceremonies
- "Janice, we wanted to thank you for performing such a thoughtful and touching ceremony. Your customized input into the wording really helped us to create something unique to us which made it ever so special. You did a great job on the the day making us feel comfortable and everyone loved the simplicity yet meaningful ceremony. Most of all you were always there for us helping when needed with great ideas and tons of support. Thank you for making our marriage ceremony the best!"
Diane
- "We wanted to write a brief note to let you know that we were thrilled with Justin Schmidt. He was the best minister that We have ever seen. He made everyone feel very comfortable and all that attended said that if they were ever in the neighbourhood for a minister that they wouod most definately use Justin. Thank you so very much for allowing us to use your services and most of all THANK YOU FOR JUSTIN."
Joanne and Frankie
- "Grant D'Eall did an amazing job. We had an unusual request of having a guest officiant and Grant did a wonderful job of making sure our guest (my brother, Ryan) was well prepared and comfortable enough to assist with the ceremony. Grant was very open to our suggestions and ideas and was very helpful with our rehearsal and ceremony!! Thank you so much Grant :)"
Janeen & Jesse
- "Michael and I were a little hesitant about this on line service at first, but after meeting Joe Bartello we knew you would make sure things ran smoothly. Our wedding ceremony was heart warming, intimate and above all Personal. We received many compliments from our Guests about your performance. It is written all over your face, how sincere, caring and happy you truly were for us. We are very happy we used All Season's Weddings, and in turn found YOU to perform our wedding ceremony. "
Michael and Lindsay
- "Andrew McGregor aided in making our day even more special, he fit right in with the type of feeling that we were going for. And he even had a kilt! Thank you"
Amy & Andrew
- "Colleen Cugini was SENSATIONAL. Julie and I absolutely loved her. She did a beautiful job and she was a delight to work with. Can't say enough about how great she was. We would absolutely recommend All Seasons to friends and family."
Timothy & Julie
- "Thank you Mary for making our wedding day turn out exactly how we dreamed it would be. Your love of weddings and experience in planning helped make our day extra special. We are very appeciative for all the time you spent and ideas you offered us going through the ceremony planning, allowing us to make it our own. You helped us remember all the little things that we wanted included, but forgot about.
Thanks again.
Cathy and Mac "
Cahty and Mac
- "Robb McDonald went above and beyond to make our vows and our day exactly what we were hoping for. We had numerous comments from our guests about our vows being the funniest and best they've ever heard. He went out of his way to ensure everything was perfect. He was very friendly and our guests enjoyed mingling with him after the ceremony. We enjoyed every moment of our wedding and Robb made it even more perfect. He kept everything light hearted and fun. We are far from serious people and Robb fit right in."
Danielle & Peter
- "OMG Jeff Doucette was simply amazing! A super guy with a great heart, who sincerely wants to ensure your ceremony comes out exactly as you want. Very flexible so that he can meet your exact needs, and can easily be humorous, warm-hearted or serious, depending on the situation. Easily accessible via email or phone, and always replied back to us promplty. We would definitely recommend him to anyone getting married!"
Chris & Heather
- "Linda Wong is a very professional wedding officiant who was able to conduct our ceremony in both English and Cantonese. She was extremely helpful in being able to answer all our questions about the ceremony and wedding. We couldn't have asked for a better officiant for our wedding - even giving me tissues in between the tears! :) Thank you for everything!"
Connie & Leslie
- "Thank you for making our wedding day a perfect event. Your words were perfect and you delivered them beautifully. Thank you for making us "Husband and Wife".
"
Maya and Will
- "Grant D'Eall was fabulous!! He made us feel comfortable and at ease, especially since we were a little reluctant. The ceremony was beautiful and Grant's added moments of humour were a great extra touch. He made a point to be there early and become familiar with our whole family"
Lena & jeff
- "We can't really say enough about Robb McDonald. Truly, he encouraged us to personalize our ceremony and in doing so, it became one of the most memorable, beautiful ceremonies any of our guests had been to (if I don't say so myself). To be honest, before meeting Robb, I felt the ceremony was just going to be a formality because most weddings I have been to are boring, inpersonal and lacking any sort of connection. Robb helped us create a unique and personal ceremony. We were so relaxed and I felt like I was really present in the moment. I'm greatful that Robb was our officiant. THANK YOU!!!!"
Sara & Geoff
- "Kim Adeney was absolutely amazing. She was so easy to work with and pleasant to be around. We are still hearing rave reviews about her! She made our ceremony so romantic and special, everyone was completely wrapped up in love. It was so special and I will never forget her."
Jenna & Paul
- "My husband and I would like to thank Tina Gabriel for performing a beautiful wedding ceremony at Hart House Chapel.Tina is a wonderful person, very warm and genuine. She helped us pick the right wording for the ceremony to make it personal and intimate, just like we had imagined it to be. During the ceremony, she charmed everyone with her expressive voice and she was calm and in control of the situation even when we faced minor disruptions in our plans.
"
Jelena and Peter
Want to be a wedding officiant in Toronto, Ontario?
We can make it happen! We are always looking for people to join our Wedding Officiant team in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta or Nova Scotia. We licence and we train. Just send us an email and tell us where you live and a bit about yourself!