Here are some questions that Couples have asked me over the years.

 

Questions to Ask Your Officiant

 

Just as with all your other wedding vendors, the Officiant you choose should match your personal style and the type of wedding ceremony that you'd like to have.

 

For instance, you may not choose the same Officiant for an informal wedding in the park versus a formal religious ceremony in a church. I enjoy to do both.

 

Your Officiant may ask to meet with you several times before the wedding to discuss your feelings about love, marriage, commitment and sometimes religious beliefs. I do not, though I would love to hear your thoughts.

 

  

  • Will you marry us if we are of different faiths?
  • Will you marry us if one or both of us have been divorced?
  • Do you require pre-marital counseling before getting married?
  • Would you allow another Officiant to take part in the ceremony?
  • Where do I get a licence?
  • Are we permitted to write our own wedding vows?
  • Can you marry us in Quebec?
  • Is a gratuity expected?
  • Can I get married the same day when I got the licence?
  • Are there any restrictions on the types of readings that can be used?
  • Can a friend or family member conduct our Wedding?
  • Can we use contemporary readings or are we required to use religious or scripture readings?
  • Are there any restrictions on the type of music that can be played?
  • Can we use contemporary songs?
  • Can we bring our own musicians?
  • Are there any restrictions on photography?
  • Is the wedding date we've chosen available?
  • What time can we hold the ceremony?
  • How many guests will the chapel hold?
  • Is there another wedding scheduled on the same day?
  • Is there a room for the bride and her attendants to stay "out of sight" or "freshen up" before the ceremony begins?
  • What happens if it rains?
  • What about the timing and logistics of obtaining the marriage licence?
  • How much is the Officiants fee?
  • What if I am divorcced outside Canada can I get a Licence
  • Will you marry us if we are of different faiths?

    Yes, I have performed many inter-faith marriages.

     

     


    Will you marry us if one or both of us have been divorced?

    Yes, I am divorced and now have found my own life mate.


    Do you require pre-marital counseling before getting married?

    No I don't, but I can discuss any issues you may have.


    Would you allow another Officiant to take part in the ceremony? Yes, whether that person is of a different religion or a relative,  it would be my pleasure.

     


    Where do I get a licence?

    In Ottawa at any of the Old city Halls or town halls in the valley. They are good for 90 days. Call me and I can send you an application and be part of your day. You will need two ID's one picture and one regular (Birth Certificate). Only one needs to go to the City Hall. No Health Cards accepted. Make sure you have your divorce papers and file number.


    Are we permitted to write our own wedding vows?

    Yes, you can choose to write your own vows or use the traditional vows, I can direct you on this.

     


    Can you marry us in Quebec?

    Yes I can, but there are procedures we must follow before that can happen, you will need to call me for more details. I have done many weddings in Quebec.


    Is a gratuity expected?

    No, but being a self supporting ministry we must keep up the Chapel and expenses. Any help from you will help others to have a reasonably cost wedding. When weddings are going through the roof. Also to refer a friend is also a wonderful compliment. Also some of our fee goes to our denomination for good works.


    Can I get married the same day when I got the licence?

    Yes, there is no waiting period.


    Are there any restrictions on the types of readings that can be used?

    No


    Can a friend or family member conduct our Wedding?

    There is no problem there, anyyone can conduct a wedding, but a licenced Officiant with the government must be present so that the required questions set down by the government are asked. The Officiant will have to review the ceremony if it is not one of their own. The Officiant is the only one allowed to sign the licence. Done in private or before your family and friends.


    Can we use contemporary readings or are we required to use religious or scripture readings?

    You can use both and again, I can help you on this.

     


    Are there any restrictions on the type of music that can be played?

    No


    Can we use contemporary songs?

    Yes


    Can we bring our own musicians?

    Yes

     


    Are there any restrictions on photography?

    No, it’s your day.

     


    Is the wedding date we've chosen available?

    Just call me.


    What time can we hold the ceremony?

    It's your choice.


    How many guests will the chapel hold?

    We allow up to 60-70 guests at our chapel.


    Is there another wedding scheduled on the same day?

    I may have another wedding before or after yours.


    Is there a room for the bride and her attendants to stay "out of sight" or "freshen up" before the ceremony begins?

    We have  special area at our Chapel.


    What happens if it rains?

    We have an indoor Chapel.


    What about the timing and logistics of obtaining the marriage licence?

    I can help you on with this.


    How much is the Officiants fee?

    I can send an e-mail of our costs in our information package along with your chosen ceremony. Click here to contact us.


    What if I am divorcced outside Canada can I get a Licence

     

    The Marriage Act requires that where a former marriage was dissolved or annulled in a jurisdiction other than Canada, an authorization must be obtained from the Ministry of Consumer and Business Services before a marriage license can be issued.

    To obtain the authorization, the following documents must be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar General:

    • A marriage license application fully completed and signed by both parties.
    • An original or court certified copy of the decree of divorce or annulment certified by the proper court officer in the jurisdiction the divorce/annulment was granted. If the decree is in language other than English or French, a certified translation must be provided.
    • A statement of Sole Responsibility for each foreign divorce signed by both applicants.
    • A legal opinion of an Ontario lawyer, addressed to both applicants, giving reasons why the divorce or annulment should be recognized in the Province of Ontario. For specific information regarding the content of the opinion letter, contact the Office of the Registrar General. (Sample Format)

    The above documents must be forwarded (we suggest registered express post) to:

    OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL
    P.O. BOX 4600
    189 RED RIVER ROAD
    THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO
    P7B 6L8
    ATTENTION: M.A.M.


     

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    A Valley Wedding Reception Venue & Chapel
    6387 Third Line Road, South
    NORTH GOWER, ONTARIO K0A 2T0
    613.489.2678

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