If you are planning to get married in Ontario, you may be wondering what types of wedding ceremonies are available to you. In this blog post, we will explore the two main categories of marriage ceremonies in Ontario: religious and civil. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right officiant for your special day.
Religious marriage ceremony
A religious marriage ceremony is performed by an authorized religious officiant who belongs to a religious body or an Indigenous organization or community that is recorded with the Office of the Registrar General. A religious officiant can offer different types of ceremonies, including non-denominational, interfaith, or traditional ones. A religious marriage ceremony must follow the legal requirements of the Marriage Act, such as obtaining a valid marriage licence or publishing banns, having two witnesses, and signing the licence or banns after the ceremony.
Civil marriage ceremony
A civil marriage ceremony is performed by a civil officiant who is either a judge, an associate judge, a justice of the peace, or a municipal clerk or their delegate. A civil officiant can perform a simple and secular ceremony that meets the legal requirements of the Marriage Act. A civil marriage ceremony must also follow the same steps as a religious one, such as obtaining a valid marriage licence, having two witnesses, and signing the licence after the ceremony.
How to choose an officiant
Choosing an officiant is an important decision that can affect the tone and style of your wedding ceremony. Here are some factors to consider when looking for an officiant:
- Availability: Make sure the officiant is available on your preferred date and time, and confirm their fees and cancellation policy.
- Compatibility: Make sure the officiant is compatible with your vision and values, and that they are willing to customize the ceremony to suit your preferences and needs.
- Credentials: Make sure the officiant is authorized to perform marriages in Ontario and that they have a valid registration number or certificate from the Office of the Registrar General.
We hope this blog post has helped you understand the types of wedding ceremonies in Ontario and how to choose an officiant. For more information on getting married in Ontario, visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/getting-married. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!