613.243.9403
Licensed by the province of Ontario through Angels of The Earth Interfaith Community
WEDDING OFFICIANT SERVICES
The moment that two lives become one...
CEREMONIES
A Reflection of You
Marriage ceremonies can be short and sweet or a little longer and more elaborate, depending on what you decide!
You have the option of using our templates, or you can customize the wording and readings to suit your personal taste.
I am here to support you as much or as little as you require and to ensure that your ceremony meets all provincial legalities.
Do you and your love have a special shared interest? A theme, cultural element or ritual that you would like to incorporate into your wedding?
Let's create a ceremony that is a perfect fit for you!
(Photo Credit: 515 Photo Co)
Get in touch today and let’s work together to create the perfect ceremony just for you! karin@weddingsbykarin.com
SERVICES
MARRIAGE CEREMONY
A marriage ceremony includes opening remarks, possibly a reading or a poem, vows, ring exchange, wishes and the marriage license signing.
We have script samples that can guide you, lots of ring exchange suggestions and vow exchange templates.
Many couples choose to write their own vows to one another, which is a beautiful way to personalize the wedding.
Following your ceremony, we will send your signed documents to the province via registered mail. Then, 6-8 weeks after your ceremony, you can apply for your marriage certificate.
$450 + HST
(2025 Rate: $550 +HST)
(Photo Credit: Holly McMurter)
LEGAL SIGNING
Basic declaration (legal words spoken in the presence of the witnesses) and marriage license signing WITHOUT a ceremony.
This option would be for a couple who:
1. simply wants a legal marriage
2. has a person performing the ceremony who is not licensed to do so in Ontario (if we are present for the full ceremony, Ceremony fee applies)
3. did not include the signing in the original ceremony
4. is having a destination wedding
$400 + HST
(2025 Rate: $450 +HST)
(Photo Credit: Jacquie K)
VOW RENEWAL
The depth of commitment that grows through the passage of time, the sharing of life experiences and the bond that deepens along the way often inspires us to refresh our connection in a formalized way.
Sometimes this is a private moment shared by a couple, or it can be a grand celebration with friends and family present.
This option is becoming increasingly popular with couples who eloped during COVID but plan to celebrate with friends and family when it is safe to do so
$400 + HST
(2025 Rate: $450 +HST)
THE WEDDINGS BY KARIN TEAM
Our Licensed Officiants
KARIN DESVEAUX
Weddings By Karin Director: Officiant, Client Liaison
Words cannot describe how fulfilling my role as a wedding officiant is. The couples I work with, the moments I am a part of and the memories that are created are all incredibly rewarding and special.
JOHN SCHNEEBERGER
Officiant
Sharing your love with your perfect match is one of the most beautiful and true moments of your lives. A day which begins a new journey together. I am deeply honoured to officiate this magical moment and look forward to helping you arrange the perfect experience.
MARY WOOD
Officiant
I have worked in the wedding industry for over 10 years. I've done catering, planning, serving, bartending, set-up, tear- down, florals, wedding cakes and event design. I thought I had touched it all, until I realized I have never officiated. Throughout the last many years, I have realized that my favorite part of each wedding, without a doubt, is the ceremony. I watch each ceremony with blurred eyes, thinking of the connection each couple has with one another, and remembering all of the good in this world. It is my sincere privilege to now be able to provide officiating services to our couples here at my own wedding venue 100 Acre Wood, as well as across Ontario. To get to share in that moment is truly such a gift.
NORMAN MARKLAND
Officiant
I’m here to help you make your dreams and realities come true. As a certified event and wedding planner, I have lived and worked in Prince Edward County and helped organize weddings for over 15 years. I value diversity and inclusion, am a proud member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community, and am a major supporter of marriage equality. There are strict rules in Ontario about having your marriage officially recognized; with experience issuing these special licences, I want to help guide you through the legal and emotional aspects of the wedding ceremony and let the couple focus on making their dreams come true.
WHAT OUR COUPLES SAY...
...a few words from couples we have worked with (more can be found on Google as well)
Karin made our day so seamless! Her energy was incredible and calming. We can’t thank her enough for everything she did before, during and after our wedding. The assistance, guidance and support she showed us was truly appreciated. We cannot be happier!
(Photo Credit: Laura Fenny)
Taylor + Cole
FAQ
The Answers You Need
(Photo: Kassandra Melnyk Photography)
WHEN WILL WE MEET OUR OFFICIANT?
Many couples prefer the convenience of working via email/telephone/Zoom/Microsoft Teams/FaceTime etc. exclusively until we arrive at a script and plan that they are completely satisfied with. We then simply arrive at the wedding and perform the ceremony.
If scheduling and locations permit, We are always delighted to meet with couples in person before the wedding, but in a COVID-cautious world, most of our meetings are currently electronic.
CAN COUPLES CHOOSE THE WORDING FOR THEIR WEDDING CEREMONY?
Yes. As long as legalities are met. Once a wedding is booked, Karin will provide the couple with templates, which they can edit (with Karin's assistance, if desired) by cutting and pasting, adding or deleting, to create a uniquely personal ceremony.
WHO CAN OFFICIATE MARRIAGES IN ONTARIO?
According to the Marriage Act only Judges, Justices of the Peace, City Clerks, or officials licensed by the Province of Ontario to solemnize weddings. I am an official licensed by the Province of Ontario through Angels of The Earth Interfaith Community to perform legal marriages.
CAN A FRIEND OR A RELATIVE PERFORM THE ACTUAL WEDDING CEREMONY?
Yes. As long as an Officiant either witnesses the ceremony or confirms intent, pronounces the couple married and signs all legal documents.
HOW DO WE GET A MARRIAGE LICENSE?
Couples must acquire a marriage license PRIOR to the ceremony from a municipal office. It is valid for 90 days after it is issued. Details can be found at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/getting-married#section-3
IS THE MARRIAGE LICENSE THE SAME AS A MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE?
No. Your officiant will leave the Record of Solemnization of Marriage with a reliable person (chosen by the couple) after the ceremony; if you are using a wedding planner/coordinator, this can be a great choice.
Before you can get a marriage certificate, the marriage needs to be registered. The marriage becomes registered after we send the complete and signed marriage licence to Service Ontario following the ceremony. Then, 6-8 weeks after the ceremony, couples can apply for their Marriage Certificate. More information can be found here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-get-copy-ontario-marriage-certificate-online
WILL MY OFFICIANT BE AT THE REHEARSAL?
If scheduling permits, we are always happy to join couples at the rehearsal. The cost is $150. We strongly suggest booking the rehearsal at the time of wedding booking to ensure availability.
WHEN WILL MY OFFICIANT ARRIVE ON OUR WEDDING DAY?
Your officiant will arrive about 45 minutes prior to the ceremony. The person who has the marriage license should be there around the same time so that we can get it from them and fill out the paperwork.
DO WE NEED A MICROPHONE?
Depending on the size of the ceremony, a mic is sometimes a good idea, especially so that guests can hear the couple saying their vows etc. You likely will not require a mic in a smaller, more intimate setting. Your officiant does not bring the mic if you choose to use one; it must be supplied by the couple, usually via the DJ.
WHAT IS A SIGNING TABLE?
If the couple chooses to sign the marriage license as a part of the ceremony (most do), it is wise to have a small table set up for this purpose. Usually a table and one or two chairs works best. This is also a great photo opportunity!
DOES THE OFFICIANT STAY FOR THE RECEPTION?
No. We will sometimes have more than one wedding in a day; we will just slip away as unobtrusively as possible after the ceremony.