Who Can Perform Wedding Ceremonies In Canada?

Can I Perform a Wedding Ceremony in Canada?

If you're planning a wedding in Canada, you may be wondering if you can legally officiate the ceremony. The answer depends on a few factors, including the province in which the wedding will take place and your own credentials. Let's explore the requirements and options for performing a wedding ceremony in Canada.

Who can be a wedding officiant in Canada?

In Canada, a wedding officiant is also known as a celebrant. Officiants are licensed by the province, so each province has its own regulations. However, there are some general rules that apply across the country.

Firstly, a wedding officiant must be licensed to perform weddings. This means that they have been approved by the province and have a contract with the province to license their members to perform weddings. Licensed wedding officiants in Ontario, for example, are listed on the Ontario Registered Religious Officiants List.

Secondly, the officiant must be ordained by an organization recognized by the province. This could be a religious organization, such as a church, or a secular organization, such as the Humanist Association. The process of becoming ordained varies depending on the organization, but it typically involves some form of training or education.

Thirdly, the officiant must abide by the relevant provincial Marriage Act. For example, in Ontario, there are four things that must be included in a wedding ceremony for it to be legal: a declaration by the couple that they know of no legal reason why they cannot marry; a declaration of intent and consent, where the couple confirms that they want to marry each other; a declaration of marriage by the officiant; and the signing of the marriage license, marriage register, and record of solemnization by the officiant, the couple, and two witnesses.

In addition to these general requirements, there may be specific rules and regulations that vary from province to province. For example, in Quebec, the Quebec flag must be displayed in the room where the wedding takes place, and the attire of the clerk or deputy clerk performing the ceremony is regulated.

So, while the specific requirements for becoming a wedding officiant in Canada may vary depending on the province, generally, a person must be licensed, ordained by a recognized organization, and abide by the relevant provincial Marriage Act.

What are the requirements to become a wedding officiant in Canada?

To become a wedding officiant in Canada, you must be licensed by the province in which you live. Each province has its own set of laws and regulations governing marriage. In Ontario, for example, one must be legally authorised to officiate weddings. This typically includes judges, justices of the peace, and clergy members in good standing.

If you are not a judge, justice of the peace, or clergy member, there are still options to officiate a wedding. You can become ordained as clergy, though this can be costly and time-consuming. The Humanist Association, for instance, offers non-denominational officiant training, which takes over a year to complete. Alternatively, you can perform a symbolic ceremony, where you facilitate the wedding rather than officiate it. In this case, you would need to work alongside a licensed wedding officiant to ensure the legal aspects of the wedding are covered.

To be a licensed officiant in Ontario, a person must be ordained by an organisation approved by the province and have a contract with the province to license its members to perform weddings. Licensed members are given a Clergy Registration Number, which is entered on the couple's marriage license. They must also abide by the Ontario Marriage Act.

In Alberta, the government appoints both permanent and temporary Marriage Commissioners to perform civil (non-religious) marriages. To become a permanent Marriage Commissioner, you must be 18 years old, fluent in written and spoken English, a resident of Alberta, and have a driver's license and vehicle. Temporary Marriage Commissioners are appointed for one day up to three times per year and are typically current or former judges, members of a provincial legislature, or members of the House of Commons or Senate.

Regardless of the province, certain legal formalities must be met for weddings. There must be at least two adult witnesses present, and the wedding must be performed in a language that all parties understand. The wedding must take place within 90 days of the marriage license being issued.

What are the legal formalities for weddings in Canada?

The legal formalities for weddings in Canada are minimal. Here is a list of the requirements:

• The wedding must be performed by a Licensed Officiant, who is licensed by the province. This can be a religious or civil officiant. Religious officiants must be ordained or appointed according to the rites of their religion. Civil officiants are typically judges, municipal clerks, or justices of the peace.
• There must be at least two adult witnesses present at the wedding.
• The wedding must be performed in a language that all parties understand, or there must be an interpreter present.
• The wedding must take place within 90 days of the marriage license being issued.
• The minimum age to marry is 16, and parents or guardians must give written consent for children under 18 to marry unless the female is pregnant or a mother.
• If either party has been divorced, proof of divorce must be provided.
• The ceremony must include a declaration by the couple that they know of no legal reason why they cannot marry each other, and a declaration of their intent and consent to marry.
• The officiant must declare the couple to be married and may invite them to seal their vows with a kiss.
• The marriage license, marriage register, and record of solemnization of marriage must be signed by the officiant, the couple, and two witnesses.

In addition, each province has its own regulations, so it is important to check the specific requirements of the province in which the wedding will take place. For example, in Ontario, there are four things that must be included in the ceremony to make it legal: the declarations by the couple, the affirmation of intent and consent, the declaration of marriage by the officiant, and the signing of the relevant documents.

What are the requirements for a valid marriage license in Canada?

According to Canada's Solemnization of Marriage Act, you must obtain a marriage license or certificate before getting married. The requirements for a marriage license vary depending on the province or territory in which you plan to get married. For instance, in Ontario, individuals must be at least 18 years old to get married without parental consent, while in British Columbia, the minimum age is 19 years. With parental consent, individuals as young as 16 or 17 can get married in certain provinces. In some provinces, written parental consent is required if either party is under the age of 19. Generally, individuals under the age of 16 are not permitted to marry, but exceptions may be made in certain provinces with written parental consent or if the bride is pregnant or already a mother.

To obtain a marriage license, you must apply to the relevant provincial or territorial municipal office or Department of Vital Statistics. The license will only be valid in the province or territory in which it was issued. For example, a marriage license obtained in Ontario is only valid for marriages taking place in Ontario. When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide the following information:

• The date you plan to get married
• Proof of present marital status, such as a divorce decree or death certificate if previously married
• Proof of identification, such as a birth certificate or valid passport

Both partners must typically be present when applying for the marriage license and provide any required identification and documents. There may be a fee associated with obtaining a marriage license, and it is usually valid for a limited time, such as three months from the date of purchase. In some provinces, only one person is required to be present when applying for the license.

It is important to note that marriage licenses may not be required for religious marriages taking place in a church, mosque, or synagogue. In these cases, a Publication of Banns, which is an announcement of the couple's intent to marry, may be sufficient. However, it is always a good idea to check with the local religious official to confirm the exact requirements.

Additional requirements for a marriage license may vary depending on the province or territory. For example, in Ontario and Newfoundland, if a divorce has taken place outside the province, additional information and confirmation of the divorce are needed. Immigration documents and details of parents may also be required when applying for a marriage license in certain provinces.

In most provinces or territories, couples can get married immediately after receiving their marriage license. However, some provinces, such as Nova Scotia and Quebec, require a waiting period between the application for the license and the marriage ceremony.

Can a friend or family member officiate a wedding in Canada?

The laws regarding who can officiate a wedding in Canada vary from province to province. In Ontario, for instance, only certain individuals are legally allowed to officiate weddings. These include:

• A Judge or Justice of the Peace
• A City clerk employee who is able to conduct city hall weddings
• A priest, rabbi, or other clergy members in good standing to officiate weddings

If your friend or family member does not fall into one of these categories, there are still a few options for them to participate in the ceremony while ensuring that the wedding is legally valid:

Option 1: Have two ceremonies

You can opt to have a legal ceremony first and then your full ceremony with your friend or family member on your wedding day. The only things you will need for this ceremony are a marriage license and two witnesses.

Option 2: Have an officiant oversee the proceedings

Some officiants will allow your friend or family member to 'officiate' the wedding with their oversight. The friend or family member can conduct the more sentimental parts of the ceremony, while the officiant steps in for the legal part.

Option 3: Have your friend become ordained

Although tricky and costly, it is possible for laypeople to become ordained as clergy in Ontario. The Humanist Association offers non-denominational officiant training for those wishing to become ordained. However, the training is costly and time-consuming, taking over a year to complete.

Working with an Officiant

There are several options available for couples who want a friend or family member to be involved in their Symbolic Ceremony:

• The couple and two witnesses can meet the Officiant and sign the paperwork before or after the wedding. Legally, they will have a "cere-mini" to agree to marry one another, sign the licence, and the Officiant would declare them married.
• The Officiant can travel to the wedding venue to sign the marriage licence during the ceremony. The couple and the Officiant would prepare the script, which would need to include the key legal parts of the Ontario Marriage Act. The Officiant would then declare the couple married.

Legal Requirements

Regardless of who officiates the wedding, there are certain legal requirements that must be met for the marriage to be valid. These include:

• At least two adult witnesses must be present at the wedding.
• The wedding must be performed in a language that all parties understand or is otherwise interpreted.
• The wedding must take place within 90 days of the marriage license being issued.
• The minimum age to marry is 16, and parents or guardians must give written consent for children under 18 to marry unless the female is pregnant or a mother.
• If either party has been divorced, proof of divorce must be provided.

Frequently asked questions