Do I need a license to get married in Toronto?

Yes, couples must obtain a marriage license from any Ontario municipal office before the ceremony. This can be from Toronto City Hall, or by following the link here. Some municipalities will let you apply online. IMPORTANT: Brian cannot perform the wedding without the actual copy of the marriage license present on the wedding day. It’s good for 90 days once it gets issued.

What else do we need to get married?

The absolute bare minimum requirements are 1) a marriage license, 2) two willing partners, and 3) two witnesses to sign paperwork. Typically, you’d reserve a venue of some sort and they’d help with setting up the room, taking care of food/drink options, and day-off logistics.

Can Brian officiate weddings outside Toronto?

Brian lives in downtown Toronto, so prefers to work in that area. However, as a certified Ontario officiant, Brian can conduct ceremonies anywhere in the province. If you’re located outside the GTA, there many be additional costs for travel time.

How long does the ceremony last?

The actual legal requirements don’t take very long. Typically, adding elements like readings, songs, extra speakers, etc. is what adds the most time to the ceremony. Even with those elements included, the ceremony is typically shorter than 30 minutes. The really short version is about 15 minutes.

We want to do something unique for our wedding. How creative/silly/offbeat/untraditional can we get?

You can literally do ALMOST whatever you want. If you want to dress up like superheroes, or make the whole thing into a medieval re-enactment, or do a WWE wrestling entrance as a walk down the aisle… there’s no problem with that. As long as the (very few) legal requirements are met – the ceremony can be as unique as you like. This includes asking Brian to participate… if you want him to wear a Maple Leafs jersey, or put on his Jedi robes, or do the ceremony in a terrible accent, those are all viable options.

Can my friend perform the wedding?

Yes and no. Your friend can act as the MC and perform the ceremony alongside Brian. There are a few legal things your friend will not be allowed to do – and the registered officiant is the only one who can actually declare the couple to be married. Brian will work with you (and your friend) to work out the best version of the ceremony to suit your vision.

We’re going to Mexico for our wedding. Can you just sign our papers to make it legal in Ontario?

Does the officiant stay for dinner and the party?

Typically no. You’re not expected to feed Brian, or include him in any of the reception festivities. If you wish, you can offer – but that is certainly not required!

What happens after the ceremony?

Once the wedding ceremony is done, Brian will leave and take the marriage license with him. He’ll mail that to the provincial registrar, where the paperwork is filed with the province. After 8-10 weeks (depending on how busy they are), you can apply on the provincial website to order an official marriage certificate. In the meantime, you’ll be left with a “Solemnization of Marriage” which is essentially temporary proof of the wedding, until your certificate can be delivered.

How far in advance should we book the officiant?

It’s best to secure Brian’s services at least two months before your wedding date to ensure availability. The earlier you book, the better your chances. That said, if you leave it until the last minute, there is still the possibility that he’s available – you might get lucky!