Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who is All Seasons Wedding Ceremonies?
  2. What is your Cancellation Policy?
  3. How do we book one of your officiants to conduct our wedding ceremony?
  4. How long does the ceremony take?
  5. Where can we get married?
  6. Can I get married on Zoom (or other video chat platform)?
  7. Can I livestream my ceremony?
  8. Can my best friend conduct my ceremony?
  9. Can we talk with an officiant before we reserve?
  10. Do you have emergency back up?
  11. Can we write our own vows and have friends read, etc?
  12. Do we have to memorize our vows?
  13. Can photos be taken?
  14. What do your officiants wear to the ceremony?
  15. Does the officiant stay for dinner?
  16. What time does the officiant arrive on our big day?
  17. Is a gratuity expected?
  18. Do we get to meet the officiant?
  19. Can we choose more than one officiant?
  20. How long before the wedding should we book a wedding officiant?
  21. How can I see who is available for my wedding?
  22. Will we be legally married?
  23. Do you conduct same-gender weddings?
  24. Can our children take part in the ceremony?
  25. Is a rehearsal necessary and how much does it cost?
  26. How do I apply for a marriage certificate after we are married?
  27. Do you have a location at which we can get married?
  28. Do you perform baptisms/naming ceremonies?
  29. Do you perform vow renewals?
  30. Can I get married in another province?
  31. Can Ontario residents get married in Quebec?
  32. Do I need to buy a marriage licence to get married in Quebec?
  33. Can I take my spouse’s surname?
  34. Can I get an Ontario certificate if I get married in Quebec?
  35. How do I change my name after the ceremony?
  36. Where and when do I get my marriage licence?
  37. How do we get a wedding licence if our divorce was outside Canada?
  38. What if there is a change to my date/time/location?
  39. My question isn’t listed/answered in this FAQ, what do I do?

Who is All Seasons Wedding Ceremonies?

All Seasons Wedding Ceremonies is a wedding ceremony company with over 25 years of experience. We supply professional, licensed wedding officiants in most of Ontario and select locations in Quebec, Alberta, BC, and Nova Scotia. We conduct your wedding ceremony the way you want it conducted and provide a back-up service to give our couples peace of mind. We have over 600 officiants who can service all faiths and cultures in many languages. We proudly support marriage equality and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Our head office is in Ottawa, ON, but your officiant is a member of your local community.

What is your Cancellation Policy?

Perfectly Planned: If cancelled within 30 days of making your deposit, we offer a refund of your deposit minus a $100.00 (+ tax) admin. fee. If cancelled more than 30 days after the date on which you made your deposit, no refund is due. For weddings booked within 45 days of ceremony date, refunds are not available.

Make It Legal & Simply Sweet Packages: These packages are non-refundable.

How do we book one of your officiants to conduct our wedding ceremony?

Contact our office. We will send you a sample ceremony and other resources, as well as a quote. You will have the chance to speak with your officiant in advance of making a deposit with our office to confirm the reservation.

How long does the ceremony take?

We tell couples to budget thirty minutes for Perfectly Planned package (including the entrance, ceremony, signing of the documents and recessional). Of course, the length will depend on the script and any additions such as sand ceremony, rose ceremony, handfasting, etc. The smaller packages take less time. For us, the key is the start time as our officiants may be heading off to another wedding after yours.

Where can we get married?

Our officiants will travel to the location of your choice. We are happy to marry you at your home or cottage, in a banquet hall or a hotel but we’ve also celebrated weddings in canoes and on cruises, on beaches, and up mountains. We’ve even conducted weddings mid-flight in hot air balloons and helicopters. Tell us where you’d like to get married!

Can I get married on Zoom (or other video chat platform)?

No. A couple must be in the same location as their officiant and witnesses, during the ceremony and signing of the legal documents for a legal marriage.

Can I livestream my ceremony?

Our officiants are camera ready! You are welcome to include those who can’t be with you for your vows by using a streaming video platform. Ask your officiant if you would like them to mention and give a special welcome to your virtual guests.

Can my best friend conduct my ceremony?

Your friend may participate meaningfully in your ceremony, working alongside one of our licensed wedding officiants. Please discuss this option with our reservations team. The regular fee applies.

Can we talk with an officiant before we reserve?

Certainly. Feel free to ask about any officiant on the website. Once we confirm their availability for you, we will send you their contact information so you can reach out to them.

Do you have emergency back up?

Yes. If something were to happen to your officiant in the weeks leading up to the wedding, All Seasons will provide you with a replacement if needed. We also have a weekend emergency line to help cover day-of emergencies.

Can we write our own vows and have friends read, etc?

You sure can with our Perfectly Planned package! We have some ceremony resources on our website for you to consider.

Do we have to memorize our vows?

No. You can read your vows, or your officiant can use a "repeat after me" style. If you’d rather not speak out loud very much, your officiant can phrase the vows in question form so you only need to say "I do."

Can photos be taken?

That’s up to you. Our officiants are comfortable with photos and video being taken – just make sure to get their good side!

What do your officiants wear to the ceremony?

Our officiants wear appropriate business attire unless you request something different. Most are happy to participate in dressing to a theme. Some (though not all) have clergy attire if requested.

Does the officiant stay for dinner?

You are welcome to invite them, but it is not expected. Your officiant may have more than one wedding that day.

What time does the officiant arrive on our big day?

Your officiant will arrive at least 15 minutes before the ceremony. In every case you should give your officiant an on-site phone number in case they need to reach you.

Is a gratuity expected?

No, but you may feel you would like to express your gratitude for an excellent ceremony in this way. Some couples send a thank you card with a picture. The best of all is to refer a friend. Some couples do all of the above.

Do we get to meet the officiant?

Our Perfectly Planned package includes a face-to-face planning meeting 30 to 90 days before the ceremony. If distance is a factor, the meeting may take place using video chat. Our other packages allow for ample phone and email contact. You always have the chance to speak with an officiant before you reserve.

Can we choose more than one officiant?

We can have one officiant at a time attached to your file. Due to high demand, we're just not able to have 2 or 3 of our more popular officiants holding the same date and time indefinitely. We suggest couples provide us with a list in order of preference.

Once availability has been confirmed, you should speak with the officiant directly to see if you feel they would be an appropriate choice for your special day. In you do not feel you are a match, we will do all we can to find someone more suitable and go to another choice of officiant at that time.

How long before the wedding should we book a wedding officiant?

Every wedding is different. Some months are busier than others. We suggest you should book just as soon as you have your venue reserved. Please call us and check our availability any time.

How can I see who is available for my wedding?

If you select the ‘officiants’ tab on the website and put in your wedding location (the more precise the location, the better the result will be) it will generate a list of the officiants who serve that area. You can then narrow the search by adding your wedding date and time to see who’s schedule is showing as available for your details. Alternately, you can fill in the request form on the website and if you select the option of selecting your own officiant, it will show you the officiants who are showing as available for your date/time/location.

Will we be legally married?

Yes! Each province has their own set of laws governing marriage. Your officiant will register your marriage with the province once the ceremony is complete. Your marriage will be recognized throughout Canada as well as internationally.

Do you conduct same-gender weddings?

Yes. We support marriage equality. Same-gender marriages have been legally recognized across Canada since July 2005.

Can our children take part in the ceremony?

We encourage it. Ask us for our list of ideas in how to do just that! You can also take a look at our Ceremonies and Readings tab on the site.

Is a rehearsal necessary and how much does it cost?

That’s a tough call. Tradition, moms, and bridal books say have one. We say talk it over with your officiant. You should always walk through the ceremony with your wedding party. You may or may not need your officiant present. (Much depends on place and size of wedding). There is an additional fee for a rehearsal (probably $100-$150), paid directly to the officiant.

How do I apply for a marriage certificate after we are married?

Ontario

Wait about 8-10 weeks before applying as it can take up to 12 weeks for the government to process the marriage licence and register your marriage. You can easily apply online or by mail.

Quebec

For Quebec residents: The Directeur de l’état civil will notify you once your wedding has been registered so that you may apply for your marriage certificate. You may use a clicSÉQUR number to make an application for your marriage certificate online. If you do not already have one, there are instructions included on the page in order to get one. There is a fee for the certificate. You can find the online application form HERE.

For residents outside of Quebec: You can use this PDF form HERE to fill out, print and mail to the Directeur de l’état civil in order to receive your marriage certificate. You are not able to apply online. Please note that the certificate is only available in French as per Bill 96 which was passed on June 1st, 2022.

Alberta

Wait two weeks after the wedding for the province to register your marriage, then apply at a registry office or by mail.


Nova Scotia

Wait 4-6 weeks after the wedding and then apply to Vital Statistics online, in person or by mail.


British Columbia

You will automatically be sent a certificate – no application is needed

Do you have a location at which we can get married?

If you are in the Ottawa area, you can visit the Ottawa Wedding Chapel, but otherwise we do not have a ceremony location. Our officiants may be able to make suggestions to you for potential venues or outdoor locations in their communities of service.

Do you perform baptisms/naming ceremonies?

Many of our officiants conduct baptisms and naming ceremonies. You can find them listed at https://baptismcanada.ca/

Do you perform vow renewals?

All of our officiants are happy to perform vow renewals. We’d be more than happy to help you celebrate your milestone anniversary. The same process for finding an officiant applies – just fill in the Request a Quote form.

Can I get married in another province?

To get married in any province other than your own, you must follow the legal process in the province where the wedding will take place. There are no residency requirements. Wherever you choose to marry, your marriage will be recognized in every other province in Canada.

Can Ontario residents get married in Quebec?

Yes. There are no residency requirements for getting married in Quebec, and no additional requirements for Ontario residents. All you need is a confirmed date, time & location and an officiant who is credentialed in the province.

Do I need to buy a marriage licence to get married in Quebec?

No, your officiant is required to provide you with a Declaration of marriage (DEC-50), the equivalent document. This document is included in our fee.

Can I take my spouse’s surname?

That depends on the province in which you live.

Quebec residents, regardless of which province they are married in, are unable to assume their spouse’s last name.

All other Canadian residents can assume their spouse’s surname regardless of where they get married. Please see here for more information.

Can I get an Ontario certificate if I get married in Quebec?

A few weeks after your ceremony, the Directeur de l’Etat Civil, will contact you by mail to advise you that you can apply for a certificate from the province of Quebec. This document is accepted in Ontario, and all other provinces. It will allow you to assume your spouse’s surname in Ontario and other provinces in Canada.

How do I change my name after the ceremony?

In most cases, you can just "assume" your spouse’s last name. In other words, to "change" your name you just start using it. To update your driver’s licence, bank accounts and other information, you will simply need to show your marriage certificate.

A legal name change – which changes your birth certificate – may be required for updating immigration or citizenship documents.

Quebec is an exception

Under the Civil Code of Québec, both spouses retain their respective names in marriage and exercise civil rights under those names. If you reside in Quebec this law applies to you, even if you were married outside of Quebec.

Where and when do I get my marriage licence?

Ontario

You can purchase your licence from a municipal office or City Hall anywhere in the province. The license is good for 90 days. In most cases you can apply and get the license the same day. Here is a link that will tell you about the ID you will need https://www.ontario.ca/page/getting-married#section-2

Quebec

In Quebec the officiant acts as the licensing agent. The officiant will have you fill in a form called the DEC50 (Declaration of Marriage) and they will need to see your identification (birth certificate that includes the parents names and one other government issued ID for each of you) and if necessary your official divorce documents. The Quebec government also requires a 20 day posting to be submitted by your officiant. In order to meet this requirement, All Seasons requires 30 days notice before a Quebec marriage may take place so that your officiant has time to check that all of your paperwork is acceptable and meets the requirements.

Alberta

A marriage licence is good for three months from the date of purchase. Visit a registry agent office to fill in a marriage licence application. More information, including a link to find an office in your area, can be found here: https://www.alberta.ca/get-marriage-licence.aspx. A couple must apply together for their marriage licence – some exceptions may apply, check with a registry agent for details.

British Columbia

A marriage licence is good for three months from the date of purchase. You must show primary identification for each partner. You can search for a Marriage Licence Issuer here: https://connect.health.gov.bc.ca/marriage-offices

Nova Scotia

Purchase from Access Nova Scotia Centres, the Business Registration Unit (located in downtown Halifax), or a private Deputy Issuer. 
https://novascotia.ca/sns/access/vitalstats/marriage-licence.asp

How do we get a wedding licence if our divorce was outside Canada?

If you were divorced outside Canada, you will have to provide divorce documentation to the provincial government to be validated. Documents in languages other than English and French, will have to be translated.

For example, in Ontario, you need to provide the following to Service Ontario:

If the decree is in another language, you will need to include a translated copy and an affidavit sworn by a certified translator

Visit the Service Ontario website for more details. https://www.ontario.ca/page/getting-married

For other provinces, please contact the licensing agent/body in your province for more information, or call our office.

What if there is a change to my date/time/location?

If there is a change to your date, time or location, you must let us know. We will reconfirm with your officiant to make sure they are still available for you.

It is important that the office have all the up-to-date details in case there was ever an issue where a back-up officiant had to be sent.

My question isn’t listed/answered in this FAQ, what do I do?

Our office is available to answer all of your questions. Just give us a call at 1-800-545-3681.