Can a Friend or Family Member officiate my Ontario wedding?

Watching as my ceremony co-host crushes it at the mic.

We've all seen it on sitcoms - a couple decides to get married, a friend hops online, and with just the click of a button they are ordained and perform a legal marriage. As you start planning your wedding you think - can I do that?

In Ontario, it's not a straightforward answer.

In Ontario, to perform a marriage you have to be either a judge or justice of the peace, or a registered religious minister (a.k.a. a wedding officiant!). And it isn't as simple as becoming ordained in five minutes. Most ministries take upwards of 6 months to a year to become registered. It's not an easy ask for a friend or family member!

So what can be done? You can find an officiant willing to work WITH your family member or friend. There are a couple ways to make this happen:

• You can have an officiant sign paperwork before/after the ceremony conducted by your selected speaker. A quick 10 minute signing to make things legal, and then your friend and family member is free to do a symbolic ceremony for you however you wish!

• Your officiant and co-host can work together during the ceremony. The selected speaker takes care of the fun stuff, while the officiant makes sure the legalities are observed. This method has you married in front of all of your guests just as if an officiant did your ceremony solo.

I love when I get to work with a couple's loved one to create a unique ceremony. Who knows you better than your loved ones? They are uniquely positioned to tailor everything that is said towards the couple. And the officiant helps to guide them through the process so things run smoothly.

The picture on this post is me looking on to my co-host Carmen (hey Carm!), who wrote both a hilarious and touching ceremony for Allison & Chris in October 2024. It was such a blast getting to work with the three of them to make their wedding an experience they will never forget.

Want me to help your friend and family member help host your ceremony in Ontario? I'm happy to help in Durham Region, Toronto, the GTA, and beyond! Send me a request here and I will help make your dream ceremony a reality.

Smiles all around after a fantastic ceremony for Allison & Chris, co-hosted by myself and their Uncle Carmen.