Answers To Your Questions

Over the years, most couples usually ask us many of the same questions about their ceremony and getting married. We have compiled many that seem to be very helpful.

If however your question is not answered here, or our answer is not sufficient do not hesitate to contact our office, or ask your officiant prior to your big day. We're here to help!

Who or what is Muskoka Wedding Ceremonies?

Muskoka Wedding Ceremonies is a wedding ceremony - event planning company. We enlist the help of a team of licensed male and female wedding officiants. Each officiant carries their license to marry couples with them. We conduct your wedding ceremony the way you wanted it conducted. Every ceremony is personalized.

What is the fee structure?

Our fee depends on the community in which the wedding ceremony is to be held, the amount of travel involved and time of year. When you send us the contact us form, we will send you a sample ceremony, and more wedding information. We will also quote you a price in your area at that time.

Can we meet the Officiant before we make a reservation?

Yes. What we suggest is a telephone meeting. Read their bio, look at their picture, and interview them over the phone. Most couples can make a decision after that. In rare instances you may still want a face to face meeting to check your comfort level. Remember all weddings come with one planning meeting so you may want to use your meeting prior to booking.

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

Fill out the contact us form on the web page or call us at 800 545 3681. Either way we will send you a sample ceremony and other resources, as well as a price quote. We will pencil you in till you talk it over.

How do I reserve?

You reserve by making a fully refundable deposit (up to 90 days prior to your ceremony) by credit card for roughly half the fee.

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

Every one is different. Some months are busier than others. June July August are the real busy months with limited availability. We suggest you should book just as soon as you have your reception venue reserved. Please call us and check our availability any time and remember we do have a refund policy if a problem comes up. Remember our fee is refundable so you risk nothing.

How long does the ceremony take?

We tell couples to budget thirty minutes. Budget time for your entrance, the ceremony itself, the signing of the Marriage register, the introduction and the recessional etc. From our point of view the ceremony start time is very important, as our officiants usually are coming from a wedding ceremony or heading off to conduct another wedding.

Do we have to memorize our vows?

No you can write your own vows but come wedding day, we "feed them to you one word at a time".

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

You sure can! We have other ceremony resources on our web page.

Can our children take part in the ceremony?

We encourage it. Ask us for our list of ideas in how to do just that! See Children.

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Can photos be taken?

Certainly! We encourage every one to be involved. Tell your guests to get doubles.

Is a rehearsal necessary and how much does it cost?

A complex question. Tradition, moms, and bridal books say have one. We say it's not always necessary that our experienced Wedding Officiant be there. Due to the long travel distances the rehearsal fee would be better spent on a nice dinner! You should certainly have your wedding party walk through the ceremony on site. We suggest no decision be made until the planning meeting. On the big day the Officiant will arrive early and since they are experienced they can still make any last minute adjustments. Having said this it's your wedding and some accommodation can be worked out. So talk it over with your officiant at the planning meeting.

What do your officiants wear to the ceremony?

Appropriate business attire. Some may wear clergy garb if asked others do not. This a good question to ask your officiant.

Does the officiant stay for dinner and the reception?

Most would like to but usually they have another wedding ceremony to go to. You can ask your officiant when the time comes.

What time does the officiant arrive on our Wedding day?

We arrive as early as we can. 15 minutes or more before the ceremony depending on distances involved. In every case you should give your officiant an on site phone number and get one from him/her.

Is a gratuity expected?

That would be nice but be guided by your feelings and the officiants performance. You may feel you would like to express your gratitude for an excellent ceremony in this way. Some couples also send a thank you card with a picture. The best of all is to refer a friend. Some couples do all of the above.

Can the officiant be a woman?

Yes, we have a number of woman officiants located throughout the Province; however some regions may not be able to accommodate.

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Where and when do I get my license?

At a local municipal office or City Hall in Ontario. You may also download the application from the Ontario Ministry of Business and Consumer Services web site. Link. The license is good for 90 days. Ask the issuer what i.d. you will need. In most cases you can pick up the application and license the same day. Warning: there are issues if one of you has been divorced outside Canada. Ask the license issuer for the hand out sheet on this problem. We also have info on this issue.

How long must I wait from the time I get the license until I can marry? Is it three days?

No. One can now get a license and be married the same day. (Unless one is Divorced outside of Canada), There is no waiting period in Ontario.

How do I change my name in Ontario after the ceremony?

This is easy. In Ontario most brides just start using their new name. Do nothing. You just tell your employer, credit cards, banks, organizations, etc. that you got married and give them a photo copy of the record of marriage section of your license that you will get from your officiant at the ceremony. This is not legal proof that you were married.

What happens to our license?

The Officiant makes sure it is signed correctly and then mails it to the Government. At the ceremony you receive a tear off section called 'the record of marriage'. This is not a legal certificate of marriage.

How do I get a legal proof that I am married?

You must apply for a 'certificate of marriage'. You fill out a government form 12 weeks after your married and make application for a certificate of marriage. This certificate is needed for a new driver's license or OHIP card, credit card, immigration, etc. The bad news is that you can only get this official wedding certificate from the Ontario Government twelve weeks after the wedding. You get the forms to obtain this certificate when you buy your wedding license, or downloaded from the web at: http://www.cbs.gov.on.ca/mcbs/english/4U4V5Z.htm.

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