become a wedding officiant
ontario canada
1. Who can perform a legal ceremony in the province of Ontario?
There seems to be a great deal of confusion and misunderstanding regarding who can be authorized to legally solemnize a wedding ceremony in the province of Ontario. The information is very clearly communicated on the province of Ontario website. Here is the actual wording directly from the provincial site.
"A civil marriage may be performed by an Ontario judge, justice of the peace or a municipal clerk under the authority of a marriage licence. Each municipality can offer civil marriage services and set its own fees. Contact your municipal office for more information.
A religious marriage is performed by a religious official of a recognized religious body who has received authorization from the Office of the Registrar General to perform marriages in Ontario. NOTE: Celebrating Life Ministries is a recognized religious body in the province.
Check the online list of authorized religious marriage Officiants to ensure that your religious officiant is authorized to perform marriages in Ontario.
It is clear. You can be registered as a judge, justice of the peace, city clerk or religious official. Celebrating Life Ministries is a recognized religious body (see above) and it is under that authority that we authorize people. Everyone who joins our team is classified as a Registered Marriage Officiant.
2. Be aware of fraudulent Officiants.
3. Be aware of fraudulent religious bodies.
CBC - 'Brutal' wedding by United National Church minister creates extra paperwork
4. Review the following links and documents:
Learn more about getting married in Ontario by visiting the Provincial Website
Read the Marriage Officiants Guide
Read the Requirements Respecting Marriage in Ontario
Read the Before you Marry fact sheet