First, let us say:
You’re awesome.
Secondly, you’re in the right place.
Does this sound familiar?
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You’ve searched online, desperately trying to figure out how to legally perform your friend or family member’s wedding ceremony but couldn’t find the answers. It’s not easy, is it?
And we don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing. In fact, we tend to think it’s a good thing because it assures a level of accountability for the people who can perform a ceremony. Our hope is, if someone is willing to go through all the steps required to become a licensed wedding officiant in Ontario, it’s because they are pursuing a passion or calling, and they’re going to want to do it extremely well.
Let’s answer the two most important questions right away: Who can solemnize a marriage in Ontario and What kind of ceremonies can be performed?
Who can solemnize a marriage in Ontario?
In Ontario, there are only a handful of people who can solemnize a marriage (you’ll see them listed on a Marriage Licence):
→Judge
→Justice of the Peace
→Registered Indigenous Officiant
→Case Management Master
→Municipal Clerk/Delegate
→Registered Religious Officiant* (that’s us!)
It’s a pretty short list.
What kind of ceremonies can be performed?
The aforementioned group can perform one of two types of marriage ceremonies, depending on their designation: a Religious Ceremony, or a Civil Ceremony.
Looking to help couples celebrate one of the biggest milestones of their entire lives?
Religious Ceremony
A religious ceremony is performed by a provincially Registered Religious Officiant, appointed by a religious organization (like Togetherness Collective), who has received authorization from the Office of the Registrar General to perform marriages in Ontario according to the Marriage Act.
Civil Ceremony
A civil ceremony is most often performed in City Hall, by a city delegate, such as a Judge, Justice of the Peace, or City Clerk. Each City Hall is free to set their own rates for this service, and the ceremony is typically performed in City Hall chambers or an office.
Religious Officiants, or Clergy, as they’re often referred to, are the most common designation for people who want to help couples get married, and that’s exactly what you would be if you were appointed by Togetherness Collective (because we’d imagine becoming a Judge or Justice of the Peace isn’t what you had in mind).
Anyone who wishes to be a Religious Officiant has to be trained and ordained by an approved religious body (like Togetherness Collective). Before we get to the application part, let us answer a few of the most common questions we get asked below.
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Not in Canada. As you may have read above, in Ontario specifically, only a few designations will allow you to legally solemnize a marriage, and free ordinations, like in the US, are not legally recognized here.
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Great question! As a provincially recognized active religious denomination, we can appoint ambassadors (or Registered Marriage Officiants) who can legally solemnize marriages in Ontario. That’s great news, right?!
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Everyone appointed by Togetherness Collective must be in agreement with our Beliefs and Values statements, complete a mandatory training course, and provide an up-to-date Police Background Check.
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You do not require any specific degree.
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Glad you asked - scroll down to read about the steps required.
You’ve got questions?
Perfect. Let us answer some of them here.
“Jeff is THE BEST. No questions asked. As soon as we got engaged, we immediately knew who we wanted to be with us on that special day making it all official, an absolute no brainer, it was Jeff.”
— Alyssa and Theron
Next Steps
Our mission is to elevate the experience and expectations couples have from their wedding ceremony (after all, it’s one of the most important milestones in their lives). We accomplish that by preparing and training our clergy exceptionally well, and by offering ongoing support and courses for our members to continue to grow.
Our entire approach is countercultural, but here’s the thing: it works.
Loving our couples and training our clergy extremely well is the best way to ensure we put couples on the right path to a successful, and long marriage.
Step 1. Read our Beliefs and Values Statement
Before applying, it is important that every applicant read over and be in agreement with our Beliefs and Values statements.
Step 2. Learn more about our Officiant Training Course
Our extensive training will cover a wide variety of topics and will prepare you to perform ceremonies with excellence, market yourself, and make an impact. Learn more here.
Step 3. Register for an upcoming Officiant Training Course
After reading our Beliefs and Values statements, and Training Information, you’ll need to register for an upcoming course. Registration can be done here.
Step 4. (Optional) Sign up for additional Training Courses
After you have completed your training, you may wish to sign up for additional specific training courses that will propel your forward as you serve in your area. Level up your officiating here (Coming Soon)
“Having Jeff marry us was the best decision we could’ve made for our wedding. We cried, we laughed, we cheered, and smiled the entire time. It was exactly what we wanted and we couldn’t be more thankful for the time and energy he put into making our ceremony so perfect.”
— Kirsten and Greg
