Choose this package when you want full peace-of-mind knowing your ceremony is fully planned and organized. Includes consultations to ensure all details are properly planned. This option is the most popular and most comprehensive to ensure that you truly experience your ceremony and hold onto memories for years to come.

• Full planning services including consultations, rehearsal, music selection, venue consultation and ceremony logistics.

• The ceremony itself takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

• Includes guidance through the legal process and completion of legal documents.

• Consultation – in person, via email or over the phone.

• Customized script including options for vows, unity ceremonies, readings, and more.

• Guidance and suggestions for writing your own personal vows.

• Coordinated rehearsal with practice processional and suggestions for a stress-free day.

• Couples should provide legal documents during a consultation or at the rehearsal so that they can be completed in advance of the ceremony.

• The commissioner on-site 30 minutes before ceremony to touch base with venue, photographers, musicians and other wedding suppliers.

• Any sized group of guests.

• Presentation of ceremony script and keepsake marriage certificate (unofficial).

• The marriage will be registered with the government following the ceremony and you may apply for the Official Marriage Certificate from the Government of NL

• Ceremony you and your guests will remember for the rest of your life.

* Rehearsals are strongly recommended as these ceremonies generally have additional elements including bridal parties, processionals, readings, and unity ceremonies.

*Prices subject to change based on the season, availability and travel requirements.

When you want a short yet meaningful ceremony with your closest family and friends or maybe an elopement with just a few witnesses. No need for a bridal party or rehearsal, but maybe a reading and a few songs of your choice. Please keep in mind that most ceremonies are over quickly and you may wish you allowed for a more memorable and meaningful moment. No Bridal Party, no Rehearsal.

* Subject to availability

• The ceremony itself takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

• Includes guidance through the legal process and completion of legal documents.

• Consultation before the ceremony and unlimited contact via phone and email.

• A pre-crafted ceremony script is used with some minimal customization.

• Couples should provide legal documents during consultation so that they can be completed in advance of the ceremony.

• No rehearsal is provided.

• Early arrival of the commissioner on the day of the ceremony for sufficient preparation.

• Small to medium group of guests.

• Inclusion and/or facilitation of readings and songs on request.

• A relaxed, informal atmosphere for you to make your own moment.

• Presentation of ceremony script and keepsake marriage certificate (unofficial).

• The marriage will be registered with the government following the ceremony and you may apply for the Official Marriage Certificate with the Government of NL.

* Prices subject to change based on the season, availability and travel requirements.

* The Quick I Do may only be available for mornings or evenings on weekends from May to October and December.

When you’re looking to just make it legal. Please keep in mind that most ceremonies are over very quickly and you may wish you allowed for a more memorable and meaningful moment. Not Available on Weekends.

Subject to availability. Often not available on weekends from May to October.

• The ceremony itself takes approximately 5 minutes.

• Includes guidance through the legal process and completion of legal documents.

• No face to face consultations or rehearsals.

• Required details are obtained over the phone or via email.

• A basic ceremony script is used with no customization.

• Couples must confirm that they have their Marriage Licence before the day of the ceremony.

• Generally just a few guests, if any.

• Witnesses can be provided for an extra cost if required.

• Option to exchange rings in addition to exchanging vows.

• The marriage will be registered with the government following the ceremony and you may apply for the Official Marriage Certificate with the Government of NL.

• Contact Craig to check availability and to hold your date.

• Limited availability on weekends from May to October.

• Prices subject to change based on the availability and travel requirements.

• You will be sent an e-contract with additional information and next steps for confirmation and the deposit.

• When the deposit and e-contract is received, your booking will be confirmed and you will receive online forms to help you through the planning process.

• Final payment should be made by the rehearsal or day of the wedding.

Processional

Welcome and Opening Words

Acknowledgement of Family and Friends (optional)

First Reading (optional)

Expression of Intent

Exchange of Vows

Exchange of Rings

Second Reading (optional)

Unity Ceremony (optional)

Signing of Register

Third Reading (optional)

Closing Words and Official Declaration

First Kiss

Recessional

Ring Warming

Wedding rings are the strongest and most visible sign of the bond two people can make. With a ring warming, the rings will not only be a gift from one to another but will be given with the love, support and wisdom of family and friends. The rings are passed among the family and/or friends where they give their blessings on the rings before they are exchanged.

Stone Ceremony

The Stone Ceremony usually involves highly polished small stones. The stones are presented to guests, family and the wedding party on their arrival. This is yet another great way to involve everyone present. Guests hold these stones and make a loving wish for the couple’s life together. The stones are then collected and placed in a container as a memento.

Hand Fasting Ceremony

Tying the knot is a term we have inherited to describe the ritual of marriage and to symbolize the joining of two as one. During the ceremony your arms are joined together and the rope is draped over them in a particular way so that when you pull your arms apart, you end up tying the knot!

Unity Candle

Using candles to light the “unity” candle, recognizes the joining together of lives, families, and loved ones through the marriage. As part of this service, the couple may have one or more of their family members, such as their mothers, each light a candle. The couple then uses these candles to light the Unity Candle.

Memorial Candle

The Memorial Candle Ceremony honours deceased family members. In remembrance of departed loved ones, candles are lit during the beginning of the ceremony when we take a quick moment to honour love ones not with you on your special day.

Love Letter and Wine Box

A Love Letter exchange is a romantic ceremony that will enhance your wedding and serve as a lasting reminder of the commitments made to one another. Heart felt letters or vows, encapsulating your thoughts and feelings are locked away to be revealed on a future anniversary. Couples also include two glasses and a bottle of wine to be enjoyed while reading these letters.

Tree Planting

The tree planting ceremony symbolizes the joining together of two individuals or the joining of two families. There is a separate table usually with a flower pot, sapling, container of soil, gardening trowel as well as a small watering can. You may wish to include mothers or other family members who can present separate containers of soil.The couple will each add some soil and water the plant together. The couple may choose to plant it right in the ground at the venue or plant the tree at their home or another special location.

Family Vow

Many wish to include their children in the ceremony. During this ceremony, vows are spoken from the parents to their children. These vows are spoken directly to the children and speak of guidance, role modelling and encouragement, support and love. You may wish to present the children with a small symbolic gift after the vows have been shared.

Wine Ceremony

The Wine Ceremony is a symbolic ceremony representing two persons becoming one in such that the couple drink the same wine. The wine of your choice or two different wines are placed on the signing table before being poured together. The cup may be a chalice, goblet or funky wine glass of your choosing. You may choose one glass in which you will both drink from or two glasses so that you may cheers and toast each another.

When to get the Marriage Licence.

• The licence is only good for 30 days so you can’t apply until 30 days before the ceremony.

• There is no waiting period upon application. Should you meet all the criteria, you will receive it right away when you apply.

• It is suggested that you apply at least 4 days before the ceremony however this generally applies when clergy are performing the ceremony.

• Marriage Commissioners can perform the ceremony as soon as the Licence is issued so one day before the ceremony is acceptable but it is suggested you be fully prepared to comply with the regulations.

You have to apply in person with Marriage Licence Issuers.

• The government employs Licence Issuers at Government Service Centres in cities and some towns.

• Marriage Licence Issuers also work independently throughout the province if you’re in a more rural area. It can also be more convenient to meet an independent issuer on evenings or during the weekend.

The licence costs $100.

• The cost is the same whether you’re receiving it through a Government Service Centre or from an independent Licence Issuer.

You might as well both apply in person.

• It’s just as well to apply for the licence together as they need to check both your identifications and witness both of your signatures.

• Government photo ID is required for both parties. Two pieces of ID may be required for those applying from out of the province.

• Technically only one person needs to apply in person but the other party still needs to have their signatures witnessed by a Commissioner of Oaths, a Justice of the Peace, or a Notary Public.

• The person applying must bring the ID for both parties.

• Instead of having to contact a Notary Public, most couples go together and the Marriage Licence Issuer can witness both signatures at once.

• Remember there is no waiting time upon application so you might as well wait to apply in person.

There are several basic criteria that have to be met in order to receive the Licence.

• Same-sex marriage has been legal in Canada since December of 2004.

• Both parties must be 19 years of age or over. Otherwise, special consents may be required.

• Proof of marital status may be required.

• If divorced, you must present your original Decree Absolute or Certificate of Divorce.

• If your divorce documents are in a foreign language, you will be requested to provide the original plus a notarized translation.

• If you were divorced outside Canada, you will be required to provide a letter from a practicing Newfoundland Lawyer stating that you are eligible to marry in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Obtaining your Marriage Licence.

• You will receive three legal documents.

• The Licence itself is completed by the Marriage Commissioner and returned to the Licence Issuer so that the marriage can be registered with the Government.

• The Registration is completed by the Marriage Commissioner and is signed by both parties to the marriage along with each witness.

• The Marriage Certificate is completed by the Marriage Commissioner and is provided to the couple following the ceremony. Technically this is an unofficial certificate as the official Marriage Certificate is issued by the Government upon application.

Secure Two Witnesses

• Each spouse needs their own witness.

• Each witness must be 16 years of age or older.

• Both witnesses will sign the marriage registration along with both parties to the marriage.

Provide the Licence to the Marriage Commissioner.

• The documents should be provided to the commissioner during a consultation, rehearsal or even immediately before the ceremony.

• There are some additional basic details that the commissioner requires in order to complete the documentation including the names of your parents and where they were born.

Legal Exchange of Vows

• There’s a certain legal exchange of vows that have to be said by both parties to the marriage including an expression of intent. The Commissioner will prompt this exchange phrase by phrase so no memorization is required.

• Other than the legal exchange, civil ceremonies allow for customization meaning you can be unique and creative with the rest of your ceremony content.

Signing the Registration

• At some point near the end of the ceremony both parties to the marriage will sign the Marriage Registration along with their witnesses.

Official Marriage Declaration

• The Marriage Commissioner will finish the ceremony with the official marriage declaration.

Apply for the Official Marriage Certificate.

• You will be provided with a Keepsake Certificate on the day of the wedding and not an official certificate.

• You will only receive the Official Marriage Certificate upon application.

• Applications can be made online, by mail or in person to the Government via the Vital Statistics Division.

• The application costs $30

• You don’t have to apply for the Official Certificate but you will need it if you are planning on changing your name.

Changing Your Last Name

• Changing your name is not automatic nor is a simple process.

• You have to contact all companies, organizations and government agencies that you deal with separately.

• It is recommended to start with government agencies including your Driver`s Licence, Passport, MCP and SIN before other organizations.

• Be mindful when making travel plans that your passport matches your travel documents.