How to Choose Your Wedding Officiant

How to Choose Your Wedding Officiant in Ontario

Hi, it’s your Bowtied Officiant, Matthew, here.

You’ve found your person (first—hurray), and now you’re stepping into the logistics of making it official. One of the most important, and often underestimated decisions, you’ll make is choosing the person who will actually marry you. In order to be legally married your ceremony must be performed by someone authorized under the Marriage Act and registered with the Office of the Registrar General. This includes licensed wedding officiants, religious officials, and, in some cases, judges.

Where to begin with so many options

Start with the two of you. Before you begin your search, take a few minutes to talk through what you want your ceremony to feel like. Are you envisioning something short and simple, or more detailed and story-driven? Do you want something traditional, spiritual, modern, or lighthearted? Your officiant plays a major role in setting the tone for your entire wedding day, so getting aligned on your preferences early will make every decision that follows much easier.

If you don’t already have someone in mind, your wedding planner is one of your best resources. Planners often have a trusted network of officiants they’ve worked with repeatedly, and they can recommend someone whose personality and ceremony style align with your vision. If you’re searching on your own, try using terms like “how to choose your wedding officiant in Ontario” or “wedding officiant in [your city]” to find professionals in your area. From there, spend some time reviewing websites and reading testimonials on platforms like Google and WeddingWire to get a sense of each officiant’s reputation and approach.

Once you’ve created a shortlist, reach out to each officiant with your wedding date, location, and a brief description of what you’re looking for. Availability will quickly narrow your options, especially during peak wedding season in Ontario. From there, schedule consultations. Most officiants offer a meet-and-greet, either in person or virtually, where they’ll walk you through their process, explain what’s included in their services, and answer your questions.

These meetings are where the real decision-making happens.

Here are 5 key officiant qualities to consider:

Credibility: Are they properly licensed in Ontario? How many ceremonies have they performed, and are they familiar with your type of wedding (elopement, cultural ceremony, large formal event)?

Compatibility: Do they take the time to get to know you as a couple? Are they responsive, organized, and available when you need them?

Personality: This person will be standing with you during one of the most important moments of your life. Do you feel comfortable with them? Do they put you at ease?

Originality: Do they offer personalized ceremonies, or do they rely on a standard script? Can they adapt their wording to reflect your relationship and values?

Creativity: Are they open to incorporating cultural traditions, unique elements, or a specific tone—whether that’s romantic, lighthearted, or a balance of both?

Bonus: Will they be dressed appropriately? We discuss our attire details with every cleint to make sure that we fit with their vision and vibe.

Reflection

After meeting with a few officiants, take time to reflect before making your decision. It can be tempting to book the first person you connect with, but speaking with at least two or three options will give you valuable perspective and confidence in your choice. This approach applies to most of your wedding vendors as well.

Once you’ve made your decision, move forward with securing your date and completing the booking process. Just as importantly, follow up with the other officiants you spoke with to let them know you’ve chosen someone else—professional courtesy goes a long way in this industry.

At the end of the day, choosing your wedding officiant isn’t just about fulfilling a legal requirement in Ontario. It’s about finding someone who can guide your ceremony, tell your story, and create a moment that feels intentional, personal, and truly reflective of your relationship.

Because long after the details fade, this is the part you’ll remember most.

Visit our website to find our more about the ceremony services we offer.

M ~