Weddings
“I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words, how wonderful life is while you’re in the world”
—Elton John
One of the most wonderful of all things in life is the discovery of another human being with whom one’s relationship has a growing depth, discovery, beauty and joy as the years increase.
This inner progressiveness of love between two human beings is a remarkable thing. It cannot be found by looking for it or by passionately wishing for it. Rather, it’s often sort of a ‘Divine Accident’ or ‘kismet’.
To officiate and celebrate your new chapter and life milestone as a couple, is a great honour and delight for me personally. I take great pride in ensuring a highly meaningful, personalized, ‘appropriately entertaining’ service.
Whatever your wishes and preferences are for setting a particular theme, tone and atmosphere for your special day, rest assured I will create and deliver a customized ceremony that ultimately reflects your personal choices, beliefs, tastes and priorities.
And yes, this includes all ceremonies from the more formal and traditional to a casual backyard barbecue, or low key, private gathering... at a preferred spot or location of your choice.
This includes elopements (if preferred) followed by a quick ‘escape’ and relaxing ‘get-away’!
And of course the participation and presence of your beloved pet (or pets) on your special day is always welcome!
“If I get married, I want to be very married”
—Audrey Hepburn
Special Wedding Rituals
Depending on your preferences, some couples choose to incorporate one or two cultural or traditional rituals. Or... depending on the heritage and background of the individuals, some often like to include something of significance as a respectful ‘nod’ to their parents, grandparents or to someone special who cannot be there for the occasion.
There are many simple but special ‘unity rituals’ (not necessarily of a religious nature) that can add a very special touch to your service.
Wedding Ideas
A few special ideas:
- Unity Candle or Lantern
- Unity Sand Ceremony
- Hand Fasting
- A ‘Unity’ Wine Ceremony
And there are many more for consideration to help make YOUR day that much more special!!
Pets are welcome
A beloved pet is warmly welcome should you choose to include them in YOUR special day of celebration……perhaps as a ‘canine attendant’ all decked out? Of course, they’re family too!
Marriage Commissioners in BC are appointed government officials who can legally perform non-religious marriages and are based specifically, in the demographic area where that official resides.
In short, they can only apply to become commissioners if there area.. There are a maximum numbers- of commissioners appointed per city or specific demographic area. Marriage Commissioners must be retired/semi-retired, mature and active or well known in their own community. It should be noted that no formal training is required for a person who wishes to apply to become a Marriage Commissioner in BC.
Service Content/Time
Marriage Commissioners in BC work from pre-approved ceremony scripted by government which includes mandatory statements that they must say and include in the service.
Generally speaking, there is very little ‘margin’ if any to edit, alter or ‘customize’ the service content.
Also, there can be no religious ‘inclusions’ on any level.
Marriage Commissioners are not required to spend any time with couples they are marrying prior to the service other than to discuss and confirm logistical plans.
In contrast, Officiants are often very generous with professional time towards ensuring that couples they marry are receiving a highly personalized, customized, creative and thoughtful Celebration of Marriage. Any religious, spiritual and/or cultural preferences and inclusions are both welcome and assured.
“Clearly, love is love, between a man and a woman, a woman and a man, a woman and a woman and a man and a man.”
—Stevie Wonder