Frequently Asked Questions

Almost anywhere in Ontario: backyards, beaches, vineyards, ballrooms, golf clubs, parks, places of worship, and private estates. Maureen has officiated ceremonies across her four service regions , Durham, York, Peterborough/The Kawarthas, and Northumberland. Some locations require permits (provincial parks, certain conservation areas), and she can help couples navigate that process.

Absolutely. Maureen does not put any religion into her ceremonies by default. Many couples today worry that religious content will be included without their input, so this is a concern she hears often, and the answer is simple: nothing religious is added unless you ask for it. That said, if you would like to weave in spiritual or religious elements, she is happy to incorporate them, but only ever when you specifically request it. The ceremony is shaped entirely around what feels right for the two of you.

Yes. Maureen officiates LGBTQ+ ceremonies and welcomes couples of every orientation, gender identity, and family structure. Every ceremony is written around your story and the language that feels right for you, pronouns, titles, vows, and traditions included.

Maureen typically runs ceremonies 15 to 20 minutes long, though the length is completely flexible: it can be as short as 5 minutes or as long as 30, depending entirely on what you want. A typical ceremony includes an officiant welcome and opening words, declaration of intent, optional readings or rituals (sand blending, wine sharing, handfasting), exchange of vows, exchange of rings, pronouncement, signing of the register, and recessional. Maureen tailors the order and the timing to the couple.

Maureen typically arrives 20 to 30 minutes before the ceremony start time, if not a little earlier, to coordinate with your planner, DJ, and photographer, set up the signing table, and answer any last-minute family questions.

The ceremony start time is the time the ceremony itself begins. Maureen recommends putting a guest arrival time on your invitations rather than the ceremony start time, listing it as 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. That gives everyone time to settle in, greet each other, and be seated before the processional starts.

Special elements are personal rituals or symbolic moments incorporated into your ceremony, such as sand blending, wine sharing, handfasting, ring warming, candle lighting, and many others. Maureen can suggest options that fit your story.

Most licensed wedding officiants in Ontario charge between $250 and $700 depending on how personalized the ceremony is. Maureen's pricing is fully transparent: legal signings start at $275, elopement and vow renewal ceremonies are $495 inclusive, the Simply Beautiful ceremony is $595, and a fully custom-written Custom Planned ceremony is $695. Up to 60 km of return travel is included, and there is no additional tax.

Rehearsal attendance is optional and is offered as an add-on (Monday to Thursday $200, Friday $275). Most couples find the rehearsal helpful when they have a complex processional or multiple readers.

Start with a complimentary consultation. Call 905-767-5312 or send a message through the contact page. Once you've selected a ceremony tier and date, a booking deposit secures your date and Maureen begins the planning process.

Changes are normal , guest counts shift, venues change, dates move. Maureen accommodates reasonable changes throughout the planning process.

Refund terms are outlined in the booking agreement and depend on how close to the wedding date the cancellation occurs. Booking deposits are non-refundable but transferable to a new date in most cases.

Date holds are not standard, but Maureen will sometimes offer a short courtesy hold (typically 7 days) for couples who are close to deciding. Your date is officially secured once a deposit is received.

Up to 60 km return travel is included in standard ceremony pricing. For venues beyond that, a travel fee applies and is always quoted individually up front before you book, never as a surprise.

Yes. Ontario marriage licences must be applied for at any municipal clerk's office. Only one partner needs to attend in person, as long as they bring government-issued photo ID for both of you. The licence is valid for 90 days. Maureen does not apply for the licence on your behalf, but she will guide you through every step.

Ontario marriage licences can be applied for online or in person at your municipal clerk's office (City Hall or Town Hall). Regardless of how you apply, the licence must be picked up in person by one or both partners. You will need government-issued photo ID for both of you, and details of any previous marriages. The fee varies by municipality (typically $145 to $170). Because the licence is only valid for 90 days, timing matters, Maureen will send you the relevant links and details when the time is right so you're not applying too early.

The marriage licence is what you obtain BEFORE the wedding. It gives you the legal authority to marry. The marriage CERTIFICATE is the official record of the marriage, applied for AFTER the ceremony through Service Ontario. Most couples apply for their certificate 6 to 8 weeks after the wedding (the registration takes time to process).

Yes, and Maureen specifically supports this. Ontario law requires a licensed officiant to legally marry you, but Maureen offers Legal Officiating Only options where she handles the legal portion while your loved one performs the meaningful ceremony. See /loved-one-officiate for details.