Want to be a wedding officiant?
If you are a cleric or a qualified lay person looking at this and are interested in becoming a part of this pastoral care group in your area of Quebec, Ontario, B.C., Alberta or Nova Scotia, please send us an email telling us where you live and something about yourself and we will send you information on how you can associate with us. We would be pleased to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who or what is Niagara Falls Weddings?
We are a team of licensed wedding officiants, operating as part of All Seasons Weddings Ltd, a wedding event planning company. Each officiant carries their license to marry couples with them. We conduct spiritual, non-denominational and/or non-religious ceremonies. Your ceremony your way.
Can we get married by the Falls?
Most certainly! Our experienced Wedding Officiants have performed hundreds of ceremonies at the Falls, and know the many locations available to make your ceremony picture perfect.
What is the fee structure?
We have a variety of wedding packages depending on your needs. If you fill out our contact form or contact us by phone we will gladly quote you a specific fee. If our services are cancelled within 30 days of booking our fees are refundable minus $100.00 administration fee; after 30 days there is no refund.
Can we use a credit card?
Yes, we accept Visa , MasterCard, Amex and we will be happy to assist you when you contact our office.
How long does the ceremony take?
We tell couples to budget about thirty minutes. The entrance, the ceremony, signing, recessional, photos, etc. You will have an opportunity to discuss this further with your officiant when you speak with them. The officiant is very flexible.
Do we have to memorize our vows?
No you can write your own vows or use the ones we supply, but come wedding day, we 'feed them to you a few words at a time'.
Can photos be taken?
Absolutely! If you are using a Professional photographer, our officiant will coordinate with them on the big day.
Is a rehearsal necessary and how much does it cost?
Tradition, moms, and bridal books say to have one; we say talk it over with your officiant. You should always walk through the ceremony with your wedding party. You may or may not need your officiant present. (Much depends on place and size of wedding). There is an additional fee for a rehearsal and the cost depends on how much time is involved for the officiant.
What do your officiants wear to the ceremony?
Appropriate business attire. Clergy garb may be worn in some cases but check with your officiant.
What time does the officiant arrive on our big day?
The officiant arrives at least 15 minutes or so before the ceremony. In every case you should give your officiant an onsite phone number.
Is a gratuity expected?
No but you may feel you would like to express your gratitude for an excellent ceremony in this way. Some couples send a thank you card with a picture. The best of all is to refer a friend. Some couples do all of the above.
How do we book one of your officiants to conduct our wedding ceremony?
Please fill out the 'contact us' form on our web page or contact our office directly. We will send you a sample ceremony and other resources, as well as a fee quotation. We will pencil you in until you talk it over. You reserve by sending a fully refundable deposit (up to 90 days prior to your ceremony) for roughly half the fee.
How long before the wedding should we book a wedding officiant?
Everyone is different. Some months are busier than others. We suggest you should book just as soon as you can to ensure availability for your day.
How do we get our license?
To be married in Niagara is very easy as long as one is not divorced out side Canada. All you need is a valid marriage licence. Most days you can get the licence same day.
- Information regarding buying a wedding licence in Niagara Falls
- Marriage licence application (PDF)
- Marriage licences are issued only to the bride and/or groom.
- Both parties must sign the Marriage Licence Application.
- Two pieces of identification are required by all applicants applying for a marriage licence. An original birth certificate or valid passport, any change of name certificates, record of immigrant landing or Canadian Citizenship card plus photo identification for both parties, regardless of whether both parties will be present.
- The Licence fees may range from $100.00 to $130.00, payable by Cash, Interac or Certified Cheque.
- Licences will be issued during normal business hours.(8:30am - 4:00pm)
- If you have been divorced within Canada, the original or court certified copy of the Decree Absolute or Certificate of Divorce from the court where the divorce was granted is required.
- WARNING, If you were divorced outside of Canada, please request foreign divorce instructions from City Hall or see below.
- There are no residency, medical, or citizenship requirements. A marriage licence is valid for use anywhere in Ontario for a period of (3) months from the date of issuance.
- IMPORTANT.One must wait approximately 12 - 16 weeks AFTER YOUR MARRIAGE CEREMONY before even applying for a marriage certificate from the Ontario Government.
How long must I wait from the time I get the license until I can marry? Is it three days?
No. One can now get a license and be married the same day. There is no waiting period in Ontario.
How do I change my name in Ontario after the ceremony?
There are 2 issues involved in the Name Change:
The first is easy. You can just 'assume' your spouses last name. In other words to 'change' our name you do nothing. Just start using it. In short, spouses may 'take' the other spouses last name.
But second. When you run up against an organization most if not all will want to see a copy of your wedding certificate (you get one from the Government). In other words to get a new drivers license or OHIP card, credit card, immigration, etc. you will need to use a marriage certificate for a stronger proof that you are married. Ditto Bank accounts etc. Formal information about changing your name, and applications for marriage certificates can be found at the Government of Ontario website.
You may also pick up 'The Marriage and The Change of Name Act' hand out sheet at City Hall. It outlines three options. It is important to note that 99% of people who get married need only exercise Option 2 on the form, which I have explained above.
How do we get a wedding Licence if our divorce was out side Canada?
If you were divorced outside Canada these are the foreign divorce requirements:
The Marriage Act requires that where a former marriage was dissolved or annulled in a jurisdiction other than Canada, an authorization must be obtained from the Ministry of Consumer and Business Services before a marriage license can be issued.
To obtain the authorization, the following documents must be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar General:
- A marriage license application fully completed and signed by both parties.
- An original or court certified copy of the decree of divorce or annulment certified by the proper court officer in the jurisdiction the divorce/annulment was granted. If the decree is in language other than English or French, a certified translation must be provided.
- A statement of Sole Responsibility for each foreign divorce signed by both applicants.
- A legal opinion of an Ontario lawyer, addressed to both applicants, giving reasons why the divorce or annulment should be recognized in the Province of Ontario. For specific information regarding the content of the opinion letter, contact the Office of the Registrar General. (Sample Format)
The above documents must be forwarded (we suggest registered express post) to:
OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL
P.O. BOX 4600
189 RED RIVER ROAD
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO
P7B 6L8
ATTENTION: M.A.M.
After you receive authorization from the province, the document must be submitted to your city hall along with the application from, license fee and any other applicable documents.
Enquires regarding the authorization should be directed to the Office of the Registrar General at any of there following numbers:
- Toll Free in Ontario: 1-800-461-2156
- In Toronto: 416-965-1687 or 416-325-8305