Planning a Same-Sex Wedding in GTA: Essential Tips for Finding the Right Officiant
Planning a wedding is an exciting and deeply personal journey, and for same-sex couples, it can be even more meaningful. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is home to a vibrant 2SLGBTQIA+ community and offers a wide range of venues and vendors that cater to all kinds of love. One of the most important decisions you’ll make during the planning process is finding the right wedding officiant. An officiant is more than just the person who will marry you; they help set the tone for your ceremony, ensure the legality of your union, and reflect the values and story of your relationship.
Here are some essential tips to consider when choosing the perfect officiant for your same-sex wedding in the GTA.
1. Look for 2SLGBTQIA+ Friendly Officiants
First and foremost, it’s crucial to ensure that your officiant is genuinely supportive and celebratory of same-sex marriages. While many officiants claim to be inclusive, it’s important to find someone who actively advocates for equality and diversity in their practice. An officiant who specializes in same-sex weddings will not only make you feel comfortable but will also understand the unique significance of your ceremony.
One way to gauge their inclusivity is by checking reviews or asking for testimonials from other same-sex couples. The Marry Men Wedding Officiants, for example, proudly celebrate the diversity of love and specialize in creating unique, heartfelt ceremonies for all couples. Not only are they inclusive of 2SLGBTQIA+ couples, but Reverend Jason and Reverend Michael are themselves married to each other. They’ve been together for almost a decade and will be celebrating their 10 years of married life in 2026, bringing their personal experience and passion for love into every ceremony they officiate.
2. Personalization is Key
Every couple has a unique love story, and your wedding ceremony should reflect that. Many officiants offer cookie-cutter ceremonies, but a great officiant will take the time to get to know you and your partner. They should ask questions about how you met, your shared values, and your vision for the ceremony. This personalization is especially important for same-sex couples, as it allows you to celebrate your journey in a way that feels true to who you are.
When looking for an officiant, ask them how they approach customizing ceremonies. At The Marry Men, Reverend Jason and Reverend Michael are passionate about storytelling and take pride in crafting ceremonies that authentically tell each couple’s unique love story. With their own decade-long relationship as an example of enduring love, they’ll work closely with you to ensure that your ceremony is meaningful and reflective of your unique relationship.
3. Ensure Legal Expertise
In Canada, same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005, and your officiant must be well-versed in the legal requirements to ensure your marriage is binding. The legal aspects of a wedding ceremony can seem daunting, but a professional officiant will guide you through the necessary paperwork and ensure that everything is in order.
Be sure to confirm that the officiant is licensed to perform weddings in Ontario and can legally solemnize your marriage. It’s also helpful to ask them about the process of filing the marriage licence after the ceremony. You want to feel confident that your officiant knows exactly what they are doing so that you can focus on the celebration.
4. Meet in Person (or Virtually)
The chemistry between you and your officiant is essential. A wedding ceremony is an intimate moment, and you want to feel comfortable and connected with the person who will be standing with you as you say your vows. Meeting your officiant in person or through a virtual consultation is a great way to get a sense of their personality, approach, and how well they align with your vision.
During the meeting, pay attention to how they listen to your ideas and concerns. Do they seem excited about your wedding? Do they offer suggestions or ask insightful questions? A great officiant will feel like a partner in your planning process, not just someone who shows up on the wedding day.
5. Ask About Their Experience
Experience matters, especially when it comes to wedding officiants. An experienced officiant will know how to handle the logistics of a ceremony, manage the flow of events, and be prepared for any unexpected moments that may arise. They’ll also know how to strike the right balance between formality and warmth, creating a ceremony that is both memorable and heartfelt.
When choosing an officiant, ask them about their previous experience with same-sex weddings. How many same-sex couples have they worked with? What were some of the highlights or challenges they’ve encountered? At The Marry Men Wedding Officiants, Jason and Michael have performed over 200 ceremonies, including four couples at this year’s Toronto Pride in front of over a million people—a moment they are extremely proud of.
6. Consider Their Ceremony Style
Every officiant has their own style when it comes to leading a ceremony. Some officiants are more traditional, while others are laid-back and casual. Think about the kind of atmosphere you want to create on your wedding day and find an officiant who aligns with that vision.
If you’re unsure about what style suits you best, ask potential officiants for sample scripts or videos of previous ceremonies they’ve performed. This can give you a sense of their tone, pacing, and how they handle the key moments of the ceremony. Whether you want something formal, fun, spiritual, or a mix of all three, your officiant should be able to adapt to your preferences.
7. Align with Your Values
Weddings are highly personal events, and it’s important that your officiant respects and aligns with your values as a couple. Whether you want to include traditional cultural elements, modern rituals, or a focus on equality and inclusivity, your officiant should be open to incorporating these into your ceremony.
Same-sex couples often face the additional challenge of ensuring that their ceremony reflects their identity and values authentically. A supportive officiant will honour your relationship by incorporating meaningful elements that resonate with your shared vision for your future together.
8. Check Availability and Flexibility
The GTA is a busy wedding destination, so it’s essential to book your officiant early. Popular officiants can be booked up months in advance, especially during peak wedding season. Make sure to check their availability for your preferred date and ask about their flexibility in case any last-minute changes arise.
In addition to checking their availability, ask about their policy for travel within the GTA. Will they travel to your venue at no extra cost, or are there additional fees for certain locations? Clarifying these details upfront will help you avoid any surprises later in the planning process.
9. Read Reviews and Ask for Referrals
Online reviews are a fantastic resource when searching for a wedding officiant. Reading the experiences of other couples can give you valuable insight into what you can expect when working with a particular officiant. Look for feedback on their professionalism, warmth, and ability to create a memorable ceremony.
Don’t be afraid to ask your officiant for referrals from past couples. A trustworthy officiant will be more than happy to connect you with couples who can vouch for their services. The Marry Men Wedding Officiants have received glowing reviews on Wedding Wire and Google Business, where you can see firsthand accounts of how they’ve made wedding days truly special.
About The Marry Men Wedding Officiants
