The 5 Questions You MUST Ask Your Wedding Officiant Before You Book
Congratulations! You’ve found your soulmate, the perfect dress or suit or dresses and suits, and a venue that takes your breath away. Now comes a decision that’s just as crucial, but often overlooked: finding the person who will guide you through the most important part of your day—your wedding ceremony. Your officiant is so much more than a legal representative; they are the storyteller who will set the tone for your entire celebration.
At The Marry Men Wedding Officiants, we believe that choosing the right officiant is key to having a truly unforgettable ceremony. Based on our years of experience crafting personalized ceremonies for countless couples in the GTA, we’ve put together a list of the five most important questions you must ask any potential officiant before you book.
1. What is your process for creating a ceremony script?
This is the most critical question you can ask. A generic, boilerplate ceremony won’t reflect your unique love story. A great officiant will have a personalized process. At The Marry Men, we start with a free, no-obligation consultation to simply get to know you. We want to hear the story of how you met, your favourite memories, and what makes your relationship special. We use this information to create a custom-written script that is one hundred percent unique to you. Your ceremony should feel like a conversation between two people who know and love you, not a recitation of a standard script.
2. Are you licensed and experienced?
While a wedding can be a fun celebration, it’s also a legal commitment. You must make sure your officiant is legally licensed to perform marriages in your province. In Ontario, this means they are recognized by the government and can sign your marriage license. We are ordained with the Canadian International Metaphysical Ministry and are licensed by the Province of Ontario.
Beyond the license, experience is everything. An experienced officiant knows how to handle unexpected moments—like a guest’s cell phone ringing or a nervous groom forgetting his lines—with grace and professionalism. Our backgrounds in live theatre, public speaking, and event coordination mean we are always prepared, ensuring your ceremony runs smoothly from beginning to end.
3. What about the logistics and day-of details?
The ceremony itself is just one part of a professional officiant’s job. What other services do they provide? Do they attend your rehearsal? Do they help with sound checks? Are they equipped to handle a large audience? A professional officiant will be an expert in all the details.
At The Marry Men, we act as a guide throughout the entire process. We offer a pre-ceremony check-in to go over every detail, from the timing of the processional to where the wedding party should stand. We arrive early on the day of your wedding to coordinate with your venue and other vendors, ensuring a seamless flow. We also handle the submission of your marriage license to the appropriate government office, so you don’t have to worry about the paperwork.
4. How will you involve our guests and make the ceremony engaging?
A great ceremony isn’t just about the couple; it’s about making your guests feel included and connected to your story. An experienced officiant knows how to use personal anecdotes and a natural delivery to make your guests laugh, cry, and feel the love in the room.
We believe that every member of the audience should feel the energy and emotion of your commitment. By telling your story and sharing personal details, we create a sense of intimacy even in a large gathering. The constant feedback we get from our couples’ friends and family is how unique and personal the ceremonies were. This engagement transforms a simple ceremony into a memorable experience for everyone.
5. How do you handle different faiths, traditions, and backgrounds?
Today’s couples come from a variety of backgrounds, and your ceremony should reflect your individual and shared heritages. An officiant who is open-minded and experienced in a wide range of traditions is essential. Ask them about their comfort level with non-religious ceremonies, multi-faith weddings, or unique unity rituals.
At The Marry Men, we are proud to be interfaith-friendly and inclusive. We celebrate love in all its forms and are honoured to work with couples of all backgrounds, including the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Whether you want to include a handfasting ritual, a cultural tradition, or simply want a lighthearted, non-religious ceremony, we will work with you to make it happen.
Choosing your wedding officiant is a big decision, so take your time and ask the right questions. We’re confident that once you’ve done your research, you’ll find that a professional, personalized approach is the key to a ceremony that is not just legally binding, but also emotionally powerful.
About The Marry Men Wedding Officiants
The Marry Men Wedding Officiants are Jason and Michael, a dedicated duo committed to crafting personalized, one-of-a-kind ceremonies for every couple. With backgrounds in event coordination, journalism, and the performing arts, we bring a unique blend of professionalism, passion, and storytelling to your special day.
We proudly serve couples of all faiths, backgrounds, and orientations, believing that every love story deserves to be celebrated. Find more about our journey and services at our website, www.themarrymen.ca, and follow us on Instagram @themarrymen. Read our glowing reviews on Google Business and Wedding Wire to hear from our incredible couples. We are also proud to have shared our expertise in the last 9 issues of Today’s Bride magazine.