FAQs

I offer wedding ceremonies and elopement packages. The inclusions are outlined under each service, but get in touch if you do have questions.
Rehearsals are not included, as I find only some couples need them - sometimes.
(Travel fees are applicable for anything outside of a 20km radius of downtown Squamish, at 94c per km).
If you book my ‘sweet and simple’ ceremony, please note, timeline creation and location scouting are not included - that falls under a planner’s role, so please ask if you require this extra help, and I’d be happy to assist.

Not every couple opts for a rehearsal, so I give you the option to add it on rather than charge every couple for something they may not need. The fee is $85 for managing a rehearsal in Squamish. Travel fees apply for other destinations.
So, do you need a rehearsal? It depends! Every couple is different, so if you have a larger bridal party, feel a bit nervous, or have any rituals, it may be the way to go!
If you’re eloping with a minimal amount of guests, or doing something simple, perhaps just a phone call would be more fitting. Please get in touch with me, and I can advise you.

Let’s chat: Most couples start by meeting via video call, or in Squamish! It's important I feel like the right fit for you, so this is essentially a 'vibe check' to ensure you feel comfortable with me, and a chance for you to get your questions answered.
Book it in: I’ll send you a contract and invoice, and once the admin is out of the way we get to the fun part! If you’re booking a custom ceremony, I’ll send you each a questionnaire that you both fill out - I’ll craft your bespoke ceremony from this and send you a draft for you to approve or request revisions.
Logistics: We connect about the logistics of the day, ensuring everything is organized and destined to run seamlessly.
Wedding bells: Your special day is here! I’ll arrive early, deliver your ceremony with all my heart, then I’ll file your licence. Now, go and enjoy your wedding day!

In British Columbia, marriage commissioners are government-appointed officials who perform non-religious, legal wedding ceremonies in their area. They must meet a particular criteria, for example, be retired / semi-retired, mature, and knowledgeable about internet use. They are not required to spend any time with the couple prior to the wedding and they read from an approved ceremony script written by the government.

As a ‘celebrant’ or ‘officiant’ I’ve undertaken a specialized training with the esteemed Celebrant Foundation and Institute, investing lots of time into becoming a professionally trained ceremony specialist. I’m able to customize the ceremony - just for you! This means I don’t have to say any legal government script stuff, like “I know no legal impediment why I must not be wed’ and can keep things more ‘you’

In BC, you can assume your partner’s last name. You have to reach out to each body individually (e.g. ICBC for your driver’s licence, passport office for your passport) which can be a bit tedious - BUT, the good news is that there are great online kits to save you hours of time. My couples have had success with the $39 kit from Easy Name Change.

Check out my blog post about changing your last name after marriage in BC.

You’ll need a marriage licence, which is easy to obtain! The couple must do this themselves, as officiants are unable to apply on your behalf. Only one member of the couple needs to be present for this - take your ID and go in person to a marriage licence issuer in your area. You pay them $100 CAD directly.

Your marriage licence needs to come to the wedding! You can either pass it to me at the rehearsal or bring it on the day. In BC, two witnesses are required. If you’re doing a ceremony, you can pre-select your witnesses, OR we can do a witness raffle!

If eloping, the photographer can be a witness. If you’re travelling alone as a couple, I can provide a witness starting from $50, depending on your elopement plan. (I’ll have to pay them more if I’m making them hike up to panorama ridge, for example). Remember not to get too excited and sign the marriage licence in advance - your officiant MUST be present!

YES! Send me an email with your idea - it’s highly likely I’ll be on board!
I love planning and making special moments come to life, I’m active, adventurous, and just keen to be your biggest cheerleader and create something just for you. Shoot me an email at hello@seatoskyofficiant.com, and let’s plan it! I'm here for all your Sea to Sky wedding ideas (and beyond!)

Additional fees may apply, on a case by case basis. For example, if you’re planning a 10-14 hour hike, I add a ‘adventure ceremony fee’ to cover the additional time and effort required to execute your vision.

I can certainly plan your elopement in BC, however I no longer work as a planner for full wedding planning. I have been in the Sea to Sky wedding industry for a few years, and while I have gained lots of insight, so I can point you in the direction of incredible Sea to Sky wedding vendors!

I offer ceremonies, full elopement packages, emcee, and vow writing services.

The better question is, where are we going? I am willing to travel anywhere in BC. I can also legally solemnize marriages in other Canadian provinces upon request - I can get a temporary permission.

I’m your average Squamish outdoorsy type, meaning I’m ready to snowboard, rock climb, or hike up any peak to get you married! Just don’t put me on a mountain bike, but I’ll meet you after! I’m enthusiastic about ‘adventure’ ceremonies.

I am available to travel all over BC! From the Sea to Sky, to Vancouver Metro Area & Tri-Cities, Fraser Valley, the Okanagan, Vancouver Island, Victoria, Nanaimo, Sunshine Coast, and Tofino! Please tell me where you’re going, and I’ll provide you with a quote outlining how much my travel fee will be.

I certainly do - and I LOVE performing them as I appreciate the richness of experience and intention involved. Send me an email, and let’s get them vows renewed!

You’re safe here, my friend. I’d be honored to perform any LGBTQIA2S+ ceremonies.

On that note, I’m heartbroken over political happenings that continue to threaten the safety and rights of trans and queer communities. If there’s anything I can do to celebrate and uplift your love in the face of that, I’m all in.

If you do not support gay marriage, I am not the officiant for you.

I also decline to participate in any ceremonies involving the unethical use of animals. This includes practices like releasing doves or butterflies, which have been proven to be harmful to them. That said, I am VERY happy to include your dog-of-honor or ring-bearer pup in your day.

Finally, I avoid outdated or patriarchal language like “to obey and serve.”

I have been complimented on my voice long before becoming a celebrant, however I do find it changes when I’m hanging out with friends to when I’m leading a ceremony! A more formal tone naturally takes over.

Accent wise, I’m Maltese-Australian, but my accent has been described as ‘neutral’ - I promise I won’t start your ceremony with ‘G’day Mate!’ …. unless you ask me to!

Previous to moving to Canada, I spent several years working as a tour guide in Europe, in around 30 countries. I had passengers from all over the world on my coach, and I naturally started to subconsciously dilute my accent to ensure no one was isolated by a thick accent.
Let’s just say it’s ‘neutral with Australian undertones’.

You bet… I am more than happy to talk to you about your individual needs, so if you don't see something that encapsulates everything you're after, please shoot us an email at hello@seatoskyofficiant.com, and we can talk about your vision!

The answer is often a YES! You still obtain the marriage licence in BC - this can be done the same week of the wedding. I’ve even had couples get their licence the same day as the wedding! (But try and leave a buffer, to be safe, if you can!)
Each countries rules are different, but marriages done in Canada are commonly recognized in other countries. Please refer to your local government websites to confirm.

For US Americans, it varies state by state -Here is more information on that.

While I’m not 100% fluent in Spanish, I’ve done several ceremonies with some Spanish.
I’ve performed a bilingual ceremony, where the groom’s sister translated, so the ceremony was in both languages. I am comfortable doing segments of the ceremony in Spanish, so send me an email and I can give you more details.

It’s always good to book ahead to secure your favorite vendors! Most couples book me for their Saturday ceremonies several months ahead of time, around 8-10 months in advance.

I often work on elopements with short notice - my quickest turnaround so far is 30 hours between enquiry and wedding, so feel free to check your date with me and I’ll do my best.