Wedding Officiant FAQs -
Getting Married in BC's Sea to Sky
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Booking & Logistics
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I offer wedding ceremonies and elopement packages. The inclusions are outlined under each service, but please get in touch if you have questions.
Rehearsals are included for fully custom ceremonies. For all other ceremonies, there’s an optional rehearsal fee of $85.
Travel fees apply for anything outside a 20 km radius of downtown Squamish, at 94¢ per km.
If you’ve booked my Sweet & Simple ceremony, please note that timeline creation and location scouting aren’t included — those fall under a planner’s role. If you’d like extra help, I’m happy to assist or connect you with a planner.
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Let’s chat: Most couples start with a quick video call (or coffee in Squamish!). It’s our “vibe check” to make sure I’m the right fit and to answer your questions.
Book it in: I’ll send over your contract and invoice. Once that’s done, the fun begins! For custom ceremonies, I’ll send each of you a questionnaire that I’ll use to craft your bespoke script — you’ll get to review and request edits.
Logistics: We’ll connect about the day-of details to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Wedding bells: I’ll arrive early, deliver your ceremony with all my heart, and file your licence. Then, it’s time to celebrate!
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Rehearsals are included for my fully-custom Just For You package.
Not every couple opts for one, so rather than charge everyone, I offer it as an add-on. The fee is $85 for rehearsals in Squamish (plus travel for other locations).
Do you need one? It depends! If you have a larger wedding party, feel nervous, or plan to include rituals, a rehearsal might help. For elopements or smaller gatherings, a quick, complimentary video chat is a great alternative.
Travel & Adventure
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The better question is: where are we going?
I’m based in Squamish and happy to travel anywhere in BC — and I can legally marry couples across Canada with a temporary licence.
I’m your typical Sea-to-Sky outdoorsy type: ready to hike, climb, or snowboard to get you married (just don’t put me on a mountain bike 😉).
I regularly travel throughout the Sea to Sky, Vancouver Metro, Fraser Valley, Okanagan, Vancouver Island, Victoria, Nanaimo, Sunshine Coast, and Tofino. Just tell me where you’re headed and I’ll provide a travel quote.
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YES! Send me an email with your idea — chances are, I’ll be all in.
I love bringing unique ideas to life, and I’m always up for an adventure. Additional fees may apply for extra-long hikes or all-day excursions (my adventure ceremony fee covers the extra time and logistics).
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I no longer offer full wedding planning, but I do plan elopements in BC.
After years in the Sea-to-Sky wedding industry, I have great relationships with local vendors and can connect you with trusted pros. I offer ceremonies, elopement packages, and vow-writing support.
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I mainly operate in the Sea to Sky, marrying cuties in Squamish, Whistler, Vancouver and beyond... I have been to Pemberton, Bowen Island, and the lower mainland... I'm able to make it legal anywhere in BC.
Legal Details
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You’ll need a marriage licence, which is simple to obtain. Couples must apply in person (officiants can’t do it for you). Bring valid ID to a local marriage-licence issuer and pay $100 CAD.
Your licence must come to the ceremony — you can give it to me at the rehearsal or bring it on the day. In BC, you’ll also need two witnesses.
If you’re eloping, your photographer can act as one. If you’re travelling alone, I can provide a witness starting at $50 (I’ll have to pay them more if I’m making them hike up to panorama ridge, for example).
Important: Don’t sign your licence early — your officiant must be present!
Learn more here -
In BC, you can assume your partner’s last name by updating your ID with each organization (ICBC, passport office, etc.).
To save time, many couples use an online service. My couples love the $39 kit from Easy Name Change — it saves hours!
I also have a blog post that walks you through the process. -
Most likely, yes! You’ll still need to get your marriage licence in BC, which can be done the same week (or even the same day, though a buffer helps).
Marriages performed in Canada are generally recognized internationally — but check with your local government to confirm.
For U.S. couples, recognition varies by state.
Learn more here
Values & Inclusivity
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You’re safe here, my friend. I’m honoured to perform LGBTQIA2S+ ceremonies, and I only collaborate with inclusive, affirming vendors.
I don’t participate in ceremonies involving unethical use of animals (like dove or butterfly releases), but I love including your ring-bearer pup!
And no worries — there’s no “to obey and serve” in my scripts.
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While I’m not fully fluent, I’ve performed bilingual ceremonies that include Spanish segments. I’m happy to deliver key parts in Spanish or collaborate with a translator — let’s chat about what works best!
Ceremonies & Extras
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Absolutely — and I love them! There’s so much depth and intention in vow renewals. Send me a note and we’ll make it meaningful.
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It’s never too early! Most couples book 8–18 months ahead for popular Saturdays.
I often take elopements with shorter notice — my record is 3 hours between inquiry and “I do” (though a bit more notice is appreciated 😉).
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You bet! If you don’t see something that fits exactly what you’re envisioning, send me an email at hello@seatoskyofficiant.com and we’ll dream it up together!
Other Loose Ends
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I’ve been complimented on my voice long before officiating — though it naturally shifts to a more formal tone during ceremonies.
I’m Maltese-Australian, with what most describe as a neutral accent (no “G’day mate,” unless requested 😉).
Before moving to Canada, I worked as a tour guide across 30 countries, which helped me refine my tone to a more neutral accent.
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'Celebrant' and 'officiant' are interchangeable terms!
A Marriage Commissioner is appointed by the government, and must meet a certain criteria (e.g. must be retired/ semi-retired). They follow a government script, (so you must say "I know no legal impediment why I must not be wed") and don’t need formal training or ceremony experience.
An Officiant (like me!) completes formal training and is licensed to legally marry you, but with creative freedom to craft a ceremony that feels like you. No cookie-cutter vows, no government script! -
I do have a list of vendors I love working with - email me, and I would love to share it! My experience as a planner and venue manager have given me a great knowledge of the local industry, and I love helping couples find their dream vendors.
You can also find an online directory at Sea to Sky Collective.
