Frequently Asked Questions

Vancouver Officiant

Marriage Licences & Legal Requirements

Do you obtain our marriage licence for us?

In British Columbia, marriage licences must be obtained in person by the couple. By law, officiants are not permitted to secure licences on a couple’s behalf.

You can obtain your licence from:

The BC Government

Authorized vendors such as London Drugs

Select registry agents across the province

We’re always happy to point you in the right direction if you’re unsure where to go.

What identification do we need to get a marriage licence?

Each partner must bring two pieces of valid government-issued ID, with at least one including a photo.

Commonly accepted ID includes:

Driver’s licence

Passport

Canadian citizenship card

Requirements can vary slightly, so we recommend confirming details with the issuing office ahead of time.

How long is a BC marriage licence valid?

Marriage licences in British Columbia are valid for 90 days from the date of issue.

There is no waiting period in BC — once you have your licence, you can legally get married right away. We suggest obtaining it a few days (or more) before your ceremony to allow for any unexpected delays.

Do we need witnesses?

Yes. Two witnesses are legally required to be present at your ceremony and sign the marriage licence.

Helpful tip:

If you’re planning an intimate ceremony with photography, your photographer can absolutely act as one of your witnesses.

If you don’t have two witnesses available, Vancouver Officiant may be able to help
arrange witnesses for you. Please reach out in advance so we can discuss options.

Ceremony & Personalization

Can you help us with our vows and ceremony wording?

Absolutely. Crafting meaningful, personalized ceremonies is what we do best.

Your officiant will guide you through:

Vows

Ring exchanges

Commitment statements

Any cultural, spiritual, or family traditions you wish to include

We also offer guidance and resources if you’d like extra support along the way.

Do we have to write our own vows?

Not at all — the choice is entirely yours.

Many couples love writing personal vows, and we’re happy to support you through that process. If you prefer not to write your own, your officiant can provide beautifully written vows that still feel heartfelt and authentic.

There’s no “right” way — only your way.

Booking & Planning

How far in advance should we book our officiant?

As soon as you can.

We book ceremonies anywhere from over a year in advance to just days before, depending on availability. If you have a specific officiant in mind or are planning a popular date (summer weekends, long weekends, or holidays), we recommend booking early.

Do you offer wedding planning services?

We are not wedding planners — our focus is officiating and creating unforgettable ceremonies.

That said, we work closely with incredible planners, photographers, and vendors throughout British Columbia and are always happy to share trusted recommendations.

Do we need permits for our ceremony location?

Maybe — it depends on:

Your location

Guest count

Décor, seating, or amplified sound

Permit requirements vary by city, park, and venue. If you’re unsure whether a permit is required, reach out to us — we’ve officiated thousands of weddings across BC and are happy to share insight or point you to the correct authority.

Officiants, Guests & Special Requests

Can a friend or family member legally officiate our wedding in BC?

Not on their own.

However, we offer a Signature Script Experience that allows your chosen loved one to lead the ceremony while a licensed Vancouver Officiant handles the legal requirements.

This gives you the best of both worlds:

A deeply personal ceremony — and everything done properly and legally.

What’s the difference between a wedding officiant and a marriage commissioner?

Both can legally marry couples in British Columbia, but there are key differences in approach, personalization, and flexibility.

In short:

Marriage commissioners are appointed by the government and often offer more standardized ceremonies. Commissioners are also limited to a restricted regional area.

Wedding officiants specialize in personalized, story-driven ceremonies tailored to you. Our officiants can also officiate anywhere within the Province of British Columbia.

If you’d like help understanding which is right for your wedding, we’re happy to chat.

Can we choose our officiant?

Yes.

Once we know your wedding details, our team will match you with an officiant who best fits your style, vision, and location. If you have someone specific in mind, let us know — we’ll do our best to make it happen.

Our goal is for you to feel excited and confident about the person standing with you on your wedding day.

What happens if our officiant becomes unavailable?

This is extremely rare — but life happens.

If an emergency were to arise, our team would immediately work to arrange a qualified Vancouver Officiant to step in. Because we operate as a dedicated team (not a referral directory), we’re uniquely positioned to support you even in unexpected circumstances.

Why Couples Choose Vancouver Officiant

What makes Vancouver Officiant different?

We believe ceremonies should feel real, meaningful, and unforgettable — never generic or boring.

At Vancouver Officiant:

We specialize in personalized, inclusive ceremonies

We proudly support love of all genders, identities, cultures, and backgrounds

We focus on connection, presence, and storytelling

We bring warmth, professionalism, and calm to every ceremony

Your ceremony is not just a formality — it’s the moment your marriage begins. We’re honoured to help you start strong.

Still Have Questions?

I have another question — how do I reach you?

We’d love to help.