perform marriages in ontario - question

[Saniokca]

Hi all - I have a question,

I am going to get married before this year ends (civil marriage).

I understand that I have to get a marriage licence. However, I also need to get someone to marry us. That's the part I don't really like - I searched online and it looks to me like it's another money grab. There are ones who charge 300+hst and other who charge $100 cash only (seems a bit sketchy).

I also searched online and it seems like you can get certified to do it but was wondering if anyone on this forum has any experience with that.

Am I wrong to be frustrated with that? I could live with paying $150 for the licence but another 300 on top for someone to say a few words seems hardly necessary.

Thanks!

[Karen]

In British Columbia, the fee for a civil marriage ceremony is $75 plus HST and is set by statute. Of that fee, $50 goes to the marriage commissioner, and the balance goes to the government. When my late husband and I were married, we gave the marriage commissioner an extra $50 which, I think, is expected. The commissioner is entitled to charge a mileage fee if they choose to. Frankly, I don't think that's very much - I wouldn't do it for $50.

I think the BC government is in the process of changing the fee to allow an extra charge when the commissioner is required to be present for over a certain time - I believe it's two hours.

[stardancer]

Why would anyone perform something for free, especially for a stranger?

[Four Pillars]

Yes, you are wrong. The person doing the marrying will spend a certain amount of time doing it and deserves compensation. Are you expecting it to be free?

The person we hired cost something like $350/$400. We met with her for about 45 minutes in advance to discuss the ceremony and what vows etc that we wanted to do. She gave us instructions regarding the vows (ie do them).

On the day of the wedding, she showed up and was there for probably 40 minutes in total (the ceremony was only about 5-10 minutes).

I assume she has some sort of certification/license to allow her to do marriages. She also had a fancy gown + hat which probably cost some $$. That plus the time she spent with us and travelling to the wedding costs money.

[Saniokca]

Yes, you are wrong. The person doing the marrying will spend a certain amount of time doing it and deserves compensation. Are you expecting it to be free?

The person we hired cost something like $350/$400. We met with her for about 45 minutes in advance to discuss the ceremony and what vows etc that we wanted to do. She gave us instructions regarding the vows (ie do them).

On the day of the wedding, she showed up and was there for probably 40 minutes in total (the ceremony was only about 5-10 minutes).

I assume she has some sort of certification/license to allow her to do marriages. She also had a fancy gown + hat which probably cost some $$. That plus the time she spent with us and travelling to the wedding costs money.

FP, let me be clear that I don't expect anything to be free - that's why I don't really have a problem with the $150 fee for the license.

If you want all the bells and whistles then you should pay - no question about it. My frustration is more with the fact that I have to do it at all. I don't see how any value is added in my case. Or am I missing something?

[Jim9guitars]

I don't see how any value is added in my case. Or am I missing something?

I think it's more a matter of making it legal/legit on all counts, you need the license and you need the proper person with the right credentials or you are not legally married. I've played live ceremony music for hundreds of weddings over the years and every single one of them had the authorised person(pastor, JP, priest etc...) performing the actual ceremony.

[Koala]

I think for a ceremony, the prices are reasonable. In AB, I looked into the prices, and to simply get married, there is the $80 license, and a commissioner charges $140 for just the legality. There are a total of 5 people allowed to be present for that price, including the couple and the commissioner. All 4 parents could not be present. If you don't bring your own 2 witnesses, there is an additional fee.

I think that's a bit excessive for a young couple who just wants to be legally married, without having a wedding.

[MoneyGal]

You need two things: a marriage license, and someone to solemnize ("authorize") the actual wedding. Both parts are required - if you just get the license, you aren't married; and the officiant can't actually perform the marriage (and make it valid) without the license. Both parts cost money. It's like how you need a driver's license AND a you need to register your vehicle in order to drive a car around: that's why you get asked for "license and registration," because both are required.

[Koala]

Moneygal, what do you think is a reasonable price for the 2?
I think BC is reasonable for the bare minimum, especially if the couple is going to the commissioner's office.

[Saniokca]

MG I don't know if I agree with your example. It is important to know who the car belongs to in case of accidents, theft (is this correct?).

Usually certification/designation is required for lawyers, doctors, accountants, etc that have to state a qualified opinion. I am not sure what qualification is needed to marry someone unless it's a religious marriage.

I think one should pay the fees for a marriage licence (admin fees for the government I guess). Then 2 witnesses should be enough.