Frequently Asked Questions
How do I go about getting a marriage license? What documentation is required?
For all information concerning marriage licenses, you must contact Vital Statistics, Government of PEI
Can we design our own marriage ceremony?
Of course! There are only three mandatory clauses for a marriage ceremony. Beyond those, the content and the sequence is entirely up to you.
Do you perform same-sex marriages?
Most definitely.
Effectuez-vous des cérémonies de mariage en français? Ou «bilingue»? // Do you perform marriage ceremonies in French? Or “bilingual”?
Mais OUI … À vous de choisir!
My fiancé(e) doesn’t have a good command of either the French or the English language? Can the ceremony be conducted in another language?
The important thing is that the bride / groom knows and understands what is happening. The ceremony would be conducted in English or in French; however, an “interpeter” would be used to ensure that the individual understands the commitment being made. Marriage Act s. 9(2)
Would you adjust the colours you wear / type of outfit to suit our ceremony?
Within reason -- most certainly. This is your day, after all, and it would not do for me to clash with the couple!
My fiancé and I want to get married – just the two of us. Do you provide witnesses?
Yes, with advance notice, that can be arranged.
Can you provide us with a venue in which to be married?
If the marriage party is relatively small – limited to the couple or the couple and witnesses or a maximum of 6 people – we can offer our home and, in good weather, our garden. The beach is also nearby.
We intend to have an intimate wedding reception of family and a few close friends. Can you recommend a venue?
There is no shortage of beautiful venues on the Island. Once you decide what part of the Island is of greatest interest to you, we would be pleased to suggest a venue in that area.
Are you available to provide your services anywhere in PEI? Any venue?
Yes. I am available to perform your marriage ceremony in whatever location or venue on PEI that you choose.
Do you offer any other types of ceremonies?
Yes…one of the most popular is “Welcome Baby” for families who elect not to use a religious baptism. We also offer a non-denominational funeral or celebration-of-life service. For new Canadians, we offer a “congratulations on becoming a Canadian citizen” ceremony.
What happens if you are ill or otherwise unable to perform our marriage ceremony?
No problem. If anything serious should occur (the fates forbid!), William and I act as back-up to each other.
Do you perform wedding ceremonies outside of PEI?
With sufficient notice, arrangements can be made for me to perform a wedding ceremony in Nova Scotia. The province of New Brunswick doesn’t have marriage commissioners.
What is the cost of your services?
The actual cost depends on what type of ceremony you select, the location of the ceremony and other factors which might require cost recovery.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes…a non-refundable is required in order for to save the date and time and to cover the cost of drafting the ceremony. The remainder is payable, in cash, not later than ONE calendar week prior to the ceremony.
What types of payment do you accept?
Payment may be made via bank transfer OR in cash.
I’ve been wondering … once I’m married, do I have to change my name?
In Canada, you have the choice to keep your birth name, hyphenate or change your last name to that of your spouse. It’s your choice! Should you decide to do so, be very careful not to confuse a “legal” change of name with what is termed “assuming” the name of your spouse for marriage purposes. The office of Vital Statistics within your province or territory of residence will be able to advise you on what is required. Generally speaking, however, “assuming” the name of your spouse is a very simple process. In most jurisdictions, all you need is a copy of your official marriage “certificate” (which is issued by Vital Statistics in the province / territory where your marriage took place) and a select number of other pieces of identification to support your request.
If I decide to change my name after marriage, what documents will I have to change?
For a list of “which” documents must be changed as a result of your personal decision to change your name, visit Service Canada.
We can’t decide on a venue – maybe something “unusual”. Any ideas?
Oh, tons! You can do a web search OR contact me and I will help you find the contact information.
- Amusement Park / Specific Ride
- Art gallery
- Bungee jump – say “I do” and bungee jump
- Beach / Cliffside
- Bus – the big, luxury bus based in Charlottetown!
- Chapel or Gardens at the Glass Bottle House, Cap Egmont
- Church Basement
- Church, De-Commissioned – www.thetablepei.ca New London; St. Mary’s, Indian River; other
- Clubs – The Haviland Club
- Community Centres
- Confederation Centre
- Fishing Boat
- Funeral Chapel
- Gardens: PEI Preserve
- Company; The Dunes; Public Gardens
- Horseback – on horseback or riding in on horseback
- House, Heritage – contact local heritage societies
- Inns
- Legion / Group Halls
- Lietenant Governor’s garden
- Lighthouses -- www.tourismpei.com/island-lighthouses Contact the operator / owner. Be aware that most of these are heavily frequented by tourists and might not offer much in the way of privacy
- Museum
- Paintball facility – followed by a friendly bride v groom competition!
- Park – contact park management
- Playground
- Resorts – they are a plenty on our fair Isle
- Ski hill – Brookvale
- Theatre – movie or playhouse – King’s Playhouse; Victoria Playhouse
- Vineyard – there are three wineries on the Island
- Rossignol, Matos, Neuman’s
