Kerry Bowser - Humanist Officiant

What types of weddings and events do you provide services for?

• Civil Union
• Non-religious
• Vow Renewal

On average, how long are wedding ceremonies you officiate?

20 minutes

What is the starting price for your wedding services?

$325

Does starting price include the ceremony rehearsal?

No

What is the starting price for ceremony rehearsals?

$100

What is the price of your most popular wedding service?

$395

How soon should we book an Officiant?

Your wedding Officiant is the only aspect of your wedding day you must have in order to make it a legal marriage. No other service provider is legally required. As soon as you have arranged your venue, you should book your Officiant

What documents do I need to get married?

You need to fill out and submit the Marriage Application Form. This website tells you everything you need to know (https://www.ontario.ca/page/getting-married#section-2) Once you receive your marriage license you have 90 days from the date of issue to perform the ceremony

Can we write our own ceremony and vows?

Yes, for the Personalized Wedding Ceremony. However, there is specific legal wording which would have to be included so I would obviously review it for you in advance to ensure that your marriage will be legal. The Elopement Ceremony does not allow for personalization

Can we have friends and family participate in the ceremony?

For the Personalized Wedding Ceremony, absolutely. The Marriage Act stipulates that the licensed Officiant must perform certain aspects of the ceremony. Other than that, others are welcome to participate in the ceremony. The Elopement Wedding Ceremony does not allow for the participation of others

Can we review the ceremony ahead of time?

Yes. The Personalized Wedding Ceremony is one that we will create together and receive your approval. The Elopement Wedding Ceremony can be seen ahead of time, but will not allow for changes

Is a wedding rehearsal necessary?

It’s not necessary but many couples =do have a rehearsal for peace of mind to ensure that all things go smoothly. The officiant does not always need to be present at the rehearsal but I will accommodate all couples wishing the officiant to be present. There will be an additional fee for that

Does it matter where the ceremony takes place?

No. The venue is completely up to you whether it’s in a living room or a large banquet hall. An outdoor venue should always have an alternate rain plan. If the venue is located outside of the City of Toronto, an additional travel fee will be charged. No travel fee is charged if the venue is inside the City of Toronto

Can we tentatively book you until we confirm our date and venue?

A tentative booking will be held unless another booking with a deposit is made. A $100 deposit will hold your booking. If a deposit is made and the date changes, I will gladly make the accommodation assuming I am available on the alternate date

Do you do quick “Elopements”?

Yes, as long as I am available and the necessary marriage license is supplied

Do you have a backup option in case you can't make it?

Yes. The Ontario Humanist Society has a number of qualified licensed Officiants who are willing to step in the highly unlikely event I am not able to officiate

Are there any extra or hidden fees?

There are no hidden fees except for travel fees outside the City of Toronto and all prices include tax