What is a Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant™ and how is a Celebrant Ceremony distinct?

People often interchange the terms Officiant and Celebrant. Officiate means to perform. Certified Life-Cycle Celebrants™ perform too but do so much more. Certified Life-Cycle Celebrants™ originated in Australia in the 1970’s out of a need for people wanting non-religious ceremonies that were all encompassing of the couple’s desires. Celebrants are professionally trained in ritual and ceremony and they design, organize and perform ceremonies based on each client’s needs and values. As a Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant™, my goal is to create a ceremony that is a true reflection of you. I will incorporate your values, ideas, and personalities. Every ceremony is tailor-made. To learn more about Certified Life-Cycle Celebrants, check out www.CelebrantInstitute.org and www.CelebrantCeremonies.ca

I am interested in your Celebrant services – what is the process?

We will meet (in-person, telephone, Skype) for a complimentary, no-obligation meeting where we discuss your hopes and dreams for your wedding ceremony.  At the conclusion of the meeting if we feel that we are a good fit to work together, the necessary paperwork can be signed to guarantee your date.  A retainer of 50% of the total is also required.

If you choose the With Flare – Love Story Ceremony, I will gather the information I need from you so I can learn what makes your story unique and I will use the information you share to custom write your ceremony. I will present you with a first draft several weeks before your ceremony and from there, I will tweak and make changes until you love it.

What are your credentials?

I received my professional training from the Celebrant Foundation & Institute in NJ.  I am an ordained non-denominational minister and I hold a valid license to perform marriages in the Province of Ontario.

Do you perform same sex marriages?

Yes, absolutely! I am committed to performing ceremonies that are inclusive of all couples.  I fully support the LGBTQ community.

Where do I obtain a Marriage License?

You can obtain your marriage license from your local city hall. The license is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. Check here to check the guidelines in Ontario.  After your wedding ceremony I will mail your signed license to Service Ontario within 2 days, for registration.

Can we write our own vows?

Yes, absolutely! I am happy to guide you in the process and I will provide you with some specific tips.

Do you recommend rehearsals?

Rehearsals are not mandatory but they are a great opportunity to see how your ceremony flows, create a sense of confidence and ease, and allow us to make adjustments, if necessary.  There is an additional fee for a rehearsal.

Can our children be involved?

Yes, absolutely! There are many ways to include even the youngest of children. This is your ceremony and you can choose who you want to be a part of it.

What other ceremonies do you perform?

Other ceremonies Include:

• Commitment & Vow Renewals
• Baby Naming & Welcoming
• Coming of Age
• Milestone Birthday
• Graduation
• Business Opening/Closing
• Retirement
• Healing
• Funerals & Memorials
• Pet Memorials