Juliet's Blog
Getting married in BC: what do I need to know?
Thinking about tying the knot in beautiful British Columbia? Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony in Stanley Park, a vineyard wedding in the Okanagan, or a cozy elopement by the ocean on Vancouver Island, BC has no shortage of stunning backdrops for your big day. But before the champagne and confetti, there are a few practical details you’ll want to know.
Let’s walk through it together.
Getting Your Marriage Licence
First things first—you’ll need a marriage licence. Unlike some provinces, BC requires couples to apply in person at a marriage licence issuer (locations are listed online, and they’re often found in insurance offices or government agent centres).
You can apply up to three months before your wedding date.
A marriage licence costs about $100.
You’ll both need government-issued ID.
The licence is valid for 90 days once issued.
So, don’t panic—it’s best to plan ahead, but you don’t need to rush months in advance.
Choosing an Officiant
In BC, only certain people can legally marry you:
Religious officiants registered in the province (think ministers, priests, rabbis, etc.).
Marriage commissioners, appointed by the Vital Statistics Agency.
Licensed wedding and funeral celebrants who are registered with Vital Stats.
If you’d like a non-religious ceremony, a celebrant or marriage commissioner is usually the way to go. You get to personalise the ceremony while keeping it legally binding. (Hello! This is where I come in!) :)
Witnesses
This one sometimes surprises people—you need two witnesses who are physically present for the ceremony. Anyone can be a witness as long as they’re over 19. So if it’s just the two of you eloping, make sure you’ve got a photographer, friend, or even a passerby ready to help.
Your Marriage Certificate
After the ceremony, your officiant sends the paperwork to the Vital Statistics Agency. What you’re handed right after the wedding is your Record of Solemnization of Marriage—a pretty keepsake, but not the official legal proof.
If you need to change your name or update records, you’ll have to order your marriage certificate online through the BC Vital Statistics Agency once it’s processed.
Special Considerations
Destination weddings in BC: If you’re from outside Canada, you can absolutely get married here! You’ll just need to get your licence in BC once you arrive.
Name changes: You don’t have to change your surname when you marry in BC, but if you want to, your marriage certificate is the document you’ll use.
Unique venues: From mountaintop ski lodges to gardens and beaches, many locations in BC require permits, so check with your venue or the local municipality ahead of time.
Final Thought
Getting married in BC is as straightforward as it is beautiful—you just need to tick a few boxes first. Secure your licence, book your celebrant or commissioner, line up your witnesses, and double-check your venue details. After that, you’re free to focus on the fun stuff: vows, music, flowers, food, and memories.
If you’re daydreaming about a BC wedding, the good news is you’ll be saying “I do” against one of the most breathtaking backdrops in the world.
Juliet's Blog
Why did I choose to be a Celebrant?
Being a Celebrant is about marking life’s transitions, big and small, with purpose. From the laughter in a wedding to the love in a farewell, celebrants know their work creates little moments of healing, connection, and joy. Nothing generic—every story deserves its own celebration.
Being a celebrant is a front-row seat to love and legacy, joy and grief, and a whole lot of beautiful human messiness. Yes, there’s paperwork and the odd wardrobe hiccup. But there’s also dancing, storytelling, and holding space so others can move forward—tissues and smiles included.
For me, after a few years that personally consisted of a multitude of weddings, as well as too many funerals, and after speaking at many of them, and planning most of them, I realised not only was I good at it, but I that I enjoyed the sense of connection and healing that comes from walking through these big moments with people. Hence my desire to take this path.
Juliet's Blog
Why do I need a Wedding Celebrant?
Let’s cut to the chase: can’t Aunt Sheila just do it? She’s got a booming voice and once hosted a neighbourhood barbecue. Or what about Cousin Mike—he performed that karaoke version of “I Will Survive” and nailed it. So… why hire a celebrant? Well, dear nearlyweds, allow me to reveal the (hilarious) truth.
The Officiant Olympics
Sure, anyone can read from a script, but can they delicately stop the flower girl from eating petals and gently cue the vows when nerves turn your brain to mashed potatoes? A celebrant is basically a wedding ninja—moving quietly, fixing disasters, and always smiling. Try getting Aunt Sheila to handle a malfunctioning PA system and runaway best man at the same time.
Love Story, Not Mad Libs
Think of a celebrant as a memory DJ. Want your tale told with just the right amount of drama, romance, and inside jokes (but none of those stories about your questionable haircut in 2011)? That’s their job. Left to their own devices, families might fill in the blanks, and next thing you know your “how we met” tale involves ferret racing and interpretive dance.
Calm Among Chaos
Let’s face it: weddings are emotional. By the time you reach the altar, someone’s already cried, and someone else is definitely missing a shoe. The celebrant is the cool cucumber keeping everyone calm, hydrated, and (miracle of miracles) on schedule. When your brother suggests replacing the vows with a rap battle? The celebrant will kindly, professionally, and firmly say “maybe next time.”
Legally Speaking…
Even if Cousin Mike thinks he’s an ordained wizard after five minutes on the Internet, BC law says otherwise. If you want the marriage to count, you need someone who’s actually authorized. Celebrants handle the boring (but essential) paperwork so you can focus on not fainting during the rings.
Otherwise…
Without a celebrant, your ceremony could drift into the realm of legendary family “do you remember when…?” stories, featuring mad scrambles for forgotten readings, spontaneous interpretive dance, or that time Uncle Bob tried to livestream from the loo.
In Conclusion
You need a celebrant to keep everything loving, legal, and (at least a little) organised. They turn “Oh dear!” into “I do!” What more could you ask?
Juliet's Blog
Why do I need a Funeral Celebrant?
Losing someone you love is one of life’s hardest moments. When the time comes to say goodbye, the funeral ceremony becomes a place for remembering, healing, and honoring a unique life. So, why do you need a funeral celebrant to guide that ceremony? Let’s talk about what makes this role truly special.
More Than Just Words
A funeral celebrant isn’t there just to read a script or keep things moving—they create a ceremony that feels right for the person who has passed and those who remain. Whether your loved one was quietly reflective or joyously vibrant, the celebrant crafts a meaningful farewell that reflects their spirit. It’s about telling a story filled with love, laughter, memories, and sometimes gentle tears.
Holding Space for Grief
Grief can be overwhelming, unpredictable, and deeply personal. Celebrants are trained to hold space for all those feelings—calming nerves, welcoming tears, and even sharing a smile when it feels right. They support families through their own way of saying goodbye, helping make a ceremony that’s comforting and healing, not just routine.
Creating Connection
Funeral ceremonies bring people together, often from different places and backgrounds. A celebrant helps weave those connections, creating moments where strangers become part of a shared experience of remembrance. Through stories, music, poems, or rituals, the ceremony becomes a place for collective honoring and support.
Tailored to You
One size never fits all. A funeral celebrant works with you to design a ceremony that truly reflects the individuality of your loved one. Maybe it’s a favourite song, a unique ritual, or words that capture what made them who they were. It’s personal, respectful, and crafted with care, so every detail matters.
Why It Matters
When the days feel heavy and the future uncertain, a funeral ceremony guided by a celebrant offers a moment of peace, meaning, and closure. It’s a chance to celebrate a life fully lived, say the things that need saying, and begin healing surrounded by community.
The Gentle Guide
A funeral celebrant is that steady hand—helping when decisions feel impossible, supporting when emotions run deep, and reminding us gently that even in farewell, there is grace and hope.