Most couples today prefer to have civil marriage ceremonies to religious marriage ceremonies, which demand for wedding videos, wedding photographers, wedding limousines and even wedding DJs. Civil wedding ceremonies cost much less and are easier to plan at the same time maintaining the dignity and stature of a serious wedding ceremony. Civil nuptials ceremonies usually have religious elements absent. On the other hand, this is entirely to the discretion of the couple having the ceremony. Moreover, modern civil marriage ceremony are allowed to include vows, symbols, special readings or some matrimony themes, which may be either religious or not. They are usually performed in a registrar or lawyer's office, a judge's chambers.



Different laws usually apply to different areas and jurisdictions like Toronto, Niagara Falls, Markham, Brampton and Mississauga. It is good to find out before hand from the local courts and authorities on venues where one can be allowed or denied to get married in. In Ontario, Canada the bride and groom should each have a witness who speaks and understands English and a marriage license. The marriage license can be obtained from any certified marriage license issuer including the clerks of cities, townships or villages. The complete civil process is usually inexpensive. A few guests are also invited and all should arrive at the Superintendent Register's Office at least ten minutes before the marriage ceremony commences.

On arrival, a Registrar who checks with them to find out if the details needed for the marriage register are correct meet the couple's specification. This includes the full names and occupations of the fathers of both the bride and the groom. In today's civil marriage ceremony, the couple is presented with several choices to choose from, usually before the actual day. It is also possible for the bride and the groom to add a couple of their personal vows with a light touch of music, poetry or just prose readings. A ring can be given at a desired time during the ceremony. A few wedding photos can be taken afterwards.

When entering the marriage room, the bride may wish to be accompanied by her father or any other relative or friend. It is also possible to separately interview the couple. Where such a case arises, it should be requested a few days before the nuptials day so the arrival and interview times can be scheduled and adjusted accordingly. Otherwise, both the bride and groom can simply enter the room together where the guests will be waiting for the ceremony. When the Registrar has welcomed the bride, the groom and the guests, he/she explains what will take place and asks the marriage couple to turn and face each other in readiness for their marriage vows.

For same-sex couples, ensure that the local authorities do allow same sex marriage ceremonies. In those that allow, the rights accorded to a heterosexual couple might also differ significantly. It's advisable also to make appointments with more than one Officiant, as you might opt for some more than others, or some may be absent. Choose an Officiant who is interested in you as a couple and who understands the ceremony well.