Theatre wedding - view from the stage

Here is an unusual venue - and an unusual view of the ceremony and the guests! I had the privilege to conduct a wedding onstage at the Young People's Theatre for wonderful couple who work in theatre and entertainment.  We are standing on the stage set for "To Kill a Mockingbird", thus the small town fence and the nice trees.  The wedding was held between performances. We even included a little 'play' written specifically for the couple by another friend as part of the readings.  This was a wonderful experience, especially as my children work in theatre as well, so it was a chance for me to see the 'other' side of the stage!
However, as all weddings are at their very heart, this wedding was otherwise traditional (except for our cues to enter 'stage left', and the bride entering down the theatre aisle, etc.) and we signed the license afterwards in the director's office.   Great pictures by Mike Pochwat Photographer

Theatre Wedding - Vows

Theatre Wedding view of stage

Theatre wedding view of houselights from stage

Signing the Marriage Register

(I think you can rent theatre space at the Young Theatre in the Distillery for weddings, as well as a few other small theatres, and rehearsal spaces as well)

How to 'Register' the legal Paperwork for a separate non-legal wedding ceremony (spiritual, religious or destination wedding)

Many people are planning destination weddings, or they've  been contacting us to 'register' their other wedding, or to 'complete the paperwork' for Ontario.

Remember, a legal wedding requires an actual verbal CEREMONY, not just a 'signing' of documents. FIRST: you must apply for and pick up your LEGAL MARRIAGE LICENSE. Once you have your legal marriage license, you must still hold a short verbal ceremony conducted by a legal officiant properly licensed in Ontario, in front of two witnesses.  The ceremony is brief, and includes statements by both of you that there is no reason you can't be married, and you have to repeat the official government vows to each other. The officiant must 'pronounce' you to be legally married in front of your witnesses.  The 'signing' part comes after this, and is simply recording that this legal ceremony occurred.

A legally licensed officiant will either blend the required legal sections into a traditional ceremony, or conduct this legal part before the other celebration.

After this short ceremony, your licensed officiant will forward your license to the Registrar General to complete the Registration of your change of legal status as a married couple.

Here's our FAQ on this process and the parts of a legal wedding.

Casual Leslieville wedding on a Sunday morning

This great couple have been partners for many happy years, and we had a great morning wedding in their Leslieville sunroom on Sunday morning. Their family were witnesses, and their mom got to make a wonderful homemade German wedding cake. Then - Brunch!

Year of the Sheep - A farmer on King and Spadina

So -- Here I am, on King and Spadina, outside 2nd Floor Events (in the alley near Brassai).  I had a noon wedding at Le Select, and an evening wedding up the alley.  Sometime in between, a farmer from Arthur, Ontario brought in some hurdles and set up a SHEEP PEN outside the venue and filled it with 5 sheep and a lamb. (The couple were celebrating the Year of the Sheep, and they also had great Lion Dancers for the Reception).  Photography by Oink & Coo

These are Horned Jacobs, one of the oldest Highland breeds.  The rams have 4 horns, the ewes have 2.  In another life, we were sheep farmers in Eastern Ontario, so I know how to hold a lamb :-)  The farmer let me hold this one, and as you can see, I'm EXTREMELY HAPPY.  Now if I only had my border collies, Jess and Nell...   Memories.

and here we are inside, at 2nd Floor events, exchanging rings and vows - in a quite lighthearted mode. .