Weddings
Are you looking for a one-of-a kind wedding ceremony that is centered around the love you share? Do you want your ceremony and the words spoken to be the most memorable part of your wedding day?
I can help you create a personalized ceremony that reflects your vision and what you value most for your big day.
I’m Heather Klassen, a certified Life-Cycle Celebrant™ and licensed Marriage Officiant in the Province of Alberta. I perform weddings in and around Calgary, Canmore and Banff.
Whether you want your wedding to be secular, interfaith, spiritual or religious, I will tailor your ceremony to your background, beliefs and values. With my specialized training in ceremony creation and rituals, and years of public speaking experience, I can suggest readings, vows, rituals, music, and ways to include your family and friends. But the choice will be yours, and you will have final approval over the words that I speak.
Reasons to choose a celebrant to officiate your wedding
- You value your wedding ceremony more than the dress or the flowers, and want the ceremony to be the most important part of your day.
- You know you don’t want a want a cookie cutter wedding, and are looking for a ceremony that is unique and truly reflects who you are as individuals and as a couple.
- You want your beliefs, values and wishes for your wedding to be respected and honoured. As a celebrant, I do not impose my own views or beliefs, but will work collaboratively with you to create a meaningful ceremony centered around your journey and the love you share.
- You are part of an interfaith or multicultural couple, and want elements from each of your backgrounds to be incorporated into your wedding ceremony.
- You want an officiant who can legally marry you in the location of your choice. As a licensed celebrant, I perform weddings both indoors and outdoors, and have my own PA system so your guests will be able to hear clearly in any location.
How the Process Works
Phone consultation
First, email me your wedding date, time and location. Then we’ll set up a phone call to discuss ceremony ideas, details, and whether a rehearsal is needed. At the end of the call, I’ll quote you a price for the ceremony.
Meeting
We’ll arrange a no-obligation meeting in person if you live near Calgary, or by Skype or Facetime if you live far away. This is our chance to get to know each other better, and decide if we’re a good fit. It’s important that you find the wedding officiant that’s best suited for you on your big day! If we agree to go ahead, then I will prepare the contract.
Contract & Deposit
After we agree to proceed, you’ll sign the contract and send me your non-refundable deposit so I can reserve your wedding date. I’ll send an in-depth questionnaire for both of you to fill out, and then will use your stories, ideas and hopes to begin crafting your ceremony.
First Draft
I’ll send you a first draft, and you can contact me by phone or email as often as needed. I’m happy to make changes until you are completely satisfied with your ceremony. The words that I speak and all ceremony elements will be approved by you in advance so that your ceremony truly reflects your journey, your feelings and values, and your hopes and dreams for the future.
Rehearsal & Ceremony
We will agree on a time for your wedding rehearsal, if needed. On the day of your wedding, I will arrive at least a half hour before your ceremony to meet and provide notes for the venue manager, musicians, DJ, photographers and key family members so that your ceremony will flow smoothly.
Document Submission & Keepsake
After I officiate your wedding ceremony, I will submit the necessary legal documents to Alberta Vital Statistics, and will give you a keepsake copy of your ceremony.
As you prepare to cross the threshold of marriage, I would be honoured to work with you to create a beautiful ceremony that will be deeply meaningful for you and your family and friends. For more information:
Legal Requirements for your Wedding
Both partners must apply personally for a marriage licence at any Registry Agent in Alberta. The marriage licence is valid for three months from the date it was purchased. There is no waiting period, so the wedding can take place the same day the licence is issued.
I remind each couple the day before the wedding to bring their valid marriage licence to the ceremony – we can’t proceed without it!
The Province of Alberta requires that you have at least 2 witnesses, age 18 or older. Both spouses and witnesses will sign the Registration of Marriage in black ink during the wedding ceremony.
As your licensed Officiant, I will sign and complete the Registration after the ceremony and mail it to Vital Statistics, Province of Alberta.
For more information, see: Service Alberta
To receive your official Certificate of Marriage, you can apply at any registry agency in Alberta.
See: How to Apply
As an ordained clergy member, I am registered with Vital Statistics Alberta, and perform wedding ceremonies that are legal and binding.
My fees vary depending on the type and complexity of your ceremony, rituals, time needed for research, location and travel time, whether a rehearsal is required, whether you need a PA system, etc.
Let’s create a one-of-a-kind ceremony – personalized just for you.