Selecting, Hiring and Working with a Marriage Commissioner in Manitoba
by Patricia G. Simko

Your wedding ceremony is the pivotal moment of your wedding day. Without the ceremony, there would be no wedding. No matter who is speaking them, the words spoken in your ceremony should be reflective of the relationship between you and your fiancé. Selecting your Marriage Commissioner and creating your ceremony should involve the same enthusiasm, attention and importance as selecting your wedding gown or tuxedo.

What is the Role of a Marriage Commissioner?
The role of your Marriage Commissioner is to perform your wedding ceremony as well as complete and register your marriage documents with Manitoba Vital Statistics. When looking to hire a Marriage Commissioner it is important to ask questions such as:

• Can we prepare and recite our own vows? Some Marriage Commissioners use a standard ceremony and do not customize the ceremony to suit a particular couples' needs.
  
• Is a rehearsal of the ceremony included in this Marriage Commissioner's fee?
  
• Will this Marriage Commissioner assist us with our wedding-related questions? Not all Marriage Commissioners will assist in wedding planning and it is important to discuss your expectations prior to hiring your Marriage Commissioner.
  
• Will there be an additional charge for mileage? It is not uncommon for an additional mileage charge to be levied and you should discuss the fee prior to hiring your Marriage Commissioner.
  
• Do you feel comfortable with this Marriage Commissioner? Is she/he courteous, punctual and professional?
  
• Does this Marriage Commissioner offer suggestions and completely answer your questions?
  
• Is a deposit required? If the wedding needs to be postponed or canceled, is the deposit refundable?

When Should I Book a Marriage Commissioner? You should hire your Marriage Commissioner as soon as you have confirmed your wedding day and time. Many Marriage Commissioners book a year or more advance, especially during July, August and September. It is also common for Marriage Commissioners to perform more than one wedding per day during the peak wedding season.

Hiring Other Professionals to Assist in Wedding Planning
If you have hired other professionals such as a wedding consultant, videographer/photographer, musician/DJ, etc., to assist with your wedding, it is helpful to advise your Marriage Commissioner, as all will need to work together to make your wedding day run smoothly.

When preparing for your wedding, remember to slow down and enjoy this time. On your wedding day rely on the professionals you’ve hired and friends and family to take care of smaller details.

Patricia G. Simko