When it comes to your wedding day, the ceremony is the heartbeat of it all. It’s the moment you stand together, surrounded by your people, and say “this is it — we’re in this together.”
That’s why choosing the right officiant is such a big deal.
Recently, I had the joy of photographing a wedding that Cole from Married by Cole officiated — and he was absolutely brilliant. It wasn’t just about the words he spoke (though they were beautiful) — it was the way he held space for the couple and made everyone feel completely present.
You can even see Cole in action here — a huge thanks to RD3 Weddings for capturing it so perfectly.
After seeing firsthand how amazing Cole was, I had to ask him: What should couples know when hiring their wedding officiant?
Here’s what he shared:
Your Officiant Should Feel Like Someone You’d Grab Coffee With
One of the biggest things Cole emphasized is that your officiant should feel right — like someone you could easily sit down with for a coffee and a real conversation.
You’re trusting this person to guide you through one of the most important moments of your life. Make sure their vibe matches yours. Do they see love the same way you do? Do they respect your vision? Do they feel like someone you could laugh with, cry with, and trust to show up fully for your day?
Pro tip:
- Talk to a few officiants.
- Check out their Google reviews, Instagram, and website.
- Ask them for a video of them officiating so you can get a sense of their style and the tone and flow in which they speak.
Your Ceremony Can Look However You Want It To
A lot of couples don’t realize how much freedom they have in shaping their ceremony. Cole has officiated ceremonies from the aisle, roaming through a forest, standing on mountaintops, and everywhere in between.
Here’s what actually makes a ceremony legal in Alberta:
- You must be of sound mind.
- You must exchange legal declarations (about 10 lines long).
That’s it.
The rings? Optional.
The aisle walk? Optional.
Standing in a certain way? Totally optional.
Translation:
You can create a ceremony that reflects who you are, your journey, and your dreams for the future.
You have way more free rein than you might think — and the right officiant will help you make the most of it.
Involve Your Loved Ones in Meaningful Ways
Another beautiful piece of advice Cole shared:
Don’t hand your rings or vow books to your officiant. Give them to someone important to you.
These little tokens hold so much meaning — letting someone special hold them gives them a deeper role in your ceremony. It’s one more way to weave your loved ones into your story.
(Plus, everyone loves having a job to do — it makes the day even more memorable for them too.)
A Few Practical Details About Wedding Licenses
Now that your heart is full, here are a few logistical things to keep in mind — especially if you’re planning a wedding in Banff, Canmore, or nearby!
- If you’re from out of province: Make an appointment with a Banff or Canmore registry to preregister your marriage license. Otherwise, you’ll need to go in person, and registries are often closed on weekends.
- Same-day licenses: Technically allowed, but not recommended — you want your day focused on each other, not paperwork.
- Getting your license in Calgary: If you’re flying into Calgary, you can grab your marriage license there before heading into the mountains.
- Witnesses: Anyone over 18 with valid ID can be a witness — your mom, your grandma, your best friend (as long as they’re sober!).
- Permits: If you’re getting married outdoors, make sure you have the correct permits for your location.
And finally — make sure all your vendors, including your officiant, carry liability insurance. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference if anything unexpected comes up.
At the end of the day, your wedding ceremony should feel like a celebration of you.
Finding the right officiant — someone who feels like an old friend and a trusted guide — sets the tone for the entire day.
Cole, from Married by Cole, is a perfect example of what an officiant should be: professional, personal, heartfelt, and real.
If you’re looking for someone who truly gets it, someone who will bring heart, laughter, and care to your wedding day — start by finding your “coffee person.” And when you find them, you’ll know.
