- What areas do you serve?
Guiding Hearts Weddings proudly serves Abbotsford, Chilliwack, the Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, and destination locations throughout British Columbia. Travel for mountain, lakeside, and adventure elopements are available.
2. Are you legally licensed to perform weddings in British Columbia?
Yes, I am a licensed wedding officiant authorized to solemnize marriages in British Columbia under the Religious Act.
3. What is included in a wedding ceremony?
Every ceremony includes:
- Initial consultation and planning
- Personalized ceremony wording
- Guidance on ceremony flow
- Legal solemnization of marriage
- Filing of marriage paperwork with Vital Statistics
- Calm, supportive officiating on your wedding day
4. Can we personalize our ceremony?
Absolutely. Your ceremony should reflect your relationship, values, personalities, and love story.
Couples may include:
- Personal vows
- Family tributes
- Pet tributes
- Cultural or spiritual elements
- Readings
- Unity ceremonies
- Memorial acknowledgements
- Nature-inspired themes
5. Do you perform non-religious ceremonies?
Yes. Ceremonies can be spiritual, faith-based, traditional, modern, simple, or completely non-religious. The goal is creating something meaningful and authentic to you.
6. Do you offer elopements?
Yes, Elopements are one of a kind with mountain overlooks, alpine meadows, waterfalls, lakesides, forests, and intimate outdoor settings create beautiful, grounded ceremonies surrounded by nature.
7. What is a Guided Wedding Experience?
The Guided Wedding Experience offers more support and planning guidance for couples who want help creating a deeply personal ceremony experience. This may include:
- Ceremony structure support
- Vow guidance
- Processional planning
- Extra consultation time
- Personalized touches and keepsakes
8. How much do your services cost?
Simple ceremonies begin around $125 plus mileage (.56 km). Personalized and guided ceremony packages vary depending on location, travel, customization, and ceremony style.
9. Do you require a deposit?
Yes. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your wedding date and time
10. How do we get a marriage license?
Marriage licenses can be purchased at many insurance agenices and registry locations throughout British Columbia. They are typically valid for 3 months. Couples are responsible for bringing the license to the ceremony.
11. What information do we need for the marriage license?
You will need:
- Legal names of Bride & Groom, Parents
- Birthdates
- Birth cities/provinces/countries
- Valid identification
- Two witnesses with valid ID
12. Can we write our own vows?
Yes. Many couples choose to write personal vows. Guidance and examples can also be provided if needed.
13. What happens after the ceremony?
After the ceremony, I complete and submit the legal marriage registration paperwork to BC Vital Statistics.
14. How far in advance should we book?
As early as possible, especially for summer weddings and long weekends. Popular dates can book quickly.
15. What makes Guiding Hearts Weddings different?
Guiding Hearts Weddings is rooted in warmth, presence, calm guidance, and meaningful connection. My background in counseling, caregiving, and ceremony work allows me to create ceremonies that feel grounded, personal, and heartfelt rather than rushed or scripted.
Nature, storytelling, and authentic connection are at the heart of every ceremony.
