Wedding Officiant: New Brunswick's Guide

If you want to become a wedding officiant in New Brunswick, Canada, there are a few things to keep in mind. According to the New Brunswick Marriage Act, only specific individuals are authorised to solemnise marriages. These include religious officiants, clerks of the Court of the Queen's Bench, and members of the Law Society of New Brunswick. To become a religious officiant, you can look into recognised organisations such as the Universal Life Church. Alternatively, you can propose a legal marriage through the courts, followed by a separate ceremony where you officiate the wedding.

Become a notary public or member of the bar association

To become a wedding officiant in New Brunswick, you must be a notary public or a member of the bar association. Here are the steps you need to take to achieve this:

Become a Notary Public:

• Check the specific requirements for New Brunswick: Before you begin the process, it is important to review the requirements set out by the provincial or territorial government. Each province and territory in Canada may have slightly different requirements for becoming a notary public.
• Meet the basic eligibility criteria: Typically, you must be over the age of 18, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and have no criminal record. You may also need to reside in the province or territory where you plan to offer notary services.
• Obtain the necessary education and training: In most cases, you will need to have a law degree or a degree in a related field, such as public administration or political science. You may also be required to complete specific notary training programs or courses.
• Apply to become a notary public: Contact the appropriate government department or body responsible for commissioning notaries in your province or territory. They will provide you with the necessary forms and outline the application process.
• Obtain your notary commission: Once your application is approved, you will receive your notary commission, which authorizes you to perform notarial acts. This may be in the form of a certificate or a seal.
• Understand your responsibilities: As a notary public, you are responsible for verifying the identity of individuals, administering oaths, witnessing signatures, and performing other notarial acts. Ensure that you are familiar with the laws and regulations governing notaries in your province or territory.

Become a Member of the Bar Association:

• Obtain a law degree: To become a lawyer and gain membership in a provincial or territorial law society (also known as a bar association), you must first obtain a bachelor's degree in law (LLB or JD) from an accredited law school.
• Complete articling or an internship: After obtaining your law degree, you will need to gain practical experience by articling with a law firm or completing an internship under the supervision of a licensed lawyer. This period typically lasts several months to a year.
• Pass the bar exams: You will need to pass a series of exams, known as the bar exams, to demonstrate your knowledge and competency in legal matters. These exams are typically administered by the law society or bar association in your province or territory.
• Apply for membership with the Law Society of New Brunswick: Contact the Law Society of New Brunswick, which is the regulatory body for lawyers in the province. Submit your application for membership, providing all the necessary documentation and proof of your qualifications.
• Adhere to the professional standards: As a member of the bar association, you are expected to uphold the ethical and professional standards set by the Law Society. This includes maintaining client confidentiality, acting with integrity, and staying current with legal developments.

By following these steps to become a notary public or a member of the bar association, you will be qualified to officiate weddings in New Brunswick. It is important to carefully review the specific requirements and regulations outlined by the provincial government and the relevant professional bodies.

Join a religious organisation

Joining a Religious Organisation

Joining a religious organisation is a great way to become a wedding officiant in New Brunswick. Here are the steps you can take to achieve this:

Step 1: Choose a Religious Organisation

The first step is to select a religious organisation that aligns with your beliefs and values. You can choose from a variety of established religions such as Christianity, Catholicism, or Anglicanism, or you can even start your own religion if you have a unique set of beliefs.

Step 2: Understand the Requirements

Different religious organisations will have varying requirements for becoming a wedding officiant. For example, some may require you to be ordained, while others may have specific training or qualifications. It is important to research the specific requirements of the organisation you wish to join.

Step 3: Connect with the Organisation

Reach out to the religious organisation to express your interest in joining and becoming a wedding officiant. They may have specific procedures for membership and officiant licensing that you will need to follow.

Step 4: Complete any Necessary Training or Education

Depending on the organisation, you may need to undergo specific training or education to become a wedding officiant. This could include theological studies, ministry training, or other relevant courses. Ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements to be recognised as a legitimate officiant.

Step 5: Register with the Government (if applicable)

In some cases, you may need to register as a wedding officiant with the government. Check the local laws and regulations in New Brunswick to ensure that you comply with any necessary registration processes.

Step 6: Build your Network

Once you are recognised as a wedding officiant within your religious organisation, start building your network. Connect with couples who are seeking a wedding officiant, and offer your services. You can also collaborate with wedding planners, venues, and other professionals in the industry to establish yourself as a trusted officiant.

Step 7: Stay Informed about Legal Requirements

Stay up to date with any legal changes or requirements related to marriage solemnisation in New Brunswick. This will ensure that the weddings you officiate are legally recognised and valid.

Remember, each religious organisation may have its own unique processes and requirements for becoming a wedding officiant. Ensure that you understand and follow their specific guidelines to increase your chances of success.

Know the legal requirements

According to the New Brunswick Marriage Act, only a few specific types of people are legally permitted to officiate a wedding in New Brunswick. These include religious officiants, clerks of the Court of the Queen's Bench, and members of the Law Society of New Brunswick.

If you want to become a religious officiant, you can look into doing so through the Universal Life Church, which is recognised in Ontario and may be recognised in New Brunswick. You can also contact the SNB Vital Statistics Branch to find out about recognised officiant qualifications in the province.

To perform a wedding ceremony as an officiant, you will need to obtain the couple's marriage license. The couple must provide you with their license, which will include your name and address, before the ceremony. The couple must obtain this license from a New Brunswick service centre and give it to you before the wedding, as they must get married within 90 days of receiving the license.

After the ceremony, you will need to get the couple and their two witnesses to sign the Statement of Marriage and the Registration of Marriage. You will then file the Registration of Marriage with the New Brunswick government. The couple will be given the Statement of Marriage, but if they want an official Marriage Certificate, they will have to apply to Vital Statistics New Brunswick after their marriage has been registered.

Create a ceremony script

Creating a ceremony script is a highly personal process, but there are some standard elements that you can use as a starting point. Here are some tips and suggestions for writing a ceremony script as a wedding officiant in New Brunswick:

Tips for Writing a Ceremony Script:

• Work with the couple to customize the script: Collaborate with the couple to incorporate their unique personalities, beliefs, and preferences into the ceremony.
• Start early: Don't leave writing the ceremony script until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to find inspiration and craft a meaningful ceremony.
• Keep it concise: Aim for a ceremony length of around 30 minutes or less to maintain your guests' attention.
• Include interactive elements: Make the ceremony fun and engaging for everyone, not just the couple. This could include humorous elements, stories about the couple, or creative rituals.
• Get a second opinion: Have someone else review your script before the big day to ensure it flows well and sounds authentic and natural.

Outline for a Simple Wedding Ceremony Script:

• Opening words/welcome: The officiant addresses the guests, welcoming them and setting the tone for the ceremony.
• Readings or songs: Couples may choose to include a reading, poem, song, or story about their relationship to add a personal touch.
• Vows and ring exchange: Couples may write their own vows or omit them. This is followed by the exchange of rings as a symbol of their commitment.
• Declaration of intent: The officiant asks the couple if they take each other as their lawfully wedded partner and will honour and cherish each other through life's joys and challenges.
• Pronouncement: The officiant declares the couple as married and invites them to kiss.
• Closing/invitation to reception: The officiant thanks the guests for joining the celebration and invites them to the reception.

Sample Scripts:

In addition to the simple ceremony script outline, you can find sample scripts for various types of weddings, such as modern, humorous, inclusive, Christian, Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant weddings. These scripts include religious elements, traditional rituals, and personalized vows.

You can use these samples as a starting point and customize them to fit the specific needs and preferences of the couple.

Market your services

Marketing your wedding officiant business is an effective way to let people know about your services and keep your business booming beyond wedding season. Here are some tips to market your services as a wedding officiant in New Brunswick:

Craft your message:

Think about what makes your services unique and how you would describe your wedding ceremonies. Find a niche that sets your business apart from other wedding officiants. For example, you could highlight that you specialise in second or third marriages, or that your ceremonies are lighthearted and entertaining. Your message should also include your credentials, the geographical area you serve, your contact information, and your motivations for providing your services.

Build an online presence:

Create a strong personal brand on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Use photos and captions to showcase your personal style, sense of humour, wedding services, professionalism, and the types of couples you hope to attract. You can also use a re-share app to share content from other wedding professionals and start networking with them.

Website:

Keep your website simple, especially when you're first starting out. You don't need an expensive or flashy website to effectively establish your business online. A simple one-page website that describes who you are and what you do will help build trust with prospective clients and show that you're a dedicated professional.

Google Business Profile:

Creating a Google Business Profile for your officiant services is one of the best decisions you can make. This will help prospective clients find your business online, as your Google business page will show up whenever local couples search for a wedding officiant in your area. You can also post seasonal updates and promotions to attract more couples.

Reviews:

Don't be shy when it comes to asking couples for reviews. Once you've officiated a wedding or two, send your couple a follow-up email a few days or weeks after the ceremony (or after their honeymoon) to wish them well and include a link to your Facebook or Google business page where they can submit a review.

Cross-promotion:

Cross-promotion is a powerful way to get referrals and build a strong business network in your region. For example, you could offer to recommend a bakery to your clients if the bakery agrees to display your business cards or flyers. You can also provide referrals on your website by placing links to other wedding-related businesses, such as florists, photographers, caterers, facilities, and wedding planners.

Stay informed:

Keep up with wedding trends by reading wedding publications, visiting message boards, and staying in touch with local wedding planners. This will help you cater to niche markets within the demographics of the bride and groom, such as older couples, same-sex couples, or couples with families before tying the knot.

Frequently asked questions