I Do Weddings by Elizabeth
Elizabeth Shama
Marriage Commissioner for Prince Edward Island
A personalized wedding ceremony created just for you, incorporating family or religious traditions, unity symbols, readings, personal vows, and more.
Our initial getting to know you meeting is a time for me to learn about your love story, how you met and got engaged, and a little background on your families. We will discuss what is important for you, how you want to express it on your wedding day, and look at some of the practical needs to make this day everything you dreamed of.
Once I have researched and drafted your wedding ceremony, we will meet a second time to fine-tune the ceremony and discuss the choreography of the day. Our final meeting before your wedding day will be at the rehearsal to walk through the ceremony, making sure everyone knows their place and cues.
In the week following the wedding, I will hand deliver your marriage papers to Vital Statistics.
Cost $450
A standard wedding ceremony is used, which includes a short note of welcome, the mandatory legal requirements (Statement of Marriage), simple vows or exchanging of rings, and readings of your choosing.
We will meet once to review the ceremony and discuss your vision for the day.
In the week following the wedding, I will hand deliver your marriage papers to Vital Statistics.
Cost $300
Please note: My attendance at a rehearsal is an additional service and is not included with this ceremony. I’d be happy to attend if you’d like—some couples appreciate the extra support, while others enjoy keeping things simple. Either way, the choice is completely yours.
When you are having a family member or friend officiate your wedding, I will attend the ceremony to perform the mandatory legal requirements (Statement of Marriage). This includes consultation with the family/friend officiating for the correct placement of the legal requirements within the pre-planned ceremony.
In the week following the wedding, I will hand deliver your marriage papers to Vital Statistics.
Cost is $225
This simple ceremony includes a note of introduction and the mandatory legal requirements (Statement of Marriage).
In the week following the wedding, I will hand deliver your marriage papers to Vital Statistics.
Cost $150
Things to note for all four ceremonies
Requirements
If you are happy and in love, I would be honoured to officiate your wedding, no matter your situation.
A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required upon booking, with the balance due no later than one month before your wedding.
Couples are responsible for obtaining their marriage licence from PEI Vital Statistics.
Couples from outside PEI—or outside Canada—are welcome to marry here, as long as they obtain a licence from PEI Vital Statistics.
Two witnesses aged 18 or older are required. With advance notice, I can provide witnesses for an additional fee.
Optional Extras & Notes
- I am available to officiate anywhere on PEI.
(Travel fees may apply.) - I am available to attend rehearsals for an additional fee, if this service is not already included in your package.
- Some churches allow marriage commissioners to officiate; please check with your church and obtain permission before beginning your planning.
- I am always touched when couples invite me to their rehearsal dinner or wedding celebration. While I truly appreciate the kindness, I prefer to keep my role focused on your ceremony, so I kindly decline those invitations.
How to get a Marriage License in PEI
Taken from the Prince Edward Island Vital Statistic webpage:
- You must have a PEI marriage license before you can be married on PEI.
- A marriage license is valid for three months. It will be issued on site, so you do not have to wait for it to be processed or delivered to you.
- Book an appointment with Vital Statistics.
- Both you and your future spouse are required to attend the appointment to get your marriage licence.
***At this appointment, you will receive a marriage registration package for the officiant performing your marriage ceremony.