What to Expect from a Wedding Ceremony | Vancity Officiant Wedding Guide
- Vancity Officiant
- Jul 10
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 17
When it’s not just about the steps, but about the feeling behind them.
One of the most common questions we get is:“Can we please learn some more about what the ceremony will entail?”
And we understand, because the ceremony isn’t just a segment of your wedding day. It’s the heart of it. It’s where time slows, and two people stand in stillness, making something unseen become real.
So here’s a gentle glimpse into what a wedding ceremony with us feels like. Not every word, because we keep those for the couples we walk with, but enough to help you feel what’s possible.
THE CEREMONY FLOW: IN FEELING, NOT JUST FORMAT
1. Arrival & Grounding
You’ll feel the shift even before a word is spoken. The space settles. Breath slows. Guests begin to lean in. Something sacred begins, not because it’s dramatic, but because it’s true.
2. Words to Welcome
We begin with warmth, not formality. Our words don’t sound like they’ve been copied from a manual, they sound like they were written with you in mind, even before we met.
3. Reflection or Story
Sometimes it’s your love story. Sometimes it’s a quiet moment that speaks volumes. This isn’t “adding a personal touch.” It’s honouring what made you choose each other.
4. Declaration of Intent & Vows
This is the part where everything becomes official—and deeply personal.
The Declaration of Intent is the legal heart of the ceremony, where each of you is asked, clearly and directly, if you are entering into this marriage freely and wholeheartedly. It’s usually just a few lines, but it carries all the weight of choice.
From there, we move into your vows: the spoken promises that give shape to the life you’re building together. You might write your own, borrow words that resonate, or speak simply and truly in the moment.
There is no pressure to perform. Whether you’re reading from paper or speaking from the heart, we hold space for whatever way your truth wants to come through. Even if your voice shakes, especially if your voice shakes, it’s still powerful. Because it’s real.
5. Exchange of Rings
This part may seem familiar, but there’s something quietly different about the way we do it.
Before the rings are placed, there’s a moment just between the two of you. A pause. A shared breath. A small gesture that fills the rings with more than just metal: with warmth, with memory, with something only the two of you can feel.
It’s subtle. No one watching may notice what’s happened. But those who hold the rings always do. And somehow, when the exchange comes, it lands differently. As if the rings already know where they belong.
It’s a little moment we don’t talk much about. But it works. Every time.
6. Signing the Legal Documents
In British Columbia, legal marriage requires signing during the ceremony. But with us, even this “official” part is held with the same quiet care; sometimes in view, sometimes private, always meaningful. We will invite your two witnesses to sign on your documents to make your marriage legal.
7. Unity Ritual (Optional, but Deeply Meaningful)
Some couples choose to include a unity ritual, a moment that symbolizes the joining of your lives in a way beyond words.
Whether it’s blending water, planting a tree, sharing tea, or honouring ancestors, these gestures are quiet but powerful. They don’t need to be long or elaborate. Just sincere.
This part is never required. But when it happens, it often becomes one of the most memorable moments: for you, and for those who witness it.
8. Pronouncement
Genuine and warm blessing from your officiant, often more emotional than you expected. And it's the first time to hear yourselves being called Mr. & Mrs.!
WHY WE DON’T SHARE THE FULL SCRIPT PUBLICLY
We believe your ceremony isn’t something pre-written or mass-produced. It’s something we co-create, and sometimes, even co-feel in the moment.
The words we speak are shaped by who you are, how you love, and what you value. While we prepare with care and intention, we also stay present enough to respond to the moment. Some of the most meaningful lines are the ones that arrive when you’re looking at each other, not from a page, but from the heart.
And truthfully? Our scripts aren’t something that can be simply “read” by someone else. The words only carry their full meaning when spoken with the energy, the timing, and the care they were created in. You could hand the script to a friend, but it wouldn’t land the same. Because it’s not about the script. It’s about the space we hold.
This isn’t secrecy. It’s sacredness.
ABOUT PROOFREADING THE SCRIPT
We understand some couples want to review every line in advance, but we’re probably not the right fit if that’s what you’re seeking.
We don’t offer word-for-word script approvals, because what we offer is not a performance, it’s a heartfelt blessing. When you work with us, you’re trusting that we’ve listened, we’ve prepared, and we’ll speak with integrity and care.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US
A calm and present guide, not a performer, not an MC
A ceremony that feels emotionally grounded, not theatrical
A process that supports you, without overwhelming you
A sense of being seen, not just as clients, but as two souls choosing one another
If that’s the kind of ceremony you're hoping for, we’d be honoured to meet you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long is a wedding ceremony in Vancouver, BC? Most ceremonies are 20 to 30 minutes, depending on what’s included. We adjust the flow to match your style and comfort.
Why don’t you write vows for couples? Because we believe your vows should come from you, not from us.
We’re here to guide, encourage, and hold the emotional space for you to find your words, not to replace your voice. The promises you make deserve to be real, even if they’re simple. Even if your voice shakes.
We can offer examples and help you clarify what you want to say. But the words themselves? They mean more when they’re yours.
Can we include our culture, language, or spirituality? Absolutely. We honour what’s meaningful to you: whether it’s bilingual wording, cultural rituals, or spiritual blessings.
What if we’re shy or nervous? Many of our couples feel this way, and that’s okay. We create an atmosphere where you can relax and be fully present, just as you are.
Is signing part of the ceremony? In BC, the legal license must be signed during the ceremony with two witnesses. When couples choose to include the legal component, we make that moment smooth and seamless, whether it’s done in front of guests or quietly afterward.
That said, not every ceremony has to be legal to be meaningful.We also officiate non-legal or symbolic ceremonies for couples who’ve already signed elsewhere, or who want to mark their commitment in a heartfelt, spiritual way, without paperwork.
Either way, the moment you say “I do” with presence and intention, it’s real.
No two ceremonies we create are the same. But they all have something in common:They are heartfelt. They are present. They are real.
If that’s what you’re looking for, we’d love to walk with you into it.
Feel free to reach out! We’re here when you’re ready. You can also email us directly or send a quick message on WhatsApp if that feels easier.
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