Last reviewed: July 29, 2026. This guide is a planning framework, not legal or financial advice. Marriage rules, licence procedures, fees, and timelines vary by province or territory and can change. Always use the official government page for the place where the ceremony will occur.
Before paying non-refundable deposits, confirm who can legally marry you, which documents are required, when to obtain the licence, how long it remains valid, witness requirements, and how the marriage will be registered. For example, review the current official guidance for Ontario, British Columbia, or Quebec. Couples marrying elsewhere should consult that province or territory’s official service.
Choose a total amount that includes taxes, service charges, tips where applicable, travel, attire alterations, permits, insurance, overtime, and a contingency. Ask every supplier for a written quote showing what is included and when the price can change.
A realistic guest range affects room capacity, catering, rentals, transport, accommodation, and accessibility. Ask venues for capacity based on your intended layout—not only the room’s maximum standing capacity.
Use directory listings to create a shortlist, then confirm the business through its official website or direct contact. Check availability, current services, who will perform the work, insurance where relevant, travel costs, deliverables, backup arrangements, and recent references. A live directory profile is not a guarantee of availability or performance.
The contract should identify both parties, the date and location, exact services and deliverables, payment dates, taxes, overtime, substitutions, travel, cancellation and postponement rules, liability, image or music rights where relevant, and what happens if the supplier cannot perform.
Four to eight weeks before the wedding, reconfirm the timeline, guest count deadlines, accessibility requests, meals for contracted staff, delivery windows, contacts, balances, permits, and weather backup. In the final week, give vendors one shared schedule and one designated day-of contact.
See the Canada Wedding Directory to browse venues and services, and read our editorial and verification policy before relying on a listing.