FAQ. 

I am Chris Kirby, a certified Wedding Officiant. I am licenced by the Registrar General of Ontario. I am a non-religious clergy person registered under Humanist Canada. I am authorized to provide legal marriage services in the Province of Ontario.

I am trained in performing funerals and naming ceremonies through Humanist Canada.

I am located in Halton Hills, Ontario and provide services throughout the GTA. I am open to travelling with enough notice.

Why would I use a Humanist Officiant for my wedding? 

In Ontario there are only a few ways to become legally married. You can be married by a Judge or Justice of the Peace, a City clerk employee who is able to conduct city hall weddings, or a member of the clergy. A Humanist Officiant is a non-religious clergy person. We are registered under the Ontario Humanist Society and are authorized to provide legal marriage services in the Province of Ontario.

Can a friend or family member marry me?

In Ontario, the answer is no, unless the family member or friend is a Judge, Justice of the Peace, a City clerk employee who is able to conduct city hall weddings or a member of the clergy. That said, Humanist Officiants can work with your family member or friend to provide a joint service. The legalese must be done by someone legally registered in the province, but the rest of the service can be lead by someone of your choosing.

Do you have sample ceremonies for me to see?

Yes, I do. Please click on the Sample Ceremonies page to check out some sample ceremonies. Ceremonies can be customized to suit, created from scratch or we can use one already in my repertoire.  

What is the cost for a Humanist Officiant to marry us?

Well, that depends on factors like time, rehearsal participation, distance, etc. Please contact me at chris@birchwoodceremonies.ca and I would be happy to answer your questions.

What does a Humanist Officiant funeral look like?

A Humanist lead funeral is a non-religious and personal funeral ceremony. It can be an elegant farewell or a casual celebration of a life. It is a ceremony recognizing the profound sadness of saying goodbye, while celebrating the life and legacy of a loved one.

What is the cost for a Humanist Officiant to conduct a funeral?

In most cases the flat rate will be $200, however distance and additional participation may increase the cost.

What is a re-naming ceremony?

Re-naming ceremonies are used to celebrate a trans person changing their name and commemorating their new beginning. It is an opportunity to recognize this important moment. A re-naming ceremony can be seen as a rite of passage, a chance to say to those around you, this is who I am. These ceremonies can be customized to your needs and wants.

What is the cost for a Humanist Officiant to conduct a re-naming ceremony?

In most cases the flat rate will be $200, however distance and additional participation may increase the cost.