Discover Young Hip & Married’s best ceremony planning resources to help you plan the wedding ceremony or elopement of your dreams!
More and more couples are choosing to add a wedding prayer into their wedding ceremony. Whether you’re religious or not, if you’re looking for a special way to bless your marriage and bring the focus back to what’s most important to you, a wedding prayer is a powerful way to do that.
What is a wedding prayer?
A wedding prayer is a short prayer, blessing or reading that is recited during the wedding day. Generally, these prayers call on a religious or spiritual figure to bless the couple and their marriage. However, you don’t have to be religious, or specifically Christian, to incorporate a blessing into your wedding day.
Check out our list of the 27 best wedding prayers for your wedding ceremony to find the perfect prayer for you! Whether you choose to honour your religious beliefs, spirituality, culture or traditions, this list is a great starting point.
by Erica Miller Photography
Who should say the wedding prayer?
Depending on the type of ceremony you’re having, there may be a specific person who recites the wedding prayer. For example, if you’re getting married in a religious institution, generally the religious leader will say a traditional wedding blessing.
But at the end of the day, it’s really up to you! You can ask your officiant to incorporate a wedding prayer into your ceremony, have a member of your wedding party do a spiritual reading, or ask a parent to say a blessing. This is also a great chance to invite a family elder or guest of honour to participate in your ceremony by reciting your chosen wedding prayer.
When is the prayer said during the ceremony?
With Young Hip & Married’s Custom & Creative Ceremony package, you can work with your officiant to design the script for your ceremony and incorporate a prayer wherever you think is best. Your officiant is happy to make suggestions that will work best for overall flow.
Many couples choose to start their ceremony with a prayer, setting the tone for a powerful ceremony to follow, or end their ceremony with a prayer, as a meaningful way to close. Of course, you can also incorporate a blessing into the middle of the ceremony or even as you’re signing your marriage licence.
by Erica Miller Photographyby Erica Miller Photography
How else can you incorporate a prayer into your wedding day?
Wedding prayers don’t have to be limited to just the ceremony and they don’t always have to be recited aloud. Here are a few more ways to incorporate your favourite wedding prayers, blessings or readings into your wedding day:
Add a prayer to your ceremony program for guests to read before or after the ceremony.
Put your favourite blessing on your wedding website to help set the tone for the wedding day.
Incorporate a prayer into your wedding favours, such as inscribing a photo frame with a verse from your chosen prayer.
Ask an honoured guest to say a prayer at your wedding reception. This is often done before dinner is served to bless both the couple and the yummy food!
If your religion or spirituality is very important to you, you may want to start your wedding day with a prayer. This could be something you do with your wedding party as you’re getting ready or alone before you walk into your ceremony.
You could also take a private moment to reflect on a wedding prayer together as a couple. This is a great way to focus on what matters most to both of you during your special day!
Will you be adding a wedding prayer to your wedding day? Don’t forget to check out our list of 27 prayers to find the perfect one for you!
written by Riana Ang-Canning
How do you know what type of wedding ceremony is right for you? Do you want an intimate ceremony with just you two or a larger party where you can be surrounded by everyone who loves and cares for you? Do you want a custom ceremony written specifically for you or do you prefer to keep your love story totally private?
At Young Hip & Married, we offer a variety of wedding ceremony packages to suit your needs. Whether your wedding is big or small, on a mountaintop or in a ballroom, totally customized or more traditional, we have the perfect wedding ceremony package for you!
Still not sure which ceremony or officiant is right for you? Reach out to us! Our Customer Service Rockstars would be happy to chat through the options or customize something just for you.
We can’t wait to help you have your wedding, your way with your ceremony in your style!
written by Riana Ang-Canning
feature image by Erica Miller Photography
We’re so excited to introduce Young Hip & Married’s new ceremony packages! Find the perfect officiant package for your wedding ceremony from one of our awesome choices below. Whether you’re looking for an officiant to tell your personal love story in front of all of your friends and family or a private moment on a snowcapped mountaintop or deep in the forest, we have the ceremony package for you!
Please note that the package descriptions below are current as of December 2021. For the latest package details and pricing, please visit our ceremonies page. And if you have any questions or need help picking the perfect package for your wedding, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Option #1: Custom & Creative
by Christie Graham Photographyby Isle and Oak Photography
The Custom & Creative ceremony (previously: The Rockin’ Wedding) is Young Hip & Married’s signature wedding ceremony package. In this package, we get to do what we do best: Write you a custom ceremony script personalized to your love story (with unlimited edits by you) and share that story with all of your friends and family. We’re with you from start to finish, including at your wedding rehearsal.
What’s included in the Custom & Creative ceremony?
Your Custom & Creative ceremony is comprised of a processional and welcome, customized words about marriage and your love story, optional readings of your choice, any additional creative elements you and your officiant decide on, wedding vows written by you or provided by your officiant, an optional ring exchange, the signing of the marriage licence, the pronouncement of your marriage and recessional back up the aisle.
Your Custom & Creative ceremony includes:
Complimentary consultation (to make sure you like us).
Customized ceremony tailored to who you are as individuals and that tells your story as a couple, handcrafted for you by your experienced officiant.
Peace of mind knowing word for word what your officiant is going to say (no surprises on the big day!).
Unlimited ceremony edits and revisions, as well as full control over the final draft.
Continual phone/email contact with your officiant to ensure your ceremony is exactly what you want.
Access to our amazing network of wedding professionals and resources.
Coordination of your rehearsal.
Early arrival at your wedding to chat with the photographer, planner & DJ to make sure all goes as planned.
Performance and facilitation of your ceremony (of course!).
Legal registration of your marriage after the ceremony.
A large team of “back-up” officiants in case your officiant has an emergency.
A ceremony you and your guests will remember for the rest of your lives!
Young Hip & Married is proud to offer a 100% Money Back Guarantee!
Who is the Custom & Creative ceremony for?
The Custom & Creative ceremony is perfect for you if:
You want a rehearsal led by an experienced officiant.
You want your ceremony to be completely customized to the two of you – telling your personal love story – with unlimited edits.
You want a smooth & stress-free booking process, an officiant you can trust, and a ceremony you’ll remember for the rest of your lives!
The Sweet & Simple ceremony is perfect for couples who are having a larger celebration, but don’t need as many personal elements. You still get the Young Hip & Married experience, a meaningful ceremony and stress-free booking process, but without a custom script or rehearsal.
What’s included in the Sweet & Simple ceremony?
The Sweet & Simple ceremony is comprised of a processional and welcome, words about marriage written by your wedding officiant and/or a reading of your choice, wedding vows written by you or provided by your officiant, an optional ring exchange, the signing of the marriage licence, the pronouncement of your marriage and recessional back up the aisle.
Your Sweet & Simple ceremony includes:
Complimentary consultation (to make sure you like us).
Peace of mind knowing word for word what your officiant is going to say (no surprises on the big day!).
Continual phone/email contact with your officiant to ensure your ceremony is exactly what you want.
Access to our amazing network of wedding professionals and resources.
Early arrival at your wedding to chat with the photographer, planner & DJ to make sure all goes as planned.
Performance and facilitation of your ceremony (of course!).
Legal registration of your marriage after the ceremony.
A large team of “back-up” officiants in case your officiant has an emergency and can’t make it.
A ceremony you and your guests will remember for the rest of your lives!
Young Hip & Married is proud to offer a 100% Money Back Guarantee!
Who is the Sweet & Simple ceremony for?
The Sweet & Simple ceremony package is perfect for you if:
You’re having a wedding with more than 20 guests.
You don’t need a rehearsal (but if you do, we can always add one!).
You want your ceremony to be meaningful but you don’t need the script to be custom written just for you.
You want a smooth & stress-free booking process, an officiant you can trust, and a ceremony you’ll remember for the rest of your lives!
The Intimate Elopement ceremony is another favourite amongst the Young Hip & Married team. We love marrying couples in smaller weddings where everything feels more personal and true to you two. Perfect for the couple who wants a casual, but meaningful, moment to solidify their bond of marriage.
What’s included in the Intimate Elopement?
The Intimate Elopement ceremony is comprised of words about marriage written by your wedding officiant or a reading of your choice picked out by you, wedding vows written by you or provided by your officiant, an optional ring exchange, and the signing of the marriage licence. There is no processional or recessional as this ceremony is quick and intimate.
The Intimate Elopement ceremony package includes:
Short and sweet legalization of your marriage, in person, with both parties and up to 10 guests. For more than 10 guests, please request a quote.
Facilitation of simple readings and/or vows, if requested.
Legal registration of your marriage after the ceremony.
A relaxed, informal atmosphere for you to make your own moment.
Young Hip & Married is proud to offer a 100% Money Back Guarantee!
Who is the Intimate Elopement for?
The Intimate Elopement is perfect for you if:
You want an intimate wedding moment with 0-20 guests.
You want a wedding without the frills. No pomp and circumstance, just love!
You want your ceremony to be meaningful but short. You don’t need the script to be custom written.
You want a smooth & stress-free booking process, an officiant you can trust, and a ceremony you’ll remember for the rest of your lives!
by Deanna Rachel Photographyby Emily Nicole Photos
The Intimate Elopement + Photography package has everything our Intimate Elopement ceremony offers, with the addition of photography. Take all of the hard work off your plate when you book your officiant and wedding photographer at the same time!
What’s included in the Intimate Elopement + Photography?
This ceremony package includes everything in Option #3: Intimate Elopement plus:
1 hour of professional photography to capture the moments before, during and after your elopement ceremony.
50+ fully-retouched high-resolution images displayed in an online gallery with instant downloads available and a print release of your images so that you may print at your convenience.
Please note that this ceremony package is only available in BC & AB
Who is the Intimate Elopement + Photography for?
The Intimate Elopement package is perfect for anyone who fits the criteria for an Intimate Elopement and also wants to include photography. It’s a popular options for couples who want to elope and capture their memories, without hiring too many vendors, or out of town couples who want a one-stop-shop for booking their elopement.
by Erica Miller Photographyby Amber Leigh Photography
For couples looking to tie the knot in an incredibly intimate and unique way, plus have the photos to prove it, we have our Helicopter Elopement + Photography ceremony package. Take a ride with our helicopter partners and say your vows in an unbelievable Lower Mainland location!
What’s included in the Helicopter Elopement + Photography?
The Helicopter Elopement ceremony is comprised of words about marriage written by your wedding officiant or a reading of your choice picked out by you, wedding vows written by you or provided by your officiant, an optional ring exchange, and the signing of the marriage licence. There is no processional or recessional as this ceremony is quick and intimate (and often on top of a mountain!).
The Helicopter Elopement ceremony package includes:
Helicopter flight to a scenic and private weather-dependant location for the couple, our officiant and our photographer. If you are interested in bringing guests, please request a quote.
Short and sweet legalization of your marriage, in person, with both parties and up to 10 guests. For more than 10 guests, please request a quote.
Facilitation of simple readings and/or vows, if requested.
Legal registration of your marriage after the ceremony.
A relaxed, informal atmosphere for you to make your own moment.
90 minute experience (30 min fly time, 60 min at the landing location) with professional photography throughout to capture the moments before, during and after your elopement ceremony.
75+ fully-retouched high-resolution images displayed in an online gallery with instant downloads available and a print release of your images so that you may print at your convenience.
Young Hip & Married is proud to offer a 100% Money Back Guarantee
A few more things to know about our Helicopter Elopement + Photography ceremony package:
Helicopter elopements are only available in the Lower Mainland.
Weight restrictions do apply for helicopter elopements.
Who is the Helicopter Elopement + Photography for?
The Helicopter Elopement + Photography package is perfect for you if:
You’re ready for an adventure (and some pretty epic photos!).
You want an intimate wedding with just you two or up to six guests.
You want your ceremony to be meaningful but short. You don’t need the script to be custom written.
You understand that inclement weather may mean your elopement is postponed or we head to your approved back up location (Pitt Lake is a favourite!).
You want a smooth & stress-free booking process, an officiant you can trust, and a ceremony you’ll remember for the rest of your lives!
Which Young Hip & Married ceremony package is perfect for your wedding? Once you’ve decided, click the button below to book your wedding officiant. Or if you’re not sure which package is right for you, reach out and we’ll help you decide.
At Young Hip & Married, we strive to make our wedding ceremonies as personal and inclusive as possible. One of the goals of our blog is to share our practices, tips and ideas with you so you can create a better ceremony and so we can improve together.
One small way we’re changing our ceremonies is by including a land acknowledgment. This is something some of our officiants have been doing for years and is a new thing to others. In March 2021, we reached out to our team of officiants with a simple invitation to include a land acknowledgment at the beginning of every wedding ceremony.
We are not the experts. In writing this blog post, we wanted to share what we’re doing and why, as well as resources for more information.
What is a land acknowledgment? Why do we say them?
A land acknowledgment, also known as a territory acknowledgment, is a simple way for us to show respect and insert an awareness of Indigenous presence and land rights in everyday life, as well as recognize the history of colonialism and a need for change in settler-colonial societies.
These acknowledgments should be made as meaningful practice to confront the history, role and privileges of colonialism, and not simply as a token gesture.
As officiants, we often have the pleasure of leading ceremonies in beautiful locations around Canada. We are honoured to take a moment to bring our couples and their guests back to the land and remind them of the original caretakers.
We also have the pleasure of officiating weddings for many international couples. By including a land acknowledgment, we are able to share more of our country’s history and culture with our international visitors.
by Deanna Rachel Photography
How do you say a land acknowledgment?
Native Land suggests a simple format of, “I want to acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of [nation names].”
For example, Officiant Jane shares that for her weddings in Vancouver she says, “We want to begin by acknowledging with gratitude that we are gathered here on the unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-waututh Nations.”
Native Land has an incredible map that you can use to find out on which land your wedding is taking place: https://native-land.ca/
In addition to learning on which nation’s territory your wedding is taking place, it’s also important to take the time to learn how the nation names are properly pronounced.
Here are some common areas in British Columbia, their corresponding First Nation(s), and pronunciation.
provided by BC General Employees’ Union
When do you say a land acknowledgment during your wedding ceremony?
Our officiants will often begin your wedding ceremony with a land acknowledgment, said before or after they welcome guests to your celebration. These acknowledgments are typically said at the beginning of an event.
You may also choose to say a land acknowledgment at your reception, particularly if you are welcoming new guests or have moved to a different nation’s territory, or at any other wedding events, such as your engagement party or rehearsal dinner.
Note that if your officiant doesn’t have a land acknowledgment in their script but you would like one said at your ceremony, speak up! You can absolutely request that a land acknowledgment be added to your wedding. Conversely, if you’d like to have the acknowledgment removed for whatever reason, you can also make this request.
by Amber Leigh Photography
What else can you do?
Beyond the brief acknowledgment, Native Land suggests reflecting on the following questions:
Why is this acknowledgement happening?
How does this acknowledgement relate to the event or work you are doing?
What is the history of this territory? What are the impacts of colonialism here?
What is your relationship to this territory? How did you come to be here?
What intentions do you have to disrupt and dismantle colonialism beyond this territory acknowledgement?
Of course, including a territory acknowledgment in your wedding ceremony is just one small way to bring about awareness to Indigenous presence, history and culture. There are many other steps we can all take to work towards reconciliation.
Attending Indigenous-led events (where non-Indigenous people are welcome), calling on your MP for further action, protecting and highlighting Indigenous stories, and continuing to engage your non-Indigenous friends and family on the issues facing Canada’s Indigenous peoples.
Once again, we are not the experts here. While we did conduct research in the writing of this blog post and resource list, it is not exhaustive and we surely have room to improve. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have corrections or suggestions for how we can do better.
Almost every couple who has planned a wedding has asked themselves at some point, “Should we just elope?” Some couples ask this in exasperation when planning a big wedding has gotten to be too much while others seriously consider if an elopement is right for them.
Of course in covid times, even more couples are contemplating an elopement (or micro wedding), as it’s the safest way to get married right now. But even before covid (and in a post-covid world too!) these smaller weddings have been and will be a great option for some couples. Micro weddings have come a long way in recent years and don’t have to involve going down to the courthouse in secret or running off to Vegas.
But is an elopement right for you? There is no right answer but below we’ve put together some reasons why you might want to consider eloping.
by Erica Miller Photography
You can still have a party
A lot of couples say no to eloping because they want to have a big party with all of their friends. Good news: You can do both! Throughout covid, we’ve seen a huge trend of “elope now and party later”weddings.
Couples get legally married now in a small and safe ceremony with plans to host a big reception party when it’s safe to do so. This is a great way to have both a small and intimate ceremony and a big party on the dance floor.
You can get married now
One of the reasons why some couples choose to elope, especially during this pandemic, is because it’s the safe way to get married right now. In many areas, large ceremonies and receptions are banned, meaning micro weddings are the only option if you want to tie the knot without waiting.
Many couples are pivoting and choosing to downsize instead of postponing a larger wedding. And the best news? They are so happy with their decision! An elopement was their dream wedding after all.
And even without a pandemic in the picture, small weddings can happen with much less notice than larger weddings. We’ve gotten couples married with 24 hours’ notice!
What if your family isn’t on board with an elopement?
Many couples feel they can’t elope because their families won’t be on board. We get it. This can be a huge adjustment for a family that has only known 200+ guest weddings. The most important thing is that you and your partner are on the same page.
If you’re getting married under pandemic restrictions, your family should be more understanding of your choice since you can’t invite lots of guests. And hopefully those who don’t understand will come around in time. Even if they don’t get to witness your wedding in person, they can still celebrate your marriage with you for the rest of your life!
Back in the day, eloping meant running away and getting married in secret with just the couple and an officiant. Sometimes it was hopping a plane to Vegas or heading to the courthouse on your lunch hour (fun fact: In BC you can’t actually get married at the courthouse!). But these days, elopements can be so much more.
Weddings are not cheap and they take up a lot of time. The average couple spends 12-18 months planning a wedding that costs them more than $30,000. With an elopement, you’re able to slash both of those numbers by quite a lot.
The biggest expense in a wedding is the guests, as more people means more food, a larger venue, more decor pieces, etc. But if you choose a smaller wedding day, they don’t cost as much. They’re also less time-consuming to plan, as there are usually not as many elements or vendors involved.
You can still have your special day
While elopements are cheaper and less work to plan than larger weddings, they can still be very special. The best part about an intimate wedding is that it can be more personal. If it’s meaningful to you to get married in your living room with your fur babies by your feet in jeans and t-shirts, that’s exactly what you can do.
Or if a special day for you involves a floral arch or even getting married on top of a mountain in a helicopter elopement, you can do that too! These weddings allow you to be more flexible and creative, choosing options that wouldn’t be possible with a larger guest list.
by Amber Leigh Photography
Elopements put the focus back on you two
The reason why we love elopements so much is because the focus really is on the two of you. There isn’t as much going on and there aren’t as many people, so the ceremony becomes the focal point of the day. Small ceremonies are so meaningful and often the most emotional and intimate ceremonies we get to officiate. We love that elopements are all about you two and the focus is where it should be, on your marriage.
But they’re not for everyone…
So even though we love small weddings, we know they’re not for everyone. And we do love big weddings too! If you’ve read through all the points above and still don’t want to elope, that’s cool. You can still bring the best parts of an intimate affair into your big wedding – even if that wedding is postponed to safer times.
Focus on ways to make your ceremony, and your wedding day as a whole, more about the two of you and your marriage, and less about the extras. You’ll look back on your wedding day with no regrets if your marriage is at the centre of your wedding planning.
The idea to elope now & party later has been a big trend we’ve seen in 2020/2021. And while it’s not for everyone, we are here for it! If you want to elope now and have your wedding reception at a later date, that might be a great idea.
But what does it actually mean to elope now and party later? You would get legally married in a small ceremony now, and save your big wedding reception until a better time when big gatherings are safer. It’s a great alternative to postponing your wedding and there are some convincing reasons to consider eloping now and partying at your wedding reception later.
You don’t have to wait to get married
One of the best reasons to elope now and party later is that you don’t have to wait. You can get legally married right now. You’ll have a smaller ceremony, following all local rules for health and safety, but you will be able to get legally married. This is perfect for couples who don’t want to wait.
Whether you’re tired of planning a wedding that might be years in the future, you need to get married for reasons related to immigration or insurance, or you just want to move on with your life, eloping now lets you do that.
by Erica Miller Photography
You get the best of both worlds if you elope now & party later
By choosing to elope now and party later, you get the best of both worlds. You get to have the intimate celebration AND the big party. So you can have the backyard ceremony with just your small circle of witnesses, personal vows and a day that is truly about you two and your love. And you can also have the big dance floor and all-night rager with all of your friends and family.
There’s less pressure if you elope now and save your reception for later
Ask any married couple and they’ll probably tell you their wedding day was super stressful. They were nervous about saying their vows, stressed about getting their photos done on time, and worried when the caterer was running late. But with the elope now/party later method, there’s a lot less pressure.
On your elopement day, all you have to worry about is getting married. You have lots of time to take photos because you’re not rushing off to your ceremony. And you don’t have to be nervous about saying your vows in front of everyone because you’ll only have a small guest list.
And at your reception, you’ll be able to just focus on having a good time. After all, you’re already married!
Another thing you’ll hear from a lot of married couples? Your wedding day goes by in the blink of an eye. After months (or years!) of planning, your day is done before you know it. But if you choose to elope now and have your reception later, you can keep the party going!
You get to have I Do, Part 2!
This is a great opportunity to keep your wedding day going and to work with vendors who may have been busy on your original date (or to work with your same vendors again, if you loved them). It’s also something to look forward to once the world is a safer place.
There are no rules!
If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that there are no rules when it comes to weddings (besides the very important health and safety rules, of course). But weddings have looked very different this year and that’s a trend we think will continue for years to come. So you can make your wedding whatever you want it to be.
Your intimate elopement can be just you two (and your officiant!) in jeans and t-shirts at your local park. Or you can wear your full wedding outfits, book a venue and have your guests attend via live stream. For your future reception, you can recreate the ceremony and have a vow renewal, or it can just be a big dance party. It’s up to you!
by Erica Miller Photography
Tips if you want to elope now & party at your wedding reception later
If you’re thinking about eloping now and partying at your reception later, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Have the elopement you want! 2020 has shown us that the future is uncertain, and you never know where life will take you, so make sure your intimate elopement is exactly what you want it to be.
It’s okay if you change your mind. You may elope now and realize you don’t actually want the big party. Or you may plan to postpone, but then decide an elopement makes more sense.
There is no set timeline. Just because you elope this year does not mean you have to hold your reception next year. You can push it out to 2022/2023, hold it on your 5 year anniversary or whenever you want!
If you don’t feel comfortable setting a date for your party, leave it up in the air. There’s no pressure to book right now.
On the other hand, you may want to have something to look forward to and lock in vendors. In that case, you can book. Just make sure you read your contracts and you’re comfortable with everything.
Ready to elope now & party at your reception later?
Planning an intimate wedding in Victoria or on Vancouver Island? We’ve got you covered with our Vancouver Island Elopement & Photography Package. It’s everything you need for a beautiful micro wedding in one of the most beautiful places in Canada.
Our Vancouver Island Elopement & Photography Package includes:
Simple legalization of your marriage in a short and sweet ceremony with up to 20 guests
Facilitation of a reading and/or vows
All of the paperwork required to register your marriage after the fact
1 hour of professional photography
50+ fully-retouched high-resolution images displayed in an online gallery with instant downloads available
The full support of our office staff to help you find the perfect place to elope and pull it off without a hitch!
The Vancouver Island Elopement & Photography Package is perfect for the couple who wants their day to be small, but incredibly special. With an elopement, you can make things as casual or as formal as you want, choosing to get married in jeans and t-shirts or tuxes and ball gowns. You can create memories of your special day now, while still having a large reception or party in the future if you want to.
With an elopement, you can put the focus back where it should be, on your marriage, knowing that we have the meaningful, legal ceremony and photography to capture your memories totally under control.
At Young Hip & Married, we are passionate about weddings big and small, but we have a soft spot for intimate elopements. We love the chance for couples to be themselves and to focus on just their love, without anything else getting in the way.
Below we’re chatting with two members of the Young Hip & Married Vancouver Island team all about the awesome elopement package!
Officiant Chris-Ann (Charlie) & Photographer Taylor
Please introduce yourselves!
Charlie: Hi, I’m Chris-Ann (otherwise known as Charlie). She/her are my pronouns. I am a licensed wedding officiant working with Young Hip & Married. I have been creating and officiating wedding ceremonies all over Vancouver Island for over a decade.
Taylor: My name is Taylor Roades and I am a full time photographer based in Victoria BC; originally from Toronto, ON. Over the past ten years, photography has taken me all over the world, from Cambodia to the Scottish highlands, and at home in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Travel is what is what sparked my interest in photography, but a love for life’s small joys is what brought me to weddings.
To learn more about Charlie, click here and to learn more about Taylor, click here.
Charlie, why do you love officiating elopements?
Charlie: I LOVE officiating elopements with couples because it is such a relaxing and intimate experience for everyone involved. Smaller groups naturally mean people feel more comfortable to be themselves which often produces the BEST unscripted heartfelt and humorous moments.
by Kim Jay Weddings
And Taylor, what do you love about working with Charlie?
Taylor: Charlie’s ceremony and my photography style really compliment each other; we are both laid back and take the time to get to know the people we are working for. This personalized approach to elopements really matters when there are only a few people in attendance.
Why should couples consider eloping instead of a big wedding?
Charlie: Couples should consider eloping during COVID (or anytime) because it is a huge load off from the regular amount of planning that goes into weddings. I have yet to have a couple say they regret calling off their original ceremony date and instead doing an elopement, even if they do decide to postpone their reception to a later time.
What makes Vancouver Island the perfect place for couples to elope?
Charlie: Have you been here? Vancouver Island is brag worthy! It’s a destination wedding hotspot, and to the rest of us, it’s home. Whether it’s stone churches or castles, ocean waves along sandy beaches, rainforest canopies, snow capped mountains, crystal clear lakes or famous flower gardens, Vancouver Island has it all!
Unplugged ceremonies are all the rage these days. You’ve likely seen the signs on Pinterest and heard the “no phones” announcements at weddings. But is an unplugged ceremony right for you? And, if it is, how exactly do you make today’s technology-obsessed guests unplug from their phones and cameras?
At Young Hip & Married, we’re big fans of the unplugged wedding ceremony and we think you will be too, after you read our reasons below!
But first, what is an unplugged ceremony?
Before we dive into why an unplugged ceremony is a good idea, we need to cover the basics. What is an unplugged ceremony? An unplugged ceremony is a wedding ceremony where guests are asked to put away their phones, cameras, iPads and other devices. Instead of taking their own photos and videos, and watching the ceremony from behind their screens, they’re asked to unplug and be present in the moment.
Basically, an unplugged ceremony is no screens allowed!
Check out six reasons to have an unplugged ceremony below. Plus, a bonus section on how to make an unplugged ceremony actually happen!
by kvd photography
Reason #1: An unplugged ceremony puts the focus where it should be
The most important reason to have an unplugged ceremony is because it puts the focus back where it should be, on the couple getting married.
You’ve invited all of these important people to witness one of the biggest moments in your lives. So allow them to actually be in that moment. By unplugging, your guests will be present and fully involved in your ceremony. This is especially important if you’re planning to bring your guests into the ceremony by asking them to participate in any songs or riturals, or if you’re sharing your personal love story.
by Emily Nicole Photos
Reason #2: Don’t ruin your photos with people’s screens
We’ve all seen the photos online of wedding guests who decide it’s more important for them to get a photo of your first kiss on their phones than for the professional photographer to capture that moment. Photos like that break our hearts. You’ve spent a lot of time and money on your photographer, and you deserve to have your ceremony moments perfectly captured. Don’t let Uncle Brent ruin it for everyone by standing up in the aisle during your first kiss.
Even if you don’t have any Uncle Brents and you know your guests will stay seated, they can still ruin your professional photos. Do you really want to look back at your wedding photos and see countless phone screens staring back at you? Wouldn’t you rather see your guests in your photos than their iPads or camera lenses?
Reason #3: See your guests’ faces instead of the back of their phones
Which brings us to our next point. With an unplugged ceremony, you can actually see your guests’ faces and not just their screens. Wouldn’t it be so great to see a bunch of your loved ones smiling up at you as you say your vows, instead of just seeing the backs of their phones? How will you catch that moment of your mom tearing up if she’s hiding behind her iPad? Of course you’re going to look like Hollywood royalty on your wedding day but do you really want the paparazzi treatment of a million flashing cameras at your ceremony?
by Emily Nicole Photos
Reason #4: Limit distractions with an unplugged ceremony
Just like at the movies, we ask guests to unplug to help limit distractions. With an unplugged ceremony you won’t have ringtones going off or people checking social media partway through the ceremony.
Do you know what’s really distracting? When you’re trying to say your vows but you see your cousin leaning out of her seat to snap a photo. And if you think that’s distracting to you up front, imagine how distracted all of your guests are who are seated behind your cousin!
Of course, going unplugged doesn’t mean there won’t be any distractions. Phones may still go off, babies might cry and someone might have a coughing fit. But at least you’ll help cut down on distractions by having an unplugged ceremony.
Reason #5: Respect your privacy (and your guests’!)
Your wedding day is yours. You have the right to share your day and your big news with who you want, when you want. It shouldn’t be up on Instagram without your permission before you’ve even finished saying your vows.
This is especially important if you’re having a small wedding or a secret wedding, and there are people who you couldn’t invite. Do you really want these people to find out about your wedding from a blurry photo your grandma puts on Facebook?
There’s also your guests’ privacy to consider. Not all of your guests will want to end up on social media, especially without their permission.
by Clint Bargen Photo
Reason #6: Your guests don’t need to document this moment
If anyone starts to complain about your unplugged policy, just remember: they do not need to document this moment. Plain and simple! You have hired a professional photographer who is going to take way better photos than your best friend’s old iPhone could capture. And those professional photos will be available for all of your guests to view, save and print in a few short weeks.
Plus, what are your guests planning to do with those photos? Is your co-worker really going to frame a photo of your first kiss on his living room wall? Probably not. Is your aunt going to re-watch the shaky video she took of your vows over and over again? Unlikely.
So why do guests feel like they need to photograph the ceremony? These days, we’re encouraged to document every moment and share everything on social media. Our natural reflex when we see anything is to snap a photo of it and post it somewhere. But in moments as important as a wedding ceremony, we need to question our obsession with documenting and sharing.
Sometimes, we need to put the phone down, skip the Instagram Story opportunity, and just be present.
by Frances Beatty Photo
Bonus: How to make an unplugged ceremony happen
(or: How to nicely ask your guests to put their GD phones away!)
Okay, so after reading through our six reasons, you’re convinced that an unplugged ceremony is for you. Great! But how do you actually manage to make your ceremony unplugged?
Let your guests know! Your guests, while we’re sure very intelligent and lovely people, need you to make your request for an unplugged ceremony as obvious as possible. You can put it on your wedding website and/or have signs up at your ceremony (Pinterest is full of signs with cute sayings that essentially boil down to, “Put your phone away!”). Be very clear and don’t be afraid to remind them multiple times.
Have your officiant make an announcement. One of the best ways to tell your guests about your unplugged ceremony is to have your officiant make an announcement right before the ceremony is about to start. Your officiant can explain that this is a request from you and your partner, and invite your guests to be present in the moment without their screens.
If you have any guests who you suspect will struggle with the unplugged mandate, speak with them ahead of the ceremony. That way, they can’t pretend they didn’t read your sign or weren’t listening when the officiant announced your ceremony would be unplugged. You can also designate a family member or friend to speak with any problem guests or discreetly signal to them if they try to pull out a phone mid-ceremony.
Be realistic about how unplugged your wedding will be. These days, most guests are familiar with an unplugged wedding ceremony and can handle not looking at their phones for 30 minutes. But if you also want your reception or entire wedding day to be unplugged, you’ll need to really consider how your guests will feel about that.
Odds are, if you tell your guests you want to have an unplugged ceremony (by your website, signage and/or officiant announcement), most of your guests will respect your wishes and will enjoy your ceremony so much more because they’ll be present for it. As you’re entering your ceremony, you shouldn’t be on the lookout for forbidden screens that might creep up. You should be focusing on what’s important, and what you’re asking all of your guests to focus on: You getting married!
Written by Riana Ang-Canning Feature image by Erica Miller Photography
After almost a decade of officiating here at Young Hip & Married, we have been so flattered to receive some of the nicest words from our couples. Reading these reviews put the biggest smiles on all of our faces and reminds us that we have the best job ever!
From Vancouver to Toronto and Alberta to California, from hundreds of guests at a Custom & Creative Ceremony to just two sweethearts at an elopement, from local couples to international lovebirds, and from high school sweethearts to those who have found love later in life, we are so lucky to get to do what we do: celebrate your love story, your way.
If you’re looking for an officiant or wondering what newlyweds think about their ceremonies, check out what our couples are saying about their Young Hip & Married officiant.
“My husband was the groomsman at a friend’s wedding where Lani from Young Hip & Married was the officiant. He enjoyed the ceremony so much that he insisted we go with them for our wedding ceremony. When we met with Lani, I can see why he enjoyed it so much – Lani got to know us well, and tried to incorporate our personalities, hobbies/interests into our ceremony. During our actual ceremony, she had the audience engaged, and laced together words and quotes that described us into the ceremony proceedings – to our guests, it seemed like she knew us well, like we were good friends. It was relaxed, non-traditional, but yet still touching – I was crying before we even got to the vows! Many of our friends and family said it was the best ceremony they’ve ever been to – so if you’re looking for a personalized, not boring, and non-traditional ceremony, you’ve found the right people! They also offer premarital coaching to hone communication skills to set you up in the right steps.” – Luo Lora & Clinton
“Peter, a huge thank you for marrying us!!!!!! I was hopeful for a personal, casual and totally us experience and you delivered that and more so thank you very much. We appreciated your patience and kindness with the slight delay, no pressure, and it was so great that you celebrated with us and had a glass of champagne after. You never felt rushed. We laughed through out the vows; I loved that we were able to help with them in advance yet you added thoughtful messages during the ceremony. It was perfect, all of it, thank you!” – Joey & Jason
by Eva Ariello
“Kadee was soooooo amazing!!!! Not only did she do an amazing job telling our story she was great from the beginning getting information from us. We loved that she was able to incorporate some Spanish to make all of our guests feel included in our day. We received so many compliments from our guests. We couldn’t have asked for a better ceremony.” – Claudia & Derek
“We were so happy with Jon from Young Hip & Married, as soon as we sat down with him we knew he was going to be our officiant. He made the ceremony so personable; he asked our closest friends and family to give words that best describe us – it was so nice hearing these words from the most important people to us. He was a huge highlight of our day and made our ceremony so magical; we’ll always remember him and these special moments! Thank YOU Jon, we adore you!!” – Dee & Bear
Photos by Blush
“My husband and I are from Miami, FL so when we decided to elope in Whistler, Canada we knew we needed some guidance. Choosing Beth from Young Hip and Married as our officiant was one of the best decisions we made. She was patient with us and great at communicating throughout the entire process. She made our ceremony script loving and personal and she made our ceremony feel relaxed and special. The whole process was seamless from start to finish!” – Vanessa & Martin
by Tara Lilly Photography
“Discovering Young Hip and Married was the best thing that could have happened for my husband and I. Upon reading what they were all about we knew we had found our officiant- we hired Shawn Miller, and he made our ceremony so much more than we could have dreamed. Shawn’s energetic and enthusiastic vibes really set the tone for our wedding, and he embraced our style and desire for a simple and fun ceremony. He tailored it to us and delighted us with the work he did. His communication leading up to the big day was fantastic, and we never felt like anything was ever left on the table. He made sure we felt confident with him. Shawn Miller made our day better than I had imagined it- and I’m a girl who has been dreaming about her wedding day for YEARS. Thank you so much Shawn for creating such a special ceremony for us, we are truly grateful!” – Rebecca & Cody
by Erica Miller Photography
“We reached out to Young Hip & Married because they had a wonderful irreverent and casual attitude. They were fantastic throughout – communicative, clear and accommodating. We booked the elopement package, with Jane as our officiant and Emily as our photographer, and both were professional and lovely.” – Cecily & Huan
by Emily Nicole Photos
“Beth was so awesome to work with! We weren’t sure of exactly what we wanted, but Beth offered us several helpful starting points that made our preparations very easy. She really listened to us and prepared a beautiful ceremony that really captured who we are and she made us feel at ease throughout the whole process. We could not have hoped for a better officiant. Thank you, Beth, for making this such a great experience! Beth, thank you for making our day extremely easy and special! We have been reflecting on the experience, and we keep commenting that you were the perfect person for the job, making us feel at ease and letting us be ourselves throughout the ceremony.” – Soo & Matt
“Getting married abroad seemed a daunting task but Lani pretty much guided us through the entire process ahead of the wedding, held our hands (metaphorically) in making the big decisions, and left us feeling entirely confident for the big day – and all this from the other side of the Atlantic! The day was everything we hoped it would be; a relaxed affair with 20 of our closest friends and family in downtown. Lani captured the atmosphere perfectly and all of our guests commented on how “us” the ceremony was, which at the end of the day is exactly what every couple wants; something that reflects who we are as a couple. We would definitely recommend YH&M and Lani in particular to anyone, and would certainly use their services again….oh no, wait….” – James & Rosie
by Maybury Photographic
“My partner, James, and I are a blended family. Untraditional, 3 kids, met online, you know… Marilyn, our officiant, was easy to talk to and met with us right away. She asked all about our lives, how we met, our kids, pets, where we lived, our goals and what we wanted. All with a smile and a lot of laughter! One of the things I really appreciated was that she talked me into writing vows. I said I was too shy and she said I would regret it and she would help me. She sent me tips and coached me on writing my vows. I did it, cracking voice and all. I am forever grateful. She was great during the ceremony, went with our craziness and danced, laughed, fist pumped and gave some thoughtful words. I had so many compliments and people wondering where she came from as they have never seen such a ceremony and I quote my uncle, “That was the most real, unpretentious wedding ceremony I’ve ever been to. It was so you.” Thank you, thank you.” – Alexis & James
“Randy Hamm was the officiant for our wedding and he was OUTSTANDING!! All of our guests raved about how good he was. He got everyone involved, and kept them entertained. If you are looking for an officiant that is unlike any other, Randy is your guy! The team at Young Hip & Married were very easy to correspond with (which isn’t always the case with wedding vendors, unfortunately). Randy gave us the ceremony that we were dreaming of. He kept it light hearted and very personalized. We didn’t want anything scripted. He was able to tell a story about US. Thank you Randy! *round of applause*” – Anh & Giang
by Jozef Povazan Photography
“Our officiant Erika and the entire team at Young Hip & Married really went the extra mile to take care of us! Erika was unbelievably amazing! Personable, professional, and prompt. She took the time to really get to know us and made sure that our ceremony was the best representation of us as a couple. The best part was the love our friends and family expressed afterwards for the presentation and delivery of our story – some friends even left with the intention of hiring YH&M as one of their vendors! Our only wish would be to have had Erika stay for the reception for a celebratory drink for making our day perfect! Thank you Erika and YH&M – you’re the best!” – Sean & Kelsey
Blush Photography by Angela Ruscheinski
“We were planning an elopement wedding in Vancouver from another province; the office team at Young Hip and Married was so responsive and helped pick the best possible officiant for us! From the moment we met Kadee it felt like we were meeting an old friend. She was so personable and ensured the ceremony was everything we could have imagined and more! She was also so responsive and answered every question we asked. Thank you everyone at Young Hip & Married that made our big day the best day ever!” – Heather & Dylan
by Titus Varga with Mountain Line Media
“Planning our elopement in Vancouver with the help of Jane and the rest of the YH&M Team was flawless, stress-free and so simple. If you are considering booking your elopement with them, stop considering and book NOW. Our wedding day would not have been the same without them. Jane was prompt in responding to emails, gave incredible advice for locations and was professional and lovely during our ceremony. It felt as though we had known her personally for a long time. The YH&M Team has streamlined elopement ceremonies and we would recommend this a million times over! This is a decision you just can’t regret. Thank you for making our day the most amazing day of our lives!” – Cindi & Nate
by Curtis McDonald
“We would just like to say THANK YOU, so much, for everything! Our wedding day was a perfect whirlwind of excitement. Brian is absolutely amazing and somehow managed to make a ceremony that blended Cody’s Jewish traditions with my modern bohemian spirituality. The only word I have that could accurately describe the feeling of that day is pure joy. I honestly don’t know what we would have done without Young Hip & Married; I am so thankful we found you guys.” – Chrystal & Cody
“We could not imagine a better person to marry us than Beth. She is welcoming, warm and professional; but more importantly than that, we felt utterly comfortable with her. It is a funny thing to have a stranger play a central part in what is a very personal, often private, happy and vulnerable moment of your life. Beth felt like a friend from the start. She is a person that we would consider a true privilege to know. Thank you Beth, for your thoughtful, kind and engaging self.” – Sarah & Tammy
“We last-minute booked Randy as our officiant as we were not happy with our lack of connection with our previous officiant. It was one of the best decisions we made with our wedding. It was personal, intimate, and so connected throughout. Our guests LOVED how unique our ceremony was and I will forever recommend them. Some may scoff at the price tag, but it is *SO* worth it. If you think about it, the ceremony is the most important part of a wedding. Why cut corners with that aspect of your big day? I have been re-watching my ceremony video and am SO happy with it. Young Hip and Married is AMAZING!” – Hannah & Lindsay
by Sara Rogers Photography
“Young Hip & Married was everything that we could have asked and hoped for, for our wedding! Jason was friendly, approachable, understanding, patient, insightful, and always prompt in returning emails, texts, or phone calls. Jason ensured that everyone involved with our ceremony was cognizant and prepared in their role. The man knows how to direct traffic! He was open minded to our ideas and wishes, and offered some fantastic advice from his perspective. Jason’s honest and receptive nature made us very comfortable, and calmed our excited nerves on our big day! It was obvious from the moment we met Jason, that we knew he and Young Hip & Married were a professional, well-run, and fun organization, and they did not disappoint. We highly recommend Jason and Young Hip & Married! Thank you so much! ” – Garrett & Steph
by Genevieve Renee Photographie
“Our Helicopter Elopement could not have been more perfect!! The sun was shining, it was warm and the snow was deep! Young Hip & Married took all the stress out of our “big day.” They were on their A Game from the beginning and I couldn’t have asked for anything more from them. Erika was absolutely delightful and her calm demeanor calmed me down” – Chelsea & Jayson
by Emily Nicole Photos
“Shawn, you set the tone for our wedding. You honestly made our guests feel the love and romance in the air. I had no idea how important your role was until I witnessed it; you took over and let everyone feel our story and you somehow managed to include everyone into the story. We simply ADORE you and what you managed to do for us on our magical day. I’m still receiving calls about you and how you made what is typically boring the best damn part of our wedding. THANK YOU!!! We will cherish the words you spoke forever.” – Marcus & Ally
Credit: Kiana Nicio
“So happy with our decision to choose Young Hip & Married! Jodi was so nice and did such a great job and received many compliments from our family and guests about how much they thought so too! This was just what we needed – personable, good with us and managing our wedding party, and making our vows and ceremony suited just to us. Thank you!” – Jen & Chris
by Anita Jeanine Photography
“We worked with Erika from YH&M and it was great right from the first meeting. Her energy was great, we really clicked, and she was open to doing the ceremony different ways if we wanted, which was really comforting and refreshing for us. Before our second meeting she sent us what she had been working on, it was amazing, truly brought tears to our eyes as it touched us so. For the actual event, Erika was awesome. At the beginning of the ceremony, her presence commanded attention but not in an overbearing way at all. As soon as we were there she made us the focal point without us feeling nervous at all. The words she spoke were just as good as when we read them for the first time before that second meeting. She was engaging, she had warmth, and she spoke with meaningfulness. I would recommend YH&M and Erika to anyone; you’ll get a ceremony you’ll remember for all the right reasons!” – Ashley & Rebecca
by The Apartment Photo
Thank you to all of the Young Hip & Married couples who have shared their experiences with us. And most importantly, thank you for inviting us to be a part of your love story! We are so honoured and grateful. If you’re interested in booking a Young Hip & Married officiant for your wedding ceremony, get in touch!
feature image by Erica Miller Photography
If you’re planning a wedding, it can feel like you have a million and one things to book, manage, build, create and decide on. Your to-do list is never ending and it can be tempting to throw it all out the window. So are programs just one more thing you need to deal with? Do you really need wedding ceremony programs?
The short answer? No.
The long answer? Maybe…
What are wedding ceremony programs?
Wedding ceremony programs are pieces of paper handed to guests as they enter the ceremony that provide them with the low down of who’s who and what’s happening. Programs will usually list the series of events that will occur during your ceremony and the names of your wedding party. They may also include the names of your parents or immediate family, and any special notes or a nice quote.
When you don’t need wedding programs
Honestly? Almost all of the time.
Most people have been to a wedding ceremony. They understand how things work and know what is going to happen. And even if you have a few surprises, usually it’s nothing that would make your guests exclaim, “Wow! I was so caught off guard and unprepared for that. I really wish I had read about it in a program 10 minutes earlier!”
As for introducing your wedding party, most of your guests will either know these important people in your life or (sorry to break it to you!) not really care to learn the name of your best friend from volleyball or favourite cousin.
If you were looking for permission to ditch your wedding ceremony programs, consider permission granted!
When you might need ceremony programs
While programs are generally not needed, there are certain situations where a program might be helpful.
If you are having a ceremony with lots of cultural or religious elements that might be unfamiliar to your guests, a program is a great place to explain what is going on and why you’re doing these things. You can explain the significance of certain traditions which will allow guests to experience your ceremony in a more meaningful way.
Programs are also very handy if part or all of your ceremony is going to be conducted in another language. If your guests aren’t bilingual, it can be nice to provide some text for them to read along so they don’t get lost.
Lastly, if you’re asking your guests to participate in your ceremony, such as by singing a song with you, a ceremony program is a great place to note this and include the lyrics or instructions.
Other great uses for wedding ceremony programs
Just because you don’t necessarily need a program, doesn’t mean they can’t be useful. If you want, let your inner Pinterest Diva shine and make an amazing program! A wedding ceremony program is a great place to put information not just about your ceremony, but about the rest of the wedding day. You can remind guests what’s coming up next or provide a map for them to get to your reception.
It can be helpful to put ceremony notes, such as your request for an unplugged ceremony, into your program. You could also add any special thank yous or memorial dedications inside your program. Programs are also nice mementos from your day that you could tuck into your wedding photo album to look back on later.
And, on a really hot day, your wedding ceremony program can double as a fan!
Sample wedding program
If you do decide to include wedding programs, here are some things you can include on yours:
Details of the day, such as the couple’s names, wedding date and location
Order of ceremony events
Explanation of any unique ceremony elements (e.g. a cultural tradition not everyone will be familiar with)
Translations of any ceremony elements happening in a language not all of your guests speak
Instructions for any guest participation elements (e.g. lyrics to a song you want your guests to sing)
Optional: names of the wedding party and close family members, fun facts about the couple, wedding quotes, thank you notes
Bottom line: Do you actually need wedding ceremony programs?
The bottom line on wedding ceremony programs is that you probably don’t need one. Even if you are incorporating some unique elements into your ceremony, you could always include notes about these on your wedding website (saving paper!), on signs at the ceremony, or ask your officiant to make a special announcement. Wedding programs are not mandatory.
But if you really want a program? Go for it! If you love DIY projects and crafting, you could really get creative designing a beautiful program. Just don’t let it become a huge project that stresses you out or takes your mind off the whole point of your wedding (your incredible relationship!).
And, you’ll have to accept that most of those beautiful wedding programs will end up in recycling bins by the end of the day.
