what i offer

every couple’s love story is unique…your ceremony should be too. whether you’re dreaming of something simple, traditional, themed, or deeply personal, i’m here to help co-create a ceremony that reflects you. here’s a look at the packages i offer.

smiling bride and groom at a vancouver island wedding at Prospect Lake Community Hall, Victoria

gordon & brittney barry

james took the time to get to know us as a couple and crafted a ceremony that was deeply personal. his delivery was filled with just the right mix of emotion and lightheartedness. he has this incredible ability to make us and all of our guests feel completely present in the moment. our guests said it was the most beautiful ceremony they’d ever seen. his calming presence, incredible sense of style, and heartfelt words were a highlight of the day. if you're looking for someone who’ll make your special moment absolutely perfect, james is the one. thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Officiant James officiating a wedding in Bowen Park, Nanaimo Vancouver Island

the classic affair

this is a timeless package for couples who want a personal, well-rounded ceremony. after getting to know you, i’ll intentionally weave together your unique love story. together, we’ll co-create a ceremony that’s warm, meaningful, humourous, and as matchless as you are. it’s a perfect blend of tradition and your own personal touch.

what’s included:

your modern day love story
a surprise from your spouse
2 editable drafts (via your own secure portal)
final draft for ceremony

Celebrant James officiating a grand affair themed wedding Nanaimo, halloween, theme, rocky horror picture show

the grand affair

this is the ultimate fully customized ceremony…often with a theme, special setting, or concept that reflects your unique vision. From scratch, we’ll co-create a one-of-a-kind ceremony. whether you’re imagining a whimsical fantasy vibe, a classic literary theme, or something entirely new, we’ll bring it to life together. let’s dream BIG.

what’s included:

1 or 2 planning meetings (in-person or virtual)
your choice of rituals
3 editable drafts (via your own secure portal)
final draft for ceremony

A woman and a man exchanging wedding vows with a celtic hand-fasting, with the woman holding the man's hand and a wedding ring visible. The officiant is holding a ceremony book, and the scene is set indoors with a wooden lattice background.

the celtic affair

inspired by ancient celtic traditions, this ceremony features a hand-fasting ritual where your hands are gently bound together with a ribbon or cord, symbolizing your bond and shared journey ahead. whether you’re honouring your heritage or drawn to its symbolism of unity and strength, we’ll co-create a ceremony that blends old-world magic.

what’s included:

your modern day love story
a surprise from your spouse
2 editable drafts (via your own secure portal)
final draft for ceremony

A Celebrant kneeling on the ground, with a small child standing in front of him with rings. Groomsmen in white shirts and tan shorts stand in the background near a body of water, watching and smiling.

the family affair

love brings people together and sometimes it creates beautiful new families, too. this package is designed for blended families, holding space to honour and celebrate the new connections being formed. together, we will craft a meaningful family-centered ceremony, either as part of your wedding or as its own unique event. let’s create something that helps every member feel seen, valued, and included.

what’s included:

your modern day love story
your choice of family blending ritual
a surprise from your spouse and/or children
2 editable drafts (via your own secure portal)
final draft for ceremony

Bride and groom during their wedding ceremony, with the bride laughing and the groom smiling, officiant holding a book, outdoors with wooden fence and floral decorations.

the continuing affair

a beautiful, simple elopement-style (or pre-trip) ceremony that focuses on what matters most…your love. this package is perfect for couples who want to keep things low-key without sacrificing significance. whether it’s just the two of you, or a few close friends and family, we’ll co-create a short, sweet, and heartfelt ceremony that marks this wonderful and unforgettable moment in your lives.

what’s included:

personal vows (provided by couple)
your choice of rituals
Your choice of readings/poems
1 editable drafts (done online)
final draft for ceremony

A wedding ceremony outdoors with a bride and groom standing before an officiant, surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen, with guests seated watching, set on a wooden deck with forested mountains in the background.

the intimate affair

your love story didn’t end at I do. it’s still unfolding, and it deserves to be celebrated. the continuing affair is a vow renewal ceremony that lets you honour the journey you’ve shared so far and the path ahead. whether you’re marking an anniversary, overcoming challenges together, or simply wanting to say I still choose you…let’s co-create a ceremony that reflects the depth of your bond.

what’s included:

your updated modern day love story
your choice of rituals
a surprise from your spouse/family members
2 editable drafts (via your own secure portal)
final draft for ceremony

All my ceremonies include an initial in-person or virtual consultation, how to make it yours, laughter, tears, room for personal vows, ring exchange, readings/poems, and the processing of your BC marriage license¹ after the ceremony and travel².

1 you’ll need to purchase your marriage license prior to the ceremony. london drugs is a favourite place for getting one. if you’re not near a london drugs, check the bc vital statistics site for the issuer closest to you.

2 if your ceremony is outside of the central island area, a travel fee may apply-to be discussed in consultation.

ceremony keepsake

optional add-on: a beautiful way to remember your special day, this keepsake captures the heart of your ceremony in a tangible, lasting form.

tuxedo keepsake (approx. 8″ x 5″)
this elegant piece features the written details of your ceremony…including your modern day love story, personal vows, and any custom elements you chose. printed with gold-colored ink in a distinctive, stylish font, it’s mounted on black stock, overlaid with vellum printed with a photo of your choice, and tied with a ribbon in a single windsor knot (just like a tie!). a timeless memento of your commitment.

A man in a suit and an orange tie standing next to a woman in a leather jacket, outdoors in a rural area with hills and trees in the background.

anne & frank

we want to express our heartfelt thanks for the beautiful keepsake that you sent us of our wedding ceremony. it brought tears to my eyes and we will cherish it always! we can tell how much care you put into creating it. reading the script brought back all the beautiful memories of our special day. we will be sure to recommend you to people seeking a gifted celebrant.

Celebrant James officiating a wedding at Quadra Island, beach wedding on Vancouver Island

Lauren Ashbee

james was so amazing as our officiant! he helped us make our ceremony so special! his humour and his kindness made us feel so comfortable through the process. he took the time to listen to what we wanted and customized the ceremony to make it exactly what we were hoping for! we can't say enough great things about james!

Colorful bouquet of flowers including pink, white, yellow, and peach blooms, resting on a wooden surface near a window with natural light.

celebration of life ceremonies

saying good-bye is never easy but it’s a common experience for all of us. end-of-life ceremonies have changed so much over the years. like many rituals we’ve moved away from past traditions. as a non-traditionalist it’s my honour to hold space for you and your loved-ones as you grieve, say good-bye, and celebrate their lives. they say that laughter is good medicine. these ceremonies no longer need to be solemn but can still be respectful. they can be held anywhere from high-end settings to quiet memorial gardens and other more traditional settings. i’ve done it all, and i’m sure i can do it for you.