Be Wed by Barb
Licensed Ottawa wedding officiant specializing in affordable elopements, micro-weddings, and legal ceremonies for couples of all backgrounds.
About
Barbara Peters is a certified, licensed wedding officiant based in central Ottawa near the Experimental Farm. Since 2007 she's been helping couples celebrate their commitment with ceremonies tailored to their vision—whether that's a legal signing, a small elopement, or a micro-wedding up to 40 guests. She works with all couples, including LGBTQ+, interfaith, and non-religious, and offers free initial consultations before you book.
Her services include ceremony planning calls, email support, filing of marriage licenses, and full ceremony editing so your vows feel exactly right. Barbara arrives early on wedding day to help coordinate with attendants and works easily with other wedding professionals and photographers. She travels throughout the Ottawa area and surrounding communities, with travel included up to 25km from her central Ottawa home, and charges $0.70 per km for distances beyond that.
Packages
Just Make it Legal
- Simple signing ceremony
- Email support
- Filing of marriage license
- Up to 4 guests
- Travel included within Ottawa area
Elopement
- Personalized ceremony planning call or virtual meeting
- Email and phone support
- Filing of marriage license
- Up to 10 guests
- Travel included within Ottawa area
Micro Wedding or Minimony
- Personalized ceremony planning call, virtual or in-person meeting
- Ceremony guidance and free rehearsal guide
- Filing of marriage license
- Unlimited email support
- Up to 40 guests
- Travel included within Ottawa area
Coaching
- Ceremony outline for person performing ceremony
- Options and ideas to customize ceremony
- Tips for wedding day success
- Free guide to conducting rehearsal
FAQs
What's the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
A marriage license is the authority issued by a municipality that allows you to get married anywhere in Ontario; it's valid for three months after issue. A marriage certificate is the official record of your marriage that can be purchased after the ceremony is registered with the Office of the Registrar General. In Ontario, marriage registration can take up to 12 weeks.
How far do you travel for ceremonies?
Barbara travels within Ottawa and the surrounding area with travel included up to 25km from her central Ottawa home. For locations beyond 25km, she charges $0.70 per km each way.
Can we have a virtual wedding ceremony?
No. Ontario's Marriage Act requires the couple, at least two witnesses, and the officiant to be physically present at the ceremony. Other guests may attend virtually, but those five individuals must be there in person.
Service areas: Be Wed by Barb serves Ottawa. They may accommodate additional locations, please contact them to learn more.
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