Humanist wedding officiant · Ottawa
A ceremony that sounds like the two of you
I'm Lindsay Robles. I write and officiate personal, humanist wedding ceremonies built around your story, your values and the people you love. The words are yours, and I take care of everything around them.
- Licensed through Humanist Canada
- Ceremonies in English or French
- Ottawa and Eastern Ontario
About Lindsay
I know what it means to say "I do"
In 2007 I married the girl of my dreams at my grandparents' cottage. She and her bridesmaids arrived by boat, and on the deck, surrounded by family and friends, we made the promises we'd written ourselves.
That ceremony was perfect for us because it was ours. Thanks to the work of Humanist Canada, couples across Ontario can now have a wedding built the same way, around love, shared values and community.
As the officiant behind Rivers Officiating, I’ve had the joy of helping many dozens of couples create ceremonies as unique as they are, each one built around their story, their values and their style.
I’d love to hear your story and help you shape a ceremony that feels unmistakably yours.
Lindsay
How it works
From first hello to the signed licence
Four simple steps, start to finish.
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To start
A friendly, no-pressure video call
Tell me about the two of you, your date and your venue. We'll talk about how you met, what matters to you and the feel you want for the day, at a time that suits you. There's no pressure to book.
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After you book
Crafting your ceremony together
If we're a fit, a week after our call, I'll share the first draft of your ceremony, built around your story. Then you edit it to make it yours, changing anything you like and adding readings or rituals. Nothing is final until you love it.
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A week or two before
Final check-in
We go over the finished script and the plan for the day: who walks when, where everyone stands, and any last details, so nothing on the day is a surprise.
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Your wedding day
Making it official
I arrive about 30 minutes early to check in with you, prepare the documents and coordinate with your DJ and photographer. Then I lead your ceremony just as we planned it, and yes, I step aside for your first kiss! After, I submit the signed marriage licence to the provincial registrar to make your marriage official.
Pricing
Simple and personal
One package covers everything a legal, personal ceremony needs, whether it's an intimate gathering or a larger celebration.
Wedding ceremony
from $800
- A friendly, no-pressure introductory call
- A custom ceremony: I write the first draft, you make it yours
- Help with personal vows
- Officiating on the day, in English or French
- A final check-in a week or two before
- Marriage licence signing and registration
Ceremony rehearsal
from $150
Travel outside the Ottawa region may add a fee. Ask me for a quote for your venue.
Kind words
From couples I've married
Five-star reviews from Google and WeddingWire.
Planning a bilingual French/English ceremony could have easily added stress, but Lindsay made the entire process feel simple, smooth, and completely worry-free.CamGoogle review
It was important to incorporate our families into the ceremony and he made amazing suggestions like having my grandmothers as witnesses - it was such a special moment that we will remember forever.Rachel McEwenGoogle review
He crafted a ceremony that was not only beautiful and heartfelt but also perfectly reflected who we are as a couple.Evan MuldersGoogle review
He also came prepared with a pen to sign the marriage license, (which was amazing because forgot to bring one) and tabbed where we should sign.Charlotte K.WeddingWire review
He understood that we wanted a short and sweet ceremony but still made sure it was loving and detailed without being overly long.Jenna SweetGoogle review
We initially wanted a simple ceremony and had limited ideas, but Lindsay offered great suggestions that enhanced our day.YukaWeddingWire review
Get in touch
Tell me about your day
The easiest way to start is a free, no-pressure video call. Pick a time that suits you, and you'll see my real availability.
Book a free callPrefer to write first? Send me your date and venue and a little about the two of you using the form. I reply personally, usually within a day.