Enrollment begins July 20, 2026
The Ultimate SELF-PACED training for aspiring wedding officiants
You could be performing meaningful, legal wedding ceremonies in as little as 6 months
Our self-paced version of CSWO Foundations allows you to learn at your own pace, on your own schedule, with immediate access to all 10 modules the moment you enroll.
Prefer to learn live? Join us on Zoom instead. →
QUESTION FOR YOU...
What if you could get paid to witness the happiest moment of people's lives?
Wedding officiants do meaningful, joyful work — and it's flexible enough to fit into whatever season of life you're in. You can make real income in your spare time, stay genuinely connected to your community, and spend your working hours surrounded by people at their absolute happiest.
Most side hustles are a grind.
This one brings you not only additional income, but also joy, connection... and a reason to get dressed up on a Saturday!
Sound familiar?
You are interested in becoming an officiant but the options you've found....
✕ Include ordination pathways that are restrictive or dogmatic
If you don't connect with traditional religion, or don't agree with the belief systems they include about who should be able to get married, the options can feel slim.
✕ Have training programs that are either too short or too long
Some programs are over before you feel ready. Others require lengthy commitments before you can even begin the ordination process.
✕ Aren't actually built to get you performing ceremonies in Canada
A lot of training out there is theoretical, not specifically Canadian focused, or simply doesn't include a clear pathway to provincial registration.
IF THAT SOUNDS ABOUT RIGHT....
You're in the right place.
Inclusive by design
Exclusively Canadian
Comprehensive and flexible
LET'S DIG INTO THE DETAILS
Here's how it all shakes out...
CSWO Foundations is a complete training and ordination pathway — not just a course. When you graduate, you'll be eligible to apply for ordination through CIMM, the Canadian International Metaphysical Ministry, who will then register you with your province as a legal wedding officiant.
SECTION ONE
A Course in Miracles
Taught by Jamie-Lynn Eckhardt
A Course in Miracles is a globally recognized self-study program that explores love, forgiveness, and human connection. It forms the spiritual foundation of CSWO Foundations — and Jamie-Lynn will guide you through the basics in a way that's warm, accessible, and easy to connect with. No prior knowledge needed — just an openness to explore.
Here's what you're going to learn:
- The core principles of A Course in Miracles as a pathway to metaphysical spirituality
- How to build a personal spiritual foundation that informs the way you show up for couples
- Understand the spiritual framework that underlies your work as a minister
SECTION TWO
Wedding Officiant 101
Taught by Karen Trines
Over five modules, you'll get everything you need to step confidently into this role — from understanding Canadian marriage law and writing beautiful, personalized ceremonies, to delivering them with confidence, handling the paperwork, and building a business that's entirely your own.
Here's what you're going to learn:
- What it means to be a CIMM minister and how to perform legal marriage ceremonies across Canada's provinces and territories
- How to write inclusive, personalized ceremonies that welcome every couple
- Public speaking and delivery skills so you feel confident at the front of any ceremony
- The logistics of wedding day execution — from arrival to paperwork to vendors
- How to set up and run a Canadian officiant business
Sound like the training you've been looking for?
Wait — what exactly is metaphysics?
Metaphysical spirituality is non-dogmatic, open, and deeply personal — there are no rigid rules and no restrictions on who you can serve.
It's simply a way of understanding the world that recognizes something bigger than our physical experience — a sense of connection, intention, and meaning that runs through all of us. Think mindfulness, the belief that love is a real and powerful force, living with intention, showing up with empathy and compassion. If any of that resonates with you, you're likely already practicing elements of it in your daily life.
As a CIMM minister, metaphysical spirituality becomes the foundation of your work — not in a prescriptive way, but in a way that gives your ceremonies genuine depth and meaning. And because it's inclusive by nature, you'll never be placed in a position of turning a couple away.
The self-paced version is perfect for you if...
✓ You prefer to learn on your own schedule, at your own pace
✓ You like to revisit material and take your time before moving on
✓ You want the full training experience without the commitment of a fixed timeline
Not your speed? We also offer CSWO Foundations as a live, 8-week course over Zoom — with real-time teaching, group discussion, and a built-in community of fellow students moving through the material together.
"CSWO exceeded my expectations!! The course was thoughtfully designed, & gave me both the practical tools & the confidence to step into this role in a way that feels genuinely authentic to me!"
Krista M. | 2025 Foundations Grad
Let's walk through the process
Here's what you can expect, from beginning to end.
Step 1: Complete the Course
Work through all 10 modules at your own pace, covering the spiritual foundations of your ministry and the practical side of being a wedding officiant in Canada.
Step 2: Complete Your Exam
When you register, you'll choose one of four annual exam periods — January, April, July, or October. The exam has two parts: a written section testing your legal knowledge, and a practical section where you'll submit a written ceremony and a short video of yourself performing part of it.
Step 3: Graduate
Once your exam is reviewed and passed, you'll receive your graduation certificate and your name will be submitted to CIMM confirming completion of your training.
Step 4: Apply for Ordination Through CIMM
You'll complete CIMM's ordination package, including a formal application, criminal record check, two references, and payment of fees.
Step 5: Get Provincially Registered
CIMM registers you with your province and you'll receive your provincial registration number.
Step 6: Start Performing Weddings!
From starting the course to officiating your first ceremony — most students are ready in as little as six months.
Let's do this!and there's more
You're also going to get access to:
3 ways to learn
Video, transcripts, and podcast versions of the course, so you can learn in whatever way works best for you.
Grad Facebook group
Connect with fellow officiants who get it, so you never have to figure this out alone
Digital textbook
A comprehensive reference you'll return to again and again as your business grows — searchable, always accessible, never lost
WANT TO REALLY KICK THINGS IN TO HIGH GEAR?
Our VIP students get even more
CSWO Foundations comes in two tiers — Essentials and VIP. Both include everything you need to graduate and get ordained. VIP adds a suite of tools designed to get your business off the ground faster.
Professionally printed textbook
A professional resource you can highlight, annotate, and reference — no screen required
(value = $147)
Contract template
Start booking clients immediately with a lawyer-reviewed contract
(value = $297)
Income goal calculator
Know exactly how many ceremonies you need to book to hit your financial goals
(value = $97)
Pre-exam group call
Get your questions answered and go into your exam feeling prepared and confident
(value = $297)
First look review
Get expert eyes on your very first ceremony before you deliver it to real clients
(value = $397)
3 months of Ceremony Circle
3 months in our alumni community, with live sessions featuring office hours, guest speakers, and an ever-growing searchable library of readings and rituals.
(value = $141)
Total additional value = $1,576
"The course content is practical, well organized, and the overall experience was professional and welcoming. I would absolutely recommend CSWO to anyone looking for high-quality training and a supportive learning environment. "
Sherman N. | Foundations 2025 Grad
Eager to get started?
Sign up before August 1 and you'll also receive our founding member bundle — exclusively for our first cohort of self-paced students.
- Go-bag packing list — never show up to a wedding missing something critical
- Day-of checklist — a step-by-step guide so nothing falls through the cracks
- Pre-business to-do list — know exactly what to set up before booking your first client
- Founding member mug — mark the moment you started this journey
These bonuses are available for a limited time and will not be offered again after August 1.
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ready to do this?
The Investment
ESSENTIALS
Everything you need to get started!
$2,397
+tax
or 3 payments of $899
- 10-module self-paced course
- Digital textbook
- Exam period access
- Graduate Facebook community
COMING JULY 20
VIP
Everything in Essentials, plus some extra tools to hit the ground running!
$3,397
+ tax
or 3 payments of $1,199
- Printed textbook
- Contract template
- Income goal calculator
- Pre-exam group call
- First look ceremony review
- 3 months of The Ceremony Circle
NOW IS THE TIME!
This time next year, you could be booked.
Couples are already out there searching for their officiant. Every wedding season that passes is one you could have been part of!
If this has been sitting in the back of your mind, take this as your sign.
Stop thinking and start training!
got questions?
We have answers!
Who is eligible to take this program?
There are no prerequisites — anyone can enroll. Ordination through CIMM is currently available to residents of Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Yukon.
What do I need to apply for ordination through CIMM?
Once you've graduated, you'll submit an ordination package that includes proof of course completion, a criminal record check, two references, and agreement to the CIMM Oath and Declaration. There is a one-time application fee of $100, plus $300 per year in dues.
What other ceremonies can I perform as a CIMM minister?
Many ordained metaphysical ministers build practices that go well beyond weddings — celebrations of life, baby blessings, home blessings, and more. Our course is focused on weddings, but the credential absolutely supports a broader ceremonial practice if that's the direction you want to take things.
Are there any hidden fees?
Nope. Your course fee covers your training. Beyond that, you're looking at $100 to apply for ordination and $300 per year in dues to CIMM. That's it.
What happens after I graduate?
Graduating from CSWO Foundations means joining a community, not just earning a credential. You'll have access to a private graduate Facebook group where you can ask questions, share wins, and connect with fellow ministers. From there, you can join The Ceremony Circle — our alumni community — and take advantage of continuing education through our growing library of Beyond the Basics courses.
How much can I expect to earn as a wedding officiant?
That's entirely up to you! Officiants in Canada typically charge anywhere from $300 to $1,500+ per ceremony. Some ease in and perform a handful of ceremonies a year; others hit the ground running and build a full roster quickly. The beauty of this work is that you get to decide how much or how little you take on.
What if I don't pass my final exam?
If you aren't successful on Part A or Part B, you'll have one opportunity to resubmit during the same exam period. If you're unsuccessful a second time, you'll register for a future exam period and try again then. Each additional exam period is available for a fee.
Who teaches the CSWO Foundations course?
The course is co-taught by Karen Trines and Jamie-Lynn Eckhardt, both professional officiants with Grounded Ceremonies. Karen leads the Wedding Officiant 101 modules covering the legal, practical, and business side of officiant work. Jamie-Lynn leads the A Course in Miracles modules.