ABOUT CSWO
The Canadian School of Wedding Officiants
The Canadian School of Wedding Officiants (CSWO) was launched in 2025 to raise the standard of wedding officiating across Canada. We believe that every couple deserves a ceremony that is thoughtful, inclusive, well-executed, and meaningful—and that officiants deserve access to quality training and ongoing support to deliver just that.
CSWO offers practical, professional education for anyone who wants to become a wedding officiant in Canada—whether you're just starting out and wondering how to get ordained, or you're an experienced officiant looking to level up your skills. We support aspiring officiants in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Yukon, and across the country.
We’re here to help you become a confident, capable, and modern wedding officiant—someone who shows up prepared, communicates clearly, works well with couples, and brings warmth and presence to every ceremony.
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OUR FOUNDER
The school was founded by Karen Trines, a wedding planner turned officiant and the owner of Grounded Ceremonies. After years of leading weddings across Ontario and Quebec—and mentoring new officiants along the way—Karen saw the need for a training hub built specifically for Canadian officiants. Today, CSWO supports aspiring and practicing officiants from coast to coast to coast.
Start Your Officiant Journey
At CSWO, we recognize that every officiant's path is different. Whether you're exploring how to get ordained in Ontario, BC, Alberta, Quebec, or Yukon, already authorized to perform weddings, officiating a loved one's ceremony, or ready to grow your existing practice, we're here to support you with professional, accessible training tailored to where you are.
Becoming a wedding officiant in Canada looks a little different depending on your province or territory—but no matter where you are, we can help you get there.
Take a look at our COURSES page to check out the different pathways we offer.
“I kind of stumbled into this thinking it would be a side gig, but it’s honestly become one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done. The training gave me everything I needed to feel confident, and now I get to be part of these amazing, emotional, joyful moments. I’m so glad I found this path—it just fits.”
— Jamie-Lynn E., Wedding Officiant (Ontario)
