Enrollment begins July 20, 2026
ORDAINED THROUGH ANOTHER ORGANIZATION AND READY TO SWITCH TO CIMM?
You already perform ceremonies. Now do it with an organization that doesn't limit who your couples can be.
CIMM Ministry Foundations is a streamlined and self-paced version of our Foundations course for already-ordained officiants ready to make the switch to CIMM. Get the metaphysical grounding and legal know-how you need, without repeating the parts you already know.
Prefer a more in-depth refresher? Check out our full Foundations course instead. →
QUESTION FOR YOU...
What if switching to CIMM meant never having to say no to a couple again?
You already know the joy of this work... the connection, the flexibility, the feeling of being part of someone's happiest day. But if your current ordination comes with restrictions on who you can marry, you're turning couples away simply because of who they are.
Many officiants don't realize they even have this option.
This one gives you the same work you already love, just without the limits... and a chance to finally say yes to every couple who calls.
Sound familiar?
You're already ordained and performing ceremonies, but....
✕ Your current ordination doesn't let you marry everyone
Same sex and gender couples, couples who've been divorced... if your ordination comes with restrictions on who you can marry, you're turning people away for reasons that have nothing to do with their love for each other.
✕ You've had to sign off on beliefs that don't quite fit
Many ordinations are tied to a specific, often rigid religious framework... but maybe you're more spiritual than traditionally religious, or you you're looking for something that's more open minded or flexible.
✕ You're tied to a company instead of working for yourself
Some ordination paths only allow you to work under a specific brand or business, when what you really want is to build your own independent practice.
IF THAT SOUNDS ABOUT RIGHT....
You're in the right place.
Inclusive by design
Flexible and open-minded
Freedom to build your own practice
LET'S DIG INTO THE DETAILS
Here's how it all shakes out...
CIMM Ministry Foundations is a streamlined ordination pathway, not a full training program. Since you're already performing ceremonies, this course covers only what you need to be ordained through CIMM, the Canadian International Metaphysical Ministry.
CIMM is a registered spiritual organization that ordains ministers who are legally authorized to officiate weddings across Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Yukon. Unlike ordinations tied to a specific religious doctrine, CIMM's spiritual framework is metaphysical... open, inclusive, and grounded in love and connection rather than rigid belief requirements. That means no restrictions on which couples you can marry.
Once you complete this course and pass the exam, you'll be eligible to apply for ordination through CIMM. From there, they'll register you with your province as a legal wedding officiant, allowing you to continue the work you're already doing, just under an organization built around inclusion.
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 required for CIMM ordination — 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
Becoming a CIMM Minister
Taught by Karen Trines
This is module one only from our Wedding Officiant 101 course. It covers exactly what you need to become a CIMM minister and start performing legal marriage ceremonies under CIMM, without repeating the ceremony writing, delivery, and business training you've already built through your existing experience.
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
- The legal requirements and paperwork specific to ordaining and registering under CIMM in your province
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
If you're looking for more than just the CIMM-specific pieces - maybe you want to sharpen your ceremony writing, build stronger delivery and public speaking skills, or get support setting up your own officiant business - we also offer the full CSWO Foundations course, covering the full Wedding Officiant 101 program alongside the ACIM modules.
"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 6 modules at your own pace, covering the spiritual foundations of your ministry and the CIMM-specific legal knowledge you'll need.
Step 2: Complete Your Exam
When you register, you'll choose one of four annual exam periods — January, April, July, or October. The exam will be made up of multiple choice / short answer questions intended to test your legal knowledge.
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 (again)!
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
"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
ready to do this?
The Investment
CIMM MINISTRY FOUNDATIONS
Everything you need to complete the training and apply for ordination with CIMM.
$1,597
+tax
or 3 payments of $597
- A Course in Miracles + Metaphysical Ministry & Legalities modules
- Digital textbook
- Exam period access
- Graduate Facebook community
NOW IS THE TIME!
This time next year, you could be saying yes to every couple who calls.
Right now, there are couples out there you can't marry, simply because of who they are. Every wedding season that passes is another season of turning people away for reasons that have nothing to do with love.
If this has been sitting in the back of your mind, take this as your sign.
Stop thinking and start switching!
got questions?
We have answers!
Who is eligible to take this program?
This program is for officiants who are already ordained and performing ceremonies, and want to switch to CIMM. You'll need to upload proof of your existing ordination as part of enrollment. 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*.
(*Fees are determined by CIMM and are subject to change)
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.
(*Fees are determined by CIMM and are subject to change)
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 your exam, 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 CIMM Ministry Foundations course?
The course is co-taught by Karen Trines and Jamie-Lynn Eckhardt, both professional officiants with Grounded Ceremonies. Karen leads the Metaphysical Ministry & Legalities module, the CIMM-specific piece of our Wedding Officiant 101 course. Jamie-Lynn leads the A Course in Miracles modules.
