Q. Do we need to memorize our vows?
A. Please relax! Your wedding day is meant to be a happy one for you. It can be very stressful if you have to remember your vows. Your minister will prompt you with a few words at a time for your vows and ring exchanges.

Q. Can we bring our own decorations to your chapels?
A. Our chapels are totally decorated, so there is no need to spend money on extra flowers, bows, etc. If you feel you would like to add a small bouquet of flowers to the signing table that would be fine. If you are using the Unity Candle Service, those candles would be placed on the signing table.

Q. Can we write our own vows and ceremony?
A. Yes, you can write your own ceremony, if you wish. Let us know is you are planning to do so. We like to see it a few weeks before the wedding and ask that you give us a copy in booklet form for the minister to use on your wedding day. We can also suggest materials to use.

Q. We just became engaged! What do we do next?
A. It is very important that you reserve the location for your wedding and reception. If you are planning a larger wedding, this is very important. Many restaurants and reception halls are booked up a year in advance. We can perform several weddings on a day, but the reception hall may only accommodate two receptions.

Q. Are rings a legal requirement?
A. No they are not. They are symbols or tokens of the love that is to be shared between the two people being married. Most couples do have a double ring ceremony.

Q. What kind of a deposit do you require?
A. We require a $75.00 deposit for the smaller Wedding Belle Chapel and $100.00 deposit for the Rose Chapel and Location Weddings. You may book over the phone and bring us your deposit within two (2) weeks. You can also give us your Visa or MasterCard number over the phone, if that is more convenient for you.

Q. How long will the ceremony take?
A. The length of the ceremony depends on your choice of ceremonies and the addition of readings, unity candle, music, etc. The average ceremony is 15-20 minutes long. This information is useful when you are planning your time of reception.

Q. Where do our guests park in downtown Kitchener?
A. There is underground parking off of Young Street. The exit fee is now $3.00 which covers a 4 hour period. Also there is often parking available on the side streets (Duke and College). If you wish to pay for your guests' parking, I suggest setting a bowl of toonies and loonies at the exit of the chapel and invite your guests to take the change to cover their parking . . . or have a little flower girl could stand at the exit and offer the change to guests as they leave.

Q. Is the "Record of Marriage" my legal certificate?
A. No it is not. It is the document you will use to change your name on your driver's license, OHIP card, SIN card and passport. If you live in the Kitchener area, we have a list of addresses and phone numbers of these offices. Your local clerk's office can help you with information as well. Three months after the wedding you can apply for your legal marriage certificate. You must fill out the application when you get your marriage license and send along a small fee as well. This application is sent to the Office of the Registrar in Thunder Bay, ON

Q. How do I sign the marriage license? (Something the bride might ask)
A. The bride should sign her name as it appears on the marriage license. Any time after that, she may sign with her husband's name if she plans to take his surname.

Q. Are the chapels managed by employees of the "City of Kitchener"?
A. The Kitchener City Hall Wedding Chapels are operated by Pat Fretwell and her company "Feelings from the Heart". We enjoy a wonderful relationship with the clerk's office on the second floor where marriage licenses are issued.