If there are wedding bells in your future, you may want to know that Bowen Island has a new marriage commissioner.
Bowen resident Angie Bosworth has been appointed by the Vital Statistics Agency as an individual authorized to preside over a civil marriage service. She's now one of two private marriage commissioners; the other is islander Heather Coulthart.
"I am very excited," says Bosworth, "because weddings are a happy event and to be a part of people's wedding day is a privilege."
The program was developed in response to a public demand for a more flexible alternative to the traditional "court house" marriage which was restrictive in content, time and place.
"A marriage commissioner is often chosen by people who do not have a religious affiliation," Bosworth says. "It is for people who don't have a minister, a priest or an affiliation to a church."
Marriage commissioners are appointed to perform a specific legal service. They are not wedding planners.
"We are not the one who meets with the bride and groom several times before the wedding," says Bosworth. "We show up and do the ceremony. Our role is very specific. We are meant to perform a service."
Marriage commissioners are also not permitted to advertise their services. If a couple is looking for an official commissioner, they can contact the Vital Statistics Agency within the Ministry of Health. They have a list of marriage commissioners and their contact information.
In order to perform a civil marriage ceremony, a couple needs a marriage licence and two witnesses. Once those details are secured, they are free to contact a marriage commissioner and begin planning their special day.
