Planning a wedding made easier for Canadian couples

Canadian couples planning on getting married will find the process slightly easier, thanks to a new internet-based service.

An online list of every official in Ontario that is authorised to perform a wedding has been published on the ServiceOntario website.

The list features 20,000 officials, including people affiliated with religious bodies, judges and justices of the peace and municipal clerks or their delegates.

Gerry Phillips, the Canadian government services minister, said: "Planning for a wedding celebration can be a busy and exciting time. Accessing this list available at ServiceOntario is making it easier for couples to focus on what's really important.

"ServiceOntario's mandate is to modernise the way government services are delivered. Offering this information online is one way we're meeting that goal."

Authorised officials based in Ontario must be registered with the Office of the Registrar General in order to officiate marriages. Once couples have chosen who they want to perform their marriage ceremony, they are advised to contact the official and inform them of their registration status.