Planning the wedding of your dreams can be a tough and daunting task. Urban Officiant is here to make that dream a reality! 

Urban’s team of Christian marriage officiants is not only passionate about your big day but your marriage. With a wealth of resources and guidance at their fingertips they can help couples create customized, beautiful ceremonies that tell your story and celebrate their love. 

We had a chat with Head Officiant, Casey Bjorndal, to find out more about Urban Officiant and what he loves about working with couples on their dream wedding ceremony.

Introducing Urban Officiant 

Tell us a little about yourself! 

I started Urban Officiant because I remember how important our wedding ceremony was to us. We wanted a ceremony that was fun and reflected our faith in Jesus. 

Having been married for 19 years (plus 4 kids later), I’ve loved having the opportunity to help couples create that special moment on one of the most important days of their lives. I love helping create the perfect wedding ceremony that truly expresses them and helps make their big day a HUGE success!

Wedding Photographer Kelsey Vera Photo | Wedding Planning Moments by Madeleine | Calgary Venue Hamptons Golf Club | Wedding Florals by Flowers by Janie | Hair and Makeup by MSlay Weddings | Decor by Modern Luxe Rental | Bridal Gown by Durand Bridal | Bridesmaid Attire by Maide the label

How did you get started in wedding officiating?

My bro asked me to officiate his wedding and I loved every minute of it.  After a bunch of years doing public speaking, I decided to give weddings a shot and here we are!  Still loving every minute of it!

What wedding services/packages do you offer?

We offer packages for the simplest ceremonies to premium adventure elopements. Our most popular package is our Urban Essentials which offers a customizable ceremony and unlimited access to your Officiant.  

Have trends in wedding ceremonies changed over time? 

Trends have for sure shifted. I notice that most couples are not looking for something traditional but rather something short, fun, and authentic to who they are.  Which fits well with our team.

Calgary Wedding Photographer Anita Jeanine Photography | Calgary Wedding Venue Charbar |Wedding Planner and Florals Dani Anderson Creative |Wedding Gown LoveNote | Bridesmaids Dresses Lulus, Park Fifth & Co, DEX | Suit Formans Menswear | Wedding Makeup Pretty Faces by Arzoo | Wedding Hair BUTTER Beauty Parlour | Wedding Jewelry Minti Jewelry

What is the most unique wedding you’ve ever officiated?

One member from our team of awesome officiants once did the whole ceremony in a surfer accent, kind of like “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” – at the couple’s request, of course!

How would you describe your philosophy when it comes to working with couples to organize their ceremony?

We want their ceremony to best reflect who they are and be true to who they are.  In a matter of fact, You only do this once, so we make sure we work together to craft the perfect ceremony.

Do couples have the opportunity to customize their wedding ceremony?

Yes, with our Urban Essentials package – couples have the opportunity to completely customize their ceremony to how they want it. 

Canmore Wedding Photography by Willow and Wolf |Venue Canmore Golf and Curling Club

What are the most frequently asked questions you hear from couples?

How long will the ceremony be?

There is no set time but the average is about 20 mins. We’ll work with you to create something that will keep everyone engaged, carrying the meaning you desire your ceremony to have.  However, everyone is different, so you could choose to do something shorter or longer – it’s your call!

What will be said at our wedding?

We will work with you to create a personalized, custom ceremony that best reflects who you are as a couple. We do have some scripts we can use, but your ceremony isn’t complete until we get the “thumbs up” from you.

How soon should we book an officiant?

The sooner the better. By the same token, we book up fast – so once you’ve nailed down a date and confirmed your venue, it’s best to check ‘officiant’ off your list. Of course, we will always do our best to accommodate any last-minute requests.

What does the Officiant wear?

We promise to always look our best for your wedding ceremony. That means a suit or dress. We are definitely open to chatting about any ideas you may have. If there is a particular dress code or theme, feel free to let us know. 

What is the most important advice you would give to couples when it comes to their ceremony? 

Your wedding ceremony is extremely important. It’s so much more than just a legal part of the marriage process.  There is something amazing and beautiful that happens when you express your lifelong commitment to your partner. Let your ceremony mark the start of the next chapter of your love story and the start of the party!

What kind of information should couples have ready for you before the initial consultation?

In our initial consultation, we just really want to get to know couples.  Hear a little of their story and who they are.  The details will work out as we go along but for that first meeting up we really want to connect to make sure you feel we are the best fit!

What positive feedback do you hear most frequently from couples after their ceremony?

That they felt like it was a personal friend officiating their wedding. The ceremony was comfortable and relaxed – but personalized and fun!

Wedding Photographer Daring Wanderer | Wedding Dress BHLDN | Wedding Florals Fox Glove Studio

Do you have any favorite stories/memories/funny moments from any of your weddings?

One of the most special things that happened during a ceremony I was doing was in the middle of the vows, a dragonfly landed on the groom’s forehead.  I looked over at the bride and she started crying, I noticed those in the first couple rows started crying.  As a matter of fact, I wasn’t really sure why but knew there must be something meaningful, so I asked the couple afterward and they told me that when the bride’s father had passed away she had got a dragonfly tattoo in honor of him.  WOW!!!!

Is there anything else you would like couples to know?

First of all, we not only want to help you get married, but we also want to help you flourish throughout your marriage.  We offer fun and practical relationship coaching to couples we are marrying and those who are already married.  Check out our website for more details!

What Urban Officiant’s couples have to say:

“Urban Officiant? More Like Amazing Officiant!

Casey was our officiant at our legal ceremony in September. We would recommend him and Urban Officiant 1000 times over he was beyond amazing. Our families kept asking how we knew him and where we found him, they were really touched by his ceremony and how kind and fun he was. Therefore, thank you Casey for making our day so memorable, and for taking so many photos on our iPhones for us haha!”

Get in touch with Urban Officiant

If you’d like to chat with Casey and the team about your Rocky Mountain wedding ceremony, you can get in touch with them here.

Check out some of their awesome ceremonies on social media!
Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

Feature photo:
Wedding Photographer Nicole Sarah Photography | Hair + Makeup by The Hair Company and Julia Joy Makeup Artistry |Wedding Florals by Willow Flower Co. | Gown by Novelle Bridal Shop | Crop Top by Watters |Skirt by THEIA |Suit by INDOCHINO | Ceremony Venue Canmore Golf & Curling Club