I Do in Toronto

Congratulations Janice and Patti!

2012-01-31T12:44:00.000-05:00

Hi Katharine

Thank you so much for helping to make our wedding day beautiful.

Everything was perfect, the Chapel, the Officiant, our Vows, and the incredible support received from our family and friends. We are happily married!!

Here are some pictures.

Thanks again

Janice and Patti

MICROSOFT, NIKE & OTHERS ENDORSE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BECAUSE IT’S GOOD FOR BUSINESS

2012-01-31T12:02:00.000-05:00

For many people same-sex marriage is a highly charged, emotional issue that has polarized the United States and other countries. However, Microsoft, Vulcan, Nike, RealNetworks, Group Health Cooperative, and Concur are pushing for the legalization of same-sex marriage in Washington State because they believe that discrimination of any kind lowers the quality of employees that the company is able to hire. As long as same-sex marriage is illegal in Washington State, these venerable corporations don’t think that they can compete for talent with states that have already legalized same-sex marriage.

In order to further their cause, collectively Microsoft, Vulcan, Nike, RealNetworks, Group Health Cooperative, and Concur have sent a joint letter to Washington Governor Chris Gregoire endorsing two bills that if passed would allow civil marriages between same-sex couples in Washington State.

This is no surprise where Microsoft is concerned. They have always taken a leadership role in the area of equality for same-sex couples. In addition to supporting gay rights and same-sex marriage, Microsoft was one of the first with a non-discrimination policy in place protecting against discrimination due to sexual orientation and one of the first to provide benefits for the same-sex partners of its employees.

It amazes me that in 2012 people in the United States are still fighting for basic human rights and that same-sex marriage is legal in only six states - Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont.

Where human rights are concerned, Canada has taken a leadership role, granting all of its citizens equality regardless of their sexual orientation. Same-sex marriage is legal in Canada. Many couples from around the world come to Canada to get married; however your marriage won’t be recognized as legal in any jurisdiction that doesn’t recognize same-sex marriage.

Contact I Do in Toronto for any information on same-sex marriage.

Congratulations Gleysi and Cassandra!

2011-11-21T10:05:00.000-05:00

Hey Jessica,

Hope you guys are doing great. Again thanks for everything our day was definitely memorable and amazing!

Thanks again
Gleysi & Cassandra

October 15th, 2011

http://www.idointoronto.com/

WEDDING TIPS FOR TORONTO COUPLES

2011-11-21T09:55:00.000-05:00

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage! The I Do In Toronto team want to ensure that all couples enjoy a worry free wedding. Here are a few tips for Toronto couples getting married.

Plan well in advance, especially if you have a particular date in mind. Special occasion dates (e.g. during Pride Week, New Year’s Eve, etc.) and Saturdays get booked up very quickly. If friends and family will be coming into town for your wedding, you want to give them as much notice as possible so that they can make their travel arrangements.
Select a venue that is appropriate to the number of guests that you are having. Too big is just as bad as too small.
Make sure that you meet the requirements and have all of your documents in order. You will need a Marriage Licence that you can download or pick up in person at one of the Registry Offices. Fill out the application and then apply for the marriage licence in person. Don’t forget identification (e.g. birth certificate), change of name certificates, current passport, Record of Immigrant Landing or Canadian citizenship card and photo ID for both you and your partner. The Marriage Licence fee is currently $140 (subject to change) and is valid for 3 months. There are no refunds or any extensions.
There are no citizenship or residency requirements for marriages in the Province of Ontario.
There are no blood tests or medical certificates required for marriages in the Province of Ontario.
After your ceremony it is the responsibility of your wedding Officiant to file the necessary paperwork with the Province of Ontario.
Marriages performed outside of Ontario are not registered with the City of Toronto or the Province of Ontario. Therefore, if you are planning a destination wedding you may want to consider having the legal ceremony in Ontario before you leave and then having something ceremonial at your destination.
If you are planning to serve alcohol at your wedding reception you will need a Special Occasion Permit issued by select LCBO stores.
You can” assume” your spouse’s last name or combine both of your last names into a hyphenated last name without a legal name change by using your marriage certificate to make the change on all your other identification (driver’s licence, health card, passport, social insurance number (SIN) card, banks, etc). It’s free, easily reversible, and there is no long application process. You can do it at any Service Ontario Centre.
To change your name legally call the Office of the Registrar General toll free at 1-800-461-2156 or in Toronto at 416-325-8305 to get forms sent to you in the mail.

WEDDING TIPS FOR OUT OF TOWN COUPLES

2011-11-01T08:46:00.001-04:00

We’re delighted that you chose to marry in Toronto. It’s a dynamic, exciting city with a vibrant gay community. Same sex marriages have been legal in Ontario since 2003 and the first legal same sex marriage in North America took place in Toronto. So, welcome to the city where it all began! Here are a few tips on getting married in Toronto.

There are no residency requirements but you will require a marriage licence. The marriage licence application can be completed online.
When selecting accommodations look for the diversity-friendly icon. This means that the TAG (Travel Alternatives Group) has recommended the property for being gay friendly to travelers.
There are over 32,000 hotel rooms available in Toronto. Here are some of the most popular properties.
Travel Gay Canada is Canada’s LGBT Tourism Association. They’ve got great info and travel specials.
Visit Toronto’s Gay Village, home to Canada’s largest gay population.
Pride Week is a very popular time for weddings. Pride Toronto’s 10-day festival will be taking place from June 22 – July 1, 2012. Start planning now.
I Do in Toronto has an exquisite pre-decorated ceremony space for intimate gatherings. All of our wedding packages include an Officiant.
Our registered and experienced Officiants are available to preside over offsite weddings.
Toronto has so much to see and do, there will never be enough time; but here are some attractions for you to enjoy.

I Do in Toronto

Congratulations Peter and Jason!

2011-10-25T13:41:00.000-04:00

July 17th, 2011

http://www.idointoronto.com/

TORONTO WILL PROUDLY HOST WORLD PRIDE IN 2014

2011-10-25T13:40:00.000-04:00

It’s very exciting news that Toronto has been chosen as the host city for World Pride in 2014. An international showcase for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues, World Pride Toronto will feature three parades - a Trans March, a Dyke March, and Pride Parade, an opening ceremony and a closing ceremony, a human-rights conference, an AIDS candlelight vigil, festivals, cultural events including Canada Day and the US Independence Day celebrations, and many other activities.

World Pride began in Rome in 2000. The second event was scheduled to take place in Jerusalem in 2006 but was unfortunately cancelled due to unrest in the region. The next World Pride will be held in London in 2012, and in 2014 Toronto will be the host city. The timing couldn’t be more perfect with World Pride Toronto taking place at the same time as Toronto Pride Week in 2014. In addition to the World Pride events, the traditional Toronto Pride Week events will continue as usual.

Toronto’s Pride Week is a huge event, both in attendance and in economic terms. Last year over 1 million people attended and generated $136 million for Toronto’s purse, while only costing $4 million to put on. Organizers estimate that it will cost $10 million to host World Pride but that will more than be compensated by the amount of money that the event will generate. Estimates on how many will attend World Pride Toronto 2014 and how much money it will bring to Toronto are off the charts but conservative guess-timates have attendance at least at 1.25 million. Planning has already begun and it promises to be an exciting time for Torontonians and all of the attendees. Will you be participating?