If you’re looking for a wedding that is romantic, intimate, and budget-friendly, a registry office wedding is a fantastic option. While it may not have the grandeur of a large-scale celebration, it offers simplicity, elegance, and a stress-free way to say “I do.”
Even though a registry office wedding is one of the most affordable ways to tie the knot in Canada, costs can still add up. The good news? There are plenty of ways to keep expenses down without sacrificing the beauty of your special day.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to save money on a registry office wedding while still creating a meaningful and memorable celebration with your closest family and friends.
Is it cheaper to get married at a registry office?
Getting married at a registry office is one of the cheapest ways to get married. The cost of a civil ceremony in Canada usually starts with a basic fee for the ceremony itself, which can range from $75 to $400. It’s relatively cheap considering the overall average cost of a wedding in Canada at $30,000.
The cost of a registry office wedding in Canada can vary depending on several factors, including the province, the time and date of your ceremony, and any additional services you choose. Fees are set by each province or territory, so costs may differ depending on whether you’re marrying in Ontario, British Columbia, or elsewhere.
Beyond the ceremony fee, your overall expenses will depend on personal preferences — such as your attire, transportation, rings, and whether you choose to host a small reception afterward.
That said, a registry office wedding remains one of the most budget-friendly ways to tie the knot, making it a great option for couples looking to keep costs low while still celebrating in a meaningful way.
Can you save even more money on a registry office wedding?
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to save even more money when getting married at a registry office, which means you don’t have to pay even close to the Canadian average. In fact, if you’re particularly budget-conscious, you could have a registry office wedding for as little as $75, depending on the province and the specific fees set by your local government. If you’re happy to keep things simple and skip some of the pricier wedding extras, it can be an incredibly affordable way to tie the knot.
That said, getting married is a special milestone, and you might want to invest a little more to make the day feel extra meaningful. The good news? There are plenty of ways to do that without breaking the bank.
12 ways to save money on a registry office wedding
A registry office wedding is already one of the most budget-friendly ways to get married, but there are ways to make further savings. Below are 12 tips and tricks to help you save money on a registry office wedding. You can also check out our guide on how to save money on your wedding for more information.
1. Choose the right registry office
If you live a similar distance from more than one registry office, contact each of them to check how much a ceremony costs. This is especially important if they’re in different provinces or territories, as this can affect the price. Of course, you’ll have to bear in mind travel times and costs: choosing the cheapest option might not always be the most cost-effective in the long run.
Another point to consider is whether you’ll have the option to have the ceremony in the registry office or a specific ceremony room, which is often slightly larger and can accommodate more guests. These rooms can cost an extra $200 or so, so if you don’t need the space for guests then it might be an unnecessary expense.
2. Choose the right season, date and time
As we pointed out earlier, the season, date and time of your wedding will affect the cost. If you choose to get married during peak times, for example during the early afternoon on a Saturday in the summer, then it will be more expensive than if you were to get married on a weekday in the winter. If you can, consider getting married midweek to keep the costs down. This will also help you save costs when it comes to other vendors.
3. Keep things intimate
Registry offices are often small and private, which is why they’re perfect for intimate weddings. It might be tempting to invite dozens of people, but if you do that you’ll have no choice other than to pay for a larger space.
Be brave and keep your guestlist to only your closest family and friends. This might upset a few aunts and uncles, but you can invite them to join you afterwards for a nice meal, or to the evening reception if you choose to have one.
4. Forgo additional decor
A registry office isn’t a grand and elaborately decorated venue, so it can be tempting to want to decorate it so it fits your style and taste. However, this will bump up the cost. Why not embrace simplicity and go for a minimalist style? That way you’ll have more budget to dedicate to other parts of your day.
If you’re keen to add a splash of your personality to your registry office wedding, check out our guide our DIY wedding decoration ideas.
5. Buy off-the-rack outfits for the wedding party
Because registry office weddings aren’t as big as other weddings, you could save a lot of money by buying off-the-rack outfits. And just because you’re buying off-the-rack doesn’t mean you won’t all look amazing – you simply won’t spend nearly as much money. Plenty of online retailers and Canadian stores offer stylish, elegant wedding outfits for both brides and grooms at a fraction of the cost of high-end alternatives. While the quality and service may not be quite the same as a bespoke experience, if keeping costs down is your top priority, this is an excellent and budget-friendly option.
6. Keep flowers to a minimum
You may want bouquets, boutonnières, corsages and floral accents, but if you’re trying to save money, try to keep the number of flower arrangements you have to a minimum. Wedding flowers are justifiably very expensive, so the costs can very quickly add up.
To save money, choose arrangements which include in-season flowers and a lot of green foliage. For something a little more unique (and long-lasting), you could even have paper craft flowers or a dried bouquet.
7. Keep the reception small and simple
It probably doesn’t seem right to head straight home after your wedding, does it? Instead, you’ll more than likely want to have a reception so you and your family can celebrate your marriage into the night.
Try to keep things small. One option is to have an intimate meal at a restaurant, then head to a local bar for a few drinks afterward. If you prefer a more private setting, consider booking a bar or lounge with a function space, which you can often rent for around $500 — though prices can be higher during peak times.
To keep costs in check, avoid the temptation to offer an open bar, as covering drinks for all your guests can quickly add up to hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars, depending on the size of your group. Instead, consider a cash bar or providing a limited number of drink tickets per guest to strike a balance between hospitality and affordability.
8. Remember to DIY where you can
If you’re on a tight budget, and are prioritizing cheap and affordable over bespoke and luxury, do things yourself in lieu of enlisting the services of a quality but also costly professional. This includes your invitations, decor and favors, which aren’t the most expensive things you’ll have to pay for but will still bump up the overall cost of your big day.
The earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to experiment and use your creativity. Check out YouTube and other social media for inspiration and tutorials.
Do note, however, that aside from the DIY approach not matching the quality of professional wedding services, you will need to factor in the added time and extra responsibility to source all these materials yourself and put everything together. One of the great joys of outsourcing to a professional is peace of mind – the knowledge that you’ll have what you want on your big day exactly when you want it, without having to worry about all the moving parts that go into making gorgeous custom creations.
9. Hire a photographer using an hourly rate
Even though you’re not planning an extravagant wedding, you’ll probably still want photographs to help you remember it forever. While photographers usually offer set packages, they’re often open to hearing if you have specific requests. So, why not ask them if they’ll shoot your wedding for an hourly rate, instead? That way, they can take pictures at your ceremony but it won’t cost nearly as much as a set package.
10. Beg, borrow, rent
There’s nothing to say you have to outright buy everything you use for your wedding day. If there’s something you need but can’t afford brand new, why not ask a close friend or family member if you can borrow it instead? This includes anything from table linen to a veil.
Another option is rental, which is a fantastic alternative to buying something. For example, you can rent a suit for as little as $75 a day, which can be more than a third of the price of buying one. Just be mindful of return policies so you’re not fined for returning it late.
11. Keep your cake small but sweet
A wedding cake can be another chunky expense – understandably so, as it’s edible art – so keep costs down by choosing a smaller cake with a simple design. One great option is to choose a wedding cake from a supermarket, such as Loblaws, Metro, or Costco, which offer a range of affordable and beautifully made cakes. Many grocery stores and bakeries across Canada have elegant, ready-made cakes that can be customised with simple decorations to suit your wedding theme — all at a fraction of the cost of a traditional wedding cake.
12. Ask friends and family to chip in
A great way to save money, and give your loved ones a role to play in your special day, is by assigning everyone something to do. This could include:
- Transport – Why not ask someone you know to be your chauffeur for the day to help you get to and from the registry office?
- Music – We all know someone who has a huge music collection or is skilled in the guitar, so consider having them play or perform at your wedding.
- Beauty – You could ask a talented friend, or one of your bridesmaids, to do your hair and makeup before the ceremony (though this isn’t without its risks – read our post on bridal beauty costs to learn more)
- Videography – Most people have a smartphone, so you could ask someone you trust to record the ceremony for you (again this isn’t without its drawbacks, and is unlikely to match a professionally-shot and edited film)
Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook
For more money-saving tips, check out our comprehensive guide to saving money on your wedding. And be sure to check out our registry office ceremony guide, where we cover everything you need to know about planning an affordable yet meaningful ceremony.
Browse other similar articles…
- The Ultimate Canadian Wedding Budget Breakdown
- How to Save Money on Your Wedding? The Ultimate Cost-Cutting Guide
- Registry Office Ceremony Guide
- Wedding Etiquette: Who (Traditionally) Pays For What?
Happy Planning!
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