Hi, I’m Hazel Shanks – a licensed Wedding Officiant joyfully serving couples throughout the Durham Region (Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Bowmanville) and the Greater Toronto Area.

Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy elopement, a faith-filled celebration, a modern non-religious ceremony,  or something beautifully in-between, I work with you to design a ceremony that feels authentic, meaningful, and unforgettable. 

With years of experience as a Durham Region and Toronto wedding officiant, I’ve had the honour of standing beside couples at lakeside gazebos, elegant ballrooms, rustic barns, chic downtown venues, and intimate backyard weddings. Wherever you choose to say “I do,” my role is to guide you through every moment with calm, kindness, and a touch of light-hearted fun so you can relax, be present, and truly enjoy your ceremony. 

Because I’m also a Marriage & Relationship Coach, I don’t just focus on your wedding day – I care deeply about your life together after the confetti settles. I offer premarital and newlywed coaching to help you build strong communication, deepen intimacy, and create healthy patterns that support a lasting marriage. Many couples love that their wedding officiant is also someone who can walk alongside them as they grow their relationship. 

On a more personal note, I’ve been happily married for over two decades, and that lived experience shapes the way I serve each couple. I know that real love is built in everyday moments – laughter in the kitchen, whispered apologies, shared dreams, and choosing each other over and over again. That’s the kind of love I’m celebrating when I stand with you on your wedding day.

If you’re looking for a Wedding Officiant in Durham Region or the GTA who will:

• Take time to get to know your story
• Craft a ceremony that is personal, heartfelt, and well-organized
  
• Offer guidance with vows, readings, and ceremony flow
• And support you as you prepare not just for a beautiful wedding, but a strong marriage

…I would be honoured to connect with you.