It might be big in that you’re having a lot of guests, a large wedding party and a lavish reception
Or it might be small and intimate.
Either way, it’s big.

And, either way, it needs to be your big day. It’s your job to imagine and create the wedding you want. A wedding that will reflect and honour both of you, your unique relationship and the path you are walking together.

It’s my job to facilitate your vision for the ceremony, bringing energy and expertise to help make your big day be everything you want it to be.

I would be delighted to play that small role in your big day.

Barry Chugg

About Me

Even though it's all about you, you'll want to know about me.

As a young man I earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work but my heart took me in a different direction and I became a career entrepreneur. I co-founded a video production company which became one of Canada’s largest and have been a professional communicator in Alberta for more than thirty years. In the course of this career I was fortunate to discover two of my greatest talents and joys: writing and public speaking. Over the years I have won many writing awards and had numerous opportunities to speak to groups small and large here at home in Alberta as well as internationally. Both activities give me life.

I have become an Alberta marriage commissioner partly because it gives me the opportunity to use these skills but mostly because weddings are all about joy and love. And who doesn’t want to spend as much time as possible surrounded by joy and love?

Barry's Signature

Barry Chugg

Alberta Commissioner

Services

Because it’s your big day and all about you, I want to offer you what you want and need.
No more and no less.

You might want a very conventional Civil Marriage Ceremony or something completely unique. I am happy to customize your ceremony, write a few bits specifically for you and work with any ideas you have to make it special. Let’s talk about possibilities and make them realities.

My rates will vary somewhat depending on what you want. Please call or email for rates and availability.

“A good marriage is where both people feel like they’re getting the better end of the deal.”
– Anne Lamott

Testimonials

  • I think you should know that you made our day magical. It was the best ceremony I have ever seen/experienced and that’s not just because it was my own. We’ve had guests tell us that the ceremony was perfect that it was made exactly for us and that nothing was missing. I just feel very lucky that we found you and chose you. You were the perfect commissioner for us.

    We want to thank you so very much from the bottom of our hearts. You were fantastic!

    Thanks,

    – Justine Fisher and Bailey Hillmer

    The experience was relaxed, comforting and FUN. I found the idea of finding a commissioner quite daunting at first and not knowing what to expect or how to find the right person. But after we met with you, there was an instant feeling of relief that we had found the right person. Someone we felt understood us, connected with us, and genuinely wanted to help make our day wonderful. It was perfect.

    I can’t tell you how many people came up to me to express how truly beautiful, personal and unique a ceremony it was with so many special moments. Apparently there was not a dry eye in the house, even from those who admit to having never cried at a wedding before ours!

    Thank you so very much from the bottom of our hearts!
    – Elizabeth Morgan and Rob Maver

    Matt and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for such a beautiful ceremony yesterday. Your guidance throughout this whole process has been incredibly valuable. You helped us create a ceremony that felt like it was truly us.

    We had countless people comment throughout the night on how beautiful,
    authentic and personal the ceremony was.

    Now time for the Honeymoon! Thanks again and take care,
    – Matt and Mel

    We wanted to thank you, SO MUCH for everything you did at our wedding. It would not have been the same without you. We have received tons of compliments about our wedding and how laid back and fun it was, and you had a lot to do with that! A lot of our family and friends made the same comment “you guys had the best wedding commissioner ever”, “where did you find him? He was amazing?” and we have to agree, you really were amazing!!
    So from the bottom of our hearts, thank you, for making the best day of our lives even better!

    – Shawn and Nicole Kenney

    Thank you so much for marrying us! You did an absolutely amazing job. It was a day that we’ll never forget. You brought so much love to our little family. You gave us warmth and kind words that we will carry with us on this new journey.

    – Shinelle and Clay

    Thank you so much for officiating our wedding. You customized our ceremony not only to suit Ron and me but also to include our three kids was beyond words. You made all of us feel at ease with your caring nature, personality and warm smile. Our guests all commented on our ceremony, saying how you officiated it was awesome, some even wished they had found you for their wedding!

    – Ron & Jessica Edades

    We had a wonderful experience with you as our Marriage Commissioner. Especially being from out of town, you made the experience very easy and catered to our schedule, which was very much appreciated. The ceremony was beautiful, we loved how it was very personal to us as a couple, not only in the choice of readings, but in the overall tone of the ceremony. We were extremely happy that you were so willing to go along with our Princess Bride homage, it really made the ceremony start with a something that neither us, or any of our guests will ever forget. We couldn’t have been happier that you were referred to us, and we would gladly refer you to any of our friends getting married in your area!

    – Gianna and Glenn

    Jordan and I wanted to thank you again for all that you did for us both leading up to the wedding and on our big day. We had many people comment on how amazing you were – setting the tone for a joyous happy occasion. We watched the video of the ceremony yesterday and both commented on how perfect you were and how lucky we were to have you as the commissioner at our wedding! .
    Thank you again for making our day so fantastic!

    – The New Mr. & Mrs, Jordan and Sandra Pinkster!

    A huge thank you for making our day absolutely perfect. You did an incredible job, and even got some giggles in the crowd. I was more emotional than I thought I would be, but I guess being in the present moment can do that. Truly the best day! Eric and I are still glowing and we smile ear to ear when we talk about it. Perfect wedding day for the two of us!
    Can’t thank you enough!

    – Kayley Samela and Eric Cowger

    Our overall experience was awesome! From how you wrangled everyone together and got us organised the night before (not an easy task), to how personalised you made the ceremony, the humour you brought and how relaxed you made us both feel. It really was great! I don’t think you could improve on anything. We appreciated all you did!

    – Travis Camden & Caley Grant

    Barry was the perfect marriage commissioner. He was very flexible in order to accommodate us and made sure the ceremony was exactly how we wanted it yet offered helpful suggestions as well. He explained everything very well (as we had no idea – first timers!) and we couldn’t have done it without him. The smile never left his face. We are very grateful to have had Barry marry us and the day went perfectly!

    -Torey Paul and Allison Danish

    Barry did an excellent job with our wedding ceremony! He took time to meet with us and explained what needed to be in the ceremony as well as offering us a variety of ideas we could add. Barry was able to make the perfect ceremony for us by listening to what we envisioned and making it happen! The feedback from many guests was the same as ours – it was the perfect ceremony; personal, engaging and so, so well said. Thank you Barry!
    – Brad Bender and Stephanie Jones

    To anyone seeking that all-important anchor of a person, the one who actually marries you, this is the man you want to have your back! The man who will bring your dream wedding to life, whatever that dream may be!”

    – Jason and Vanessa Benoit

    Testimonials jan 2018
  • To keep your marriage brimming, with love in the wedding cup, wherever you’re wrong, admit it; whenever you’re right, shut up.

    – Ogden Nash