Colleen Olafson - Marriage Commissioner
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About
Colleen Olafson is an independent Marriage Commissioner / Officiant based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She specializes in performing wedding ceremonies that truly reflect the love felt by the couple before her. She is thoughtful, patient, organized, and a great listener. These qualities make her an exceptional leader for your upcoming ceremony, with an openness for personalizing it. The most important thing for Colleen is that you have a ceremony that is perfect for you.
Colleen was appointed as a Province of Manitoba Marriage Commissioner in 1993, and she has officiated at more than 1900 wedding, committal, and vow renewal ceremonies. She is an experienced and professional officiant.
As an independent Marriage Commissioner, if you book Colleen you get Colleen!
Services Offered
- Wedding ceremonies including personalization
- Legality ceremonies for couples who are having a symbolic or church ceremony at another time
- Same-sex / LGBTQ weddings
- Commitment ceremonies or a symbolic ceremony (without a marriage licence)
- Vow renewal ceremonies
Highlights
Wedding Types
Civil union, interfaith ceremony, non-religious, vow renewal, ceremony rehearsal
Officiant Services
Allow couple' own vows
Religious Affiliations
No denomination
Wedding Services Starting Price
$200
More information
On average, how long are wedding ceremonies you officiate?
Does starting price include the ceremony rehearsal?
What is the starting price for ceremony rehearsals?
If you offer pre-marital counseling, what is the starting price for (per session)?
71 reviews
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![Jon]()
Jon M. Married on 19/09/2021We were blessed to come across Colleen
Colleen, we were so happy to have you included in our day. When you included the story of our engagement, we both started to cry. You are a consummate professional and you are very clearly emotionally invested in who you work with. We all felt that.Colleen Olafson - Marriage Commissioner's reply:
Marilyn and Jon -- thank you so much! I loved hearing your engagement story and then writing it into your ceremony. A very special time for me. Hugs, Colleen 💞 -
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Brenda C. Married on 10/09/2021Our Wedding - September 10th 2021
Colleen Olafson officiated our Wedding ceremony on September 10th, 2021. The whole day was beautiful and the ceremony was seamless, comfortable and very tastefully done. Colleen put together the ceremony making sure our wishes and the details were looked after taking into account our personal journey. We would recommend Colleen to anyone who wishes their Wedding ceremony to be done with perfection and clarity; and leaves you worry free. Thank you Colleen.
Brenda and KimColleen Olafson - Marriage Commissioner's reply:
Brenda and Kim -- thank you so much. I loved hearing about your personal journey and ..... I got to be a small part of it! 💞 -
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Tanya P. Married on 21/08/2021Winnipeg's best marriage comissioner
Colleen was professional, kind and so helpful when working with us to plan our wedding ceremony. She gave plenty of tips and ideas on how we could personalize our wedding to make it our own, lending us a big book of ideas to map it all out with her advice and assistance. For the rehearsal, she made everyone feel comfortable and ensured we all understood how the process would work on the big day. We are so happy we chose Colleen to marry us!Colleen Olafson - Marriage Commissioner's reply:
Tanya & Oliver, thank you so much! It was so much fun working with you and telling your love story. Your wedding party was also so-much-fun! 💞 -
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Shawn S. Married on 31/07/2021Pandemic Wedding at the WAG
Colleen Olafson is easily Winnipeg’s best Family Life Celebrant. She is more than someone shares in a special moment – she is a close family member who cares about you and making each moment together memorable.
My wife and I were recently married by Colleen. Her close relationships with on site vendors and staff at the Winnipeg Art Gallery was astounding – she quickly worked with everyone to coordinate our vision and to ensure its flawless execution.
Before August 1, Colleen met with us to craft a personalized wedding ceremony that would reflect our unique journey together. She offered us sage advice as we navigated the challenges of a pandemic wedding. At every step, she was respectful of our wishes, paid attention to every detail, and so much more.
She is extremely organized and her process can help you create the right ceremony for your moment, no matter what your vision may be. After working with Colleen, we can see why she was awarded as one of Winnipeg’s Top Wedding Officiants for nearly five years and is highly recommended by the Winnipeg Wedding Show. Her experience is second to none and we strongly recommend her services to you for your next celebratory event.Colleen Olafson - Marriage Commissioner's reply:
Holly and Shawn -- thank you so so much for your kind words! I loved every moment working with you and I know our paths will cross again somewhere. 💞 Colleen -
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![Kaylee]()
Kaylee Y. Married on 12/05/2021Absolutely perfect!
Colleen helped to make our special day even more special. We were looking to have a little elopement style ceremony and Colleen helped to make our dream wedding come true. She is kind, friendly, organized and extremely knowledgeable. She was always quick to respond when we had questions and always open to making changes to ensure everything was perfect. We have nothing but positive things to say about Colleen, she made planning our day effortless and we would recommend her to everyone we know!Colleen Olafson - Marriage Commissioner's reply:
Kaylee & Mateo -- thank you so much! Eloping during a pandemic in a beautiful Manitoba park -- it doesn't get much better than that. I'm honoured to be part of your celebration! -
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Hannah V. Married on 25/04/2021She made our special day more special!
My cousin and a good friend recommended Colleen and she did not disappoint. She is amazing! She made us feel comfortable from the very beginning. Colleen really took the time go get to know us and write a ceremony that was truly us. She was easy to get in contact with and was prompt with any questions we had. She is very charming and we absolutely could have not picked a more perfect marriage commissioner! Definitely recommended!
Colleen Olafson - Marriage Commissioner's reply:
Hannah and Harold -- thank you so much! Getting to know you and writing your story into your ceremony, I think will be a keepsake for generations to come. 💞 -
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Ronald E. Married on 11/04/2021Ron & Kathy’s Wedding 💖
Colleen, we are so happy you were able to be a part of our ceremony. We felt lucky to have discovered you and that you are just around the corner! You have helped us so much with this part of our journey. Thanks so much and we look forward to seeing you in the neighbourhood.
Ron & Kathy xxoColleen Olafson - Marriage Commissioner's reply:
Kathy and Ron -- thank you so much! I'm so glad you chose me to be your officiant and I have been able to see you in the neighbourhood. Hugs, Colleen 💞 -
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![Kelle]()
Kelle G. Married on 09/04/2021Heartfelt and Professional!
Colleen was absolutely wonderful to collaborate with in creating a very special ceremony for our big day. We requested a short turnaround from planning to wedding, and she was readily available and exceptionally responsive. Colleen provided us with questions about our relationship, and crafted the most beautiful love story. She went above and beyond to provide details for the logistical parts of the marriage, such as licensing and name change. What was most special about working with Colleen was her obvious passion for sharing in the sacred moments of a wedding ceremony. We felt as though we've known her for years; like a loved one was reading the story of our lives. Thank you so much, Colleen!Colleen Olafson - Marriage Commissioner's reply:
Thanks so much Kelle and Ryan! I'm so glad you shared your love story with me so I could include it in your wedding ceremony. It was perfect! Hugs, Colleen 💞
Photo credit: Casey Nolin Photography -
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![Anne]()
Anne M. Married on 20/02/2021Best comissioner!
Colleen is amazing at what she does! She helped us along the way to create the perfect wedding ceremony. She is so great to work with and she replies to emails quickly, she is very accomodating and she was very patient as we planned our wedding in the middle of the pandemic. She was very through in her emails, she sent us plenty of information and resources, and she took the time to answer all our questions, and she met with us virtually twice - once was before the wedding just to make sure we had it all right! Everyone complimented Colleen's work. Our ceremony was livestreamed, and even people from different countries complimented how amazing was our ceremony! Highly recommend!Colleen Olafson - Marriage Commissioner's reply:
Anne & Scott -- officiating at your wedding and then seeing you five week later when you were guests at a wedding -- it doesn't get much better than that! Colleen 💞 -
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![Amy]()
Amy C. Married on 23/01/2021Just the best!
We could not have asked for a better marriage commissioner! It has been such a delight to work with Colleen and have her be a part of our special day. She's the right kind of prompt, and the right kind of patient, all at the same time. She set the bar high, and kept our stress levels low as she guided us through the entire process. Thanks Colleen!Colleen Olafson - Marriage Commissioner's reply:
Thanks so much, Amy & André! I loved being part of your ceremony planning and then standing together on the banks of the Red River in January with a light snow falling. No pandemic restrictions were going to stop us! 💞 Hugs -
Awards
Meet the Team
I am proud to have been raised in Riverton, located in Manitoba’s Interlake region. After 18 enjoyable years in Brandon - most of those years working at the Court House — I now live in Osborne Village with my husband, Vern.
In July 1993 I was appointed to be a Province of Manitoba Marriage Commissioner. Since that time I have officiated at more than 1700 weddings. Becoming a marriage commissioner was a perfect fit for me.
In January 2014 I participated in the In-Sight Institute funeral celebrant training in the United States. Since that time I have officiated at many funeral services / celebrations of life — another perfect fit for me.
I have also officiated at baby welcoming / baby blessing ceremonies — a perfect opportunity for families who are not connected to a religious denomination to celebrate their new child.
I retired from my government career with Manitoba Health in Winnipeg in January 2015. This has given me more time to focus on my true calling — performing wedding ceremonies, officiating at funerals / celebrations of life and celebrating the birth of a baby / small children.
I am caring, friendly, open and a great listener. My friends and colleagues have praised my warm sense of humour, calm demeanour, thoughtfulness, and patience. And I really love what I do!
I hope to share with you my experience, compassion and professionalism as we work together.
I have been recognized by "Three Best Rated" for 2018 and 2019!
- 2019 Top 3 Wedding Officiants in Winnipeg
- 2018 Top 3 Wedding Officiants in Winnipeg
Map
605 River Ave R3L 0E7 Winnipeg (Manitoba)
