You do not have to be a Unitarian or a member of this spiritual community to use our services.
We are honoured to be invited to share in and facilitate your most important life passages. Our Lay Chaplains are specially trained to perform all ceremonies including weddings, memorials, and child dedications/baby namings. We will spend time getting to know you, to understand your wishes and needs, and ensure that they are met.
The Lay Chaplains are legally authorized marriage officiants in the province of British Columbia. We affirm and celebrate diversity. We create and celebrate ceremonies for people of all sexual orientations, cultural and spirituals traditions, including those wanting secular or mulit-faith ceremonies.
Weddings
Spiritual but not religious? Just as every one is unique, every wedding should be unique. Let us help you create a ceremony which reflects your values, traditions and beliefs. We work with you to create a ceremony that fits your needs and dreams. We are pleased to incorporate traditions and customs from various religions, faiths and cultures and we welcome the participation of friends and family in your service. Contact laychaplain@surreyunitarians.ca
What You Get
A ceremony just for you with all the elements and rituals you wish with your own ideas–or choose from already-designed ceremonies. All ideas are welcome.
Your Lay Chaplain will correspond with you by email or telephone to refine your ceremony so that it’s perfect for you.
At least one in-person meeting to get to know you and tgether design your ceremony.
A ceremony at a place of your choosing.
A rehearsal at your venue is included.
We are honoured to perform weddings for any two people who wish to dedicate themselves to each other, including same-sex couples.
Cost: $450
A deposit of $150 payable by cash, cheque, or e-transfer is required at your initial meeting. This guarantees your spot on our calendar.
The balance ($300 plus any mileage fees) payable two weeks before your ceremony.
No mileage charge within the Lower Mainland. (Mileage is charged at 68 cents per kilometer from the edge of this area to the venue and return. Ferry costs are extra.)
Memorials | Funerals | Celebrations of Life
Honour your loved one in a service that reflects your beliefs.
Drawing on our extensive resources, we work with individuals and families to create a memorable service for events such as renewal of wedding vows, dissolution of a relationship, coming of age, loss of a pet, graduation, house blessing, retirement or any other passages or transitions in a life. Contact laychaplain@surreyunitarians.ca
What You Get
At least one in-person discussion with close friends and/or family members to review the life of the deceased and their wishes for the service. The Lay Chaplain will provide a variety of options for readings and words for the family.
Values and beliefs of the family are respected. You will have as much input as you wish.
Assistance in designing an appropriate memorial service or celebration of life to honour your loved one.
Certificate in recognition of the service.
A service led by the Lay Chaplain at a place of the family’s choosing.
Cost: $450
A deposit of $150 payable by cash, cheque, or e-transfer is required at your initial meeting. This guarantees your spot on our calendar.
The balance ($300 plus any mileage fees) payable two weeks before your ceremony.
No mileage charge within the Lower Mainland. (Mileage is charged at 68 cents per kilometer from the edge of this area to the venue and return. Ferry costs are extra.)
Graveside interment or scattering of ashes by the Lay Chaplain at the same time for an additional fee of $100.
Child Dedication & Baby Naming
Share the miracle of your child’s life in a meaningful ceremony.
Working with you, we create a service that speaks to the commitment of significant people to your child’s well-being, and we welcome the active participation of loved ones, especially children, who will be an important part of your child’s life. We are familiar with a number of ceremonies that may enrich the experience for your family, including earth-centred, cultural and religious elements. Contact laychaplain@surreyunitarians.ca
Other Rites of Passage
Mark significant life passages with a co-created ceremony.
Drawing on our extensive resources, we work with individuals and families to create a memorable service for events such as renewal of wedding vows, dissolution of a relationship, coming of age, loss of a pet, graduation, house blessing, retirement or any other passages or transitions in a life. Contact laychaplain@surreyunitarians.ca
Our Lay Chaplains
Skye Wylie
Skye is a curious and passionate lifelong learner who seeks to uncover wonder and beauty in everyday life. She is dedicated to creating inclusive ceremonies that honor the significant thresholds of our lives. By weaving together ritual, poetry, and music, Skye helps transform life’s transitions into meaningful, memorable, and transformative experiences.
With a background as a writer, comparative religion scholar, and psychotherapist, Skye is honored to meet people where they are—just as they are. She collaborates with individuals to craft personalized and meaningful ceremonies that commemorate life’s most important moments.
A mother of three young adult children, Skye is also a committed social justice advocate and an active member of the South Fraser Unitarian community, where she serves on the Worship Arts Team.
Christine Kinnie
Christine feels honoured to serve as a Lay Chaplain in the Unitarian Universalist tradition, specializing in creating meaningful and inclusive rituals for all. Christine’s warm and friendly demeanor makes her a beacon of compassion and empathy in both her personal and professional life. Through her training and experience with the South Fraser Unitarian Community, Christine has honed her skills in creating rituals that honor the diverse beliefs and experiences of those she serves. Her inclusive approach ensures that everyone feels welcomed and valued, regardless of their background or beliefs.
With a passion for promoting social justice and advocating for human rights, Christine is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree with the goal of becoming a human rights lawyer.
