After a call from ServiceOntario, the couple discovered that the wedding ceremony wasn't just badly done — it also wasn't official.
The man who performed their ceremony was not a legally ordained minister in Canada and was not legally allowed to marry them.
"The woman on the other end of the phone, you could tell, she really felt bad that she had to be the one to inform us … and I have to say it didn't come as a complete shock considering the way the ceremony had gone," said Jessica O'Donnell.
The O'Donnells said the man told them via text message he was certified by the United National Church.
On its website, the United National Church claims anyone can become an ordained minister in Canada and "lawfully perform marriages for your family, friends, or anyone in your community."
The website also states, "Our Minister’s Licence is Valid across Canada."
The problem is, that's just not true, according to Cynthia Vukets with the media relations department at ServiceOntario.
"United National Church is not recognized as a religious organization in Ontario … so people who receive a minister's licence from this organization are not permitted to perform marriages," she told Go Public.
Other provinces including Alberta and B.C. said the same thing. So-called ministers ordained by United National Church cannot legally perform marriage in those provinces either.
On its website, the United National Church offers three "ordination packages" ranging from $80 to $140.
You can watch a United National Church promotional clip from YouTube below.
'Brutal' wedding ceremony ruined by United National Church minister - Toronto - CBC News
The man who performed their ceremony was not a legally ordained minister in Canada and was not legally allowed to marry them.
"The woman on the other end of the phone, you could tell, she really felt bad that she had to be the one to inform us … and I have to say it didn't come as a complete shock considering the way the ceremony had gone," said Jessica O'Donnell.
The O'Donnells said the man told them via text message he was certified by the United National Church.
On its website, the United National Church claims anyone can become an ordained minister in Canada and "lawfully perform marriages for your family, friends, or anyone in your community."
The website also states, "Our Minister’s Licence is Valid across Canada."
The problem is, that's just not true, according to Cynthia Vukets with the media relations department at ServiceOntario.
"United National Church is not recognized as a religious organization in Ontario … so people who receive a minister's licence from this organization are not permitted to perform marriages," she told Go Public.
Other provinces including Alberta and B.C. said the same thing. So-called ministers ordained by United National Church cannot legally perform marriage in those provinces either.
On its website, the United National Church offers three "ordination packages" ranging from $80 to $140.
You can watch a United National Church promotional clip from YouTube below.
'Brutal' wedding ceremony ruined by United National Church minister - Toronto - CBC News