Things to Know

Things you need to know before you can get married

things-to-know

Marriage Ceremony Requirements

When getting married in Alberta, the following requirements must be met:

  • The Alberta marriage license must be valid on the date of marriage
  • The Registration of Marriage/Marriage License form must be given to the marriage officiant before the marriage ceremony starts
  • The ceremony must take place in Alberta
  • The marriage officiant must be authorized through Vital Statistics to perform marriages in Alberta
  • The couple getting married and 2 adult witnesses must be physically in the presence of the marriage officiant (Note: marriage by proxy (someone standing in place for the person getting married via teleconferencing, etc. Is not allowed)

Witnesses must meet the following requirements

  • be 18 years of age or older
  • cannot be cognitively impaired

The couple and the witnesses must be fluent in the languages being spoken at the wedding ceremony and fully understand the English forms they have to sign

  • if a person in the wedding party (couple and/or witnesses) are not fluent in English, an interpreter/translator may be required; talk to your marriage officiant
  • When an interpreter/translator is required, it is the couple’s responsibility to provide one
  • None of the wedding party may be under the influence of a drug or alcohol
  • During the ceremony, the Registration of Marriage form must be signed by the couple, the 2 witnesses and the marriage officiant

Marriage Certificate

A marriage certificate is not provided by a marriage commissioner. To obtain a marriage certificate:

  • One or both of the couple goes to any Alberta registry with Civil Marriage statement as proof of marriage after thirty days post marriage.
  • The couple will advise they wish to order a marriage certificate
  • The registry will ask for a fee for this service
  • The certificate will be mailed to the couple at address indicated on requesting documentation.

To note: There are rush options available to obtain a marriage certificate sooner than the standard wait time. Please ask during consultation.

At the conclusion of the marriage ceremony, the marriage officiant will provide the couple with a proof of marriage document

Following your wedding ceremony, the completed marriage licence will be submitted to Alberta Vital Statistics by the Marriage Commissioner. If you want a marriage certificate which is a legal document issued by Alberta Vital Statistics, you must apply for it at a Alberta registry agent office and it will be mailed to you in approximately 3-4 weeks. You can apply for your marriage certificate anytime after the ceremony (i.e., 1 day, 6 weeks, 1 year, 25 years, etc.). Marriage certificates are not automatically mailed to you. If you do not apply for a marriage certificate you are still legally married but nothing will come to you from the government.

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