Weddings by Tamara - Calgary Alberta Marriage Commissioner
Phone: 403.463.6918 / Email: tamara@weddingsbytamara.com
©2011 Weddings by Tamara
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What is a Marriage Commissioner?
A. A Marriage Commissioner (Officiant) is a person with the legal authority to perform marriages within the province of Alberta.
When planning the marriage, a couple may choose a religious or civil ceremony. There are no legal differences between these two types of ceremonies:
~Religious ceremonies are performed by a religious representative (registered clergy) as long as they are registered with Vital Statistics under the Marriage Act
~Civil ceremonies (non-religious) are performed by marriage commissioners who are appointed by the Government of Alberta under the Marriage Act
Q. How far in advance should I book a Marriage Commissioner?
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A. It is recommended bookings be made at least six months in advance and up to one and a half years
Q. What are the legal components that must be said during a civil marriage ceremony?
A. Marriage ceremonies performed by a marriage commissioner require that during the ceremony, in the presence of the marriage commissioner and the two adult witnesses, the couple must declare to each other:
(1) I do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I, (name) may not be joined in matrimony to (name)
(2) I call upon those persons present to witness that I, (name), do take thee, (name) to be my lawful wedded wife/husband/spouse
Q. How do I obtain a Marriage License?
A. To obtain a Marriage License in Alberta, you must meet the following requirements:
Marriage License Requirements
To obtain a Marriage License in Alberta, you must meet the following requirements:
~ You must be at least 18 years old (if you are younger than 18, you will need legal consent from your parents)
~ You must show acceptable identification such as a birth certificate, passport, treaty status card, Canadian
citizenship card or driver's license
~ Both parties must provide their parents' full names and birth places
~ You cannot be related to the person you wish to marry by whole blood, half blood or adoption (for example, you
may not marry your grandparent, parent, grandchild, child or sibling)
~ You must be currently unmarried
~ If you are divorced, you must present proof that the divorce is final (Certificate of Divorce or Decree Absolute).
Divorce Judgement is not accepted as proof of divorce
~ You must have your wedding in Alberta, however you do not have to be an Alberta resident to get married in
Alberta
~ You must be free of the influence of drugs and alcohol when you apply for a Marriage License (and when you
participate in the marriage ceremony)
~ Both parties to the marriage must apply together for their marriage license
A Few More Points To Remember
~ It is unlawful to be married without a Marriage License
~ It is unlawful to be married while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
~ It is unlawful to be married without two adult witnesses
~ Remember, both parties to the marriage must apply together for their marriage license
~ Blood tests are not required
Q. How long is a Marriage License valid for?
A. A Marriage License is valid for 90 days.
Q. What is a Marriage License?
A. Marriage License shows that you meet the requirements to get married in Alberta and gives you the legal right to get married any time within three months from the date the license was issued. Marriage Licenses are available from any registry agent in Alberta.
Q. What is a Civil Marriage Statement?
A. A Civil Marriage Statement is a certificate issued by the marriage commissioner who performed the civil marriage ceremony.
Q. What is a Marriage Certificate?
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A. Alberta Vital Statistics maintains a record (registration) of all marriages that occur in Alberta and can only issue
certificate/documents for events that occurred in Alberta. Marriage Certificates are issued using the information from the original Registration of Marriage, completed at the time of marriage. The appropriate form must be completed and submitted through an authorized registry agent in Alberta. Please see samples provided on the Alberta Vital Statistics website.
Q. What paperwork is needed to be completed prior to/on the wedding day?
A. Please remember to bring Alberta Marriage License with you to the marriage ceremony and is provided to the Marriage Commissioner prior to the commencement of the marriage ceremony.
The Marriage License is what is signed during the marriage ceremony.
~ TWO witnesses need to be chosen to sign the Alberta Marriage License (over the age of 18 years old). They will be asked to sign the Marriage License after each of you have signed.
~ Civil Marriage Statement will be provided (proof of marriage but not a legal document) by Marriage Commissioner following the ceremony.
~ Completed Alberta Marriage License will be submitted to Alberta Vital Statistics via mail on behalf of the Marriage Commissioner and takes approximately 2-3 weeks for this document to be processed.
Q. What if we are in a rush to have our paperwork completed?
A. If there is a rush to have marriage registered, a rush service may be provided (please see agreement for pricing).
Q. What paperwork is needed to be completed AFTER the wedding day?
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A. Couples need go back to local Alberta Registries office to apply for Alberta Marriage Certificate.
For Registry Office Locations and Information, Please Visit: http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/1158.cfm
~ Alberta Marriage Certificates are printed in Alberta Vital Statistics office (Edmonton) and takes approximately 2 weeks for processing. Alberta Marriage Certificate are mailed directly to the couples’ home (or if requested at time of request sent directly to the local registries office for pick up). Please see samples provided. Alberta Vital Statistics website.
