Marriage Requirements
LAWS IN ALBERTA
- Marriages carried out in Alberta are valid throughout the world.
- Blood tests and waiting periods are not required for marriage in Alberta
- Two witnesses of at least 18 years of age are required for the ceremony.
- It is not necessary that the witnesses have prior knowledge of the couple being married
- Both the bride and groom must be at least 18 years of age, or possess the necessary written consent
- Marriage ceremonies may be performed with the aid of an Interpreter if the bride or groom do not understand English.
- Prior to being married, couples must obtain an Alberta Marriage License from a Registry Office in the province of Alberta. It is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
- To obtain the license both the bride and groom must present themselves and submit the following documents
- Proof of identification (driver license, passport, birth certificate...)
- Full name of father, and birthplace of father
- Maiden and full name of mother, and birthplace of mother
- widowed; Death Certificate of former spouse, or
- If divorced; Decree Absolute
- The Marriage License is turned over to the person conducting the marriage ceremony, and is not returned. A Marriage Statement (certificate) is provided at completion of the wedding ceremony, but this is not a registered document. To obtain the official registered Certificate of Marriage, it is necessary to apply to the Alberta Vital Statistics Registry. The appropriate form can also be obtained at any registry office (with the Marriage License). Marriage Licenses and applications for the Official Certificate may be purchased in Banff.
- If documentation is in order, it is possible to obtain a marriage license and be married on the same day.
- In Alberta, the person who performs a civil marriage ceremony is called a Marriage Commissioner. In other parts of the world he or she may be called a Celebrant, a Justice of the Peace, a JP, or an Officiant. Religious ceremonies are performed by ministers, priests, rabbis, or some other clergy. Marriage Commissioners are appointed by the Alberta Government, but are not salaried employees and are not subsidized. Rates may vary between commissioners.
MARRIAGE FORMS
http://www.banffbureau.com/bureau/downloads.htm
After your application is received, the Banff Bureau will make contact with you by fax, phone or email to confirm that the application is good and that nothing else is required.