Obtaining a Marriage Licence in Alberta: A Comprehensive Guide

In order to get married in Alberta, you must first obtain an Alberta marriage licence. This guide will walk you through the process of obtaining a marriage licence, the requirements and conditions, eligibility criteria, necessary documentation, and the cost involved.

Alberta Marriage Licence: An Overview

A marriage licence serves as proof that you have met all legal requirements to be married in Alberta. These licences can be obtained from a registry agent office. The document issued is a 2-part document: the top part is the Registration of Marriage, and the bottom part is the marriage licence. You must give the full document (Registration of Marriage/Marriage Licence) to the person performing your marriage. It is a legal document and should be kept in good condition without folding, as it is permanently archived.

Conditions for a Marriage

• Banns (postings or announcements in a church) are not acceptable in place of a marriage licence.
• No residency or citizenship requirements.
• No time period that must pass between the date a couple arrives in Alberta and the date a marriage licence is issued.
• Blood tests are not required.
• A marriage licence is valid for 3 months from the date it is issued.
• A marriage ceremony may take place the same day a marriage licence is issued.
• An Alberta marriage licence is only valid for an Alberta marriage.
• The marriage ceremony must take place in Alberta.
• If you are currently married, you cannot apply for an Alberta marriage licence.

Eligibility Criteria

To get a marriage licence, you must:

• Apply together at the registry agent office (some exceptions may apply).
• Swear/affirm one or more affidavits (it is an offence to swear/affirm a false affidavit).
• Provide your personal information, and the full names and birth places of your parents (including a parent's maiden name).

You cannot obtain a marriage licence if you:

• Are under the influence of a drug or alcohol (including being heavily medicated).
• Are related to each other as a grandparent, parent, child, sibling, or grandchild, by whole blood, half blood, or adoption.

Check with a registry agent if:

• Either person getting married is hearing, speech, or visually impaired.
• Either person getting married is an assisted adult with a court-ordered co-decision maker or represented adult with a guardianship order.

Age Requirements

Both individuals must be 18 years old or older. If you are younger than 18 years old, you can apply for a marriage licence if all your parents and legal guardians consent to the marriage licence being issued, unless other conditions apply. If you are younger than 16 years old, you cannot marry in Alberta.

Acceptable Identification

You must provide acceptable ID. If one of the couple does not have acceptable ID, that person may be able to provide their birth certificate or immigration document as ID – the other person must have acceptable ID. Consult with the registry agent issuing your marriage licence for details.

Marital Status

You cannot be currently married (either to each other or someone else). Your legal marital status must be one of the following:

1. Divorced: Proof of divorce is needed, such as a Certificate of Divorce or Decree Absolute.
2. Widowed: A death certificate of the deceased spouse is not needed.
3. Never been married: No marital status documents are needed.
4. Annulled Marriage (through the court): A copy of the court-ordered annulment must be provided.

Interpreters

If either person getting married is not fluent in English, an interpreter is needed. It is your responsibility to provide one. The interpreter must be 18 years old or older and fluent in both English and the language requiring translation. If the registry agent employee issuing the marriage licence is fluent in the other language, they may serve as the interpreter and issue the marriage license. The couple applying for a marriage license cannot interpret or translate for each other.

Cost of a Marriage License

There is a $40 government fee for the marriage license. Registry agents will also charge a service fee, which varies among registry agents.

How to Apply for a Marriage License in Alberta

Follow these steps to apply for a marriage license:

Step 1: Ensure You Are Eligible to Apply for a Marriage License

The marriage must be taking place in Alberta within the next 3 months. Before applying, ensure you and your intended spouse are eligible.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Take your acceptable ID with you to get the marriage license. Other documents may be needed, such as divorce documents. Contact a registry agent to confirm what documents you will need.

Step 3: Go to a Registry Agent Office

Go to a registry agent with your intended spouse, acceptable ID, and documents, and apply for a marriage license. A marriage license is issued while you wait. If you do not have all the information and documents needed, the process will be delayed.

After You Apply

Bring your marriage license to the ceremony and give it to the person performing the marriage ceremony. Review the Registration of Marriage/Marriage License document very closely for errors when you get it and before you leave the registry agent office. Always have errors corrected immediately.

• Before the ceremony takes place, errors can be corrected by a registry agent.
• After the ceremony takes place, errors must be corrected by an amendment.

The person performing the marriage ceremony cannot correct any information that was provided when the marriage license was issued.

Contact Information

Connect with the Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Contact Centre:

• Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
• Phone: 780-427-7013 (Edmonton and area)
• Toll-free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
• Fax: 780-422-4225
• For the deaf or hard-of-hearing:
• TTY: 780-427-9999 (Edmonton and area)
• Toll-free TTY: 1-800-232-7215 (in Alberta)
• Email: [email protected]
• Mail: Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 2023, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 4W7
• Courier: Vital Statistics Document Reception, John E. Brownlee Building, 10365 97 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 5C5

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Additional Information for Non-Residents

There are no residency or citizenship requirements for obtaining a marriage licence in Alberta. There is no time period that must pass between the date a couple arrives in Alberta and the date a marriage licence is issued. Blood tests are not required. An Alberta marriage licence is only valid for an Alberta marriage. The marriage ceremony must take place in Alberta.

By following this straightforward process, you can obtain a marriage licence and ensure that your marriage in Alberta proceeds smoothly and legally. Make sure to keep the marriage licence in good condition, as it is a legal document that will be permanently archived.