Become a marriage commissioner

Overview

• Marriage commissioner appointments are for a period up to 5 years.
• Vital Statistics monitors the need for marriage commissioners in Alberta communities.
• Communities identified with a need for marriage commissioners are advertised in the Openings section.
• Interested individuals should read the marriage commissioner position profile then submit an application if they meet the requirements. All applications and supporting documents must be received in full on or before the closing date.
• Submissions are reviewed and the individuals selected for interviews are contacted.
• Vital Statistics recommends suitable candidates for appointment.
• Successful candidates are appointed and notified.
• If an application has been submitted for a community that is not advertised, the application will be held on file for 2 years. If the application is on file when the community is advertised, it will be considered with all other applications received.

Position profile

Role

The role of a marriage commissioner is to perform civil (non-religious) marriage ceremonies in accordance with the Alberta Marriage Act and its regulation, accurately complete legal documents and ensure the marriage is registered.

Requirements

• be 18 years old or older
• be a resident of Alberta
• be fluent in English (both verbal and written)
• live in the community in which you are appointed to serve
• not discriminate for any reason; for example: language, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, et cetera.
• have a working knowledge of, and regular access to, the internet
• cannot be
  • a clergy or religious representative of a religious organization
  • an owner, operator or employee of an Alberta registry agent office
  • appointed, or designated as, a marriage licence issuer or a deputy marriage licence issuer for the province of Alberta
• cannot be involved in any activity that is, or may be perceived as, a conflict of interest with this application (without limitation, a conflict of interest exists, or may be perceived to exist, when a person applying to be a marriage commissioner operates a private business or provides a service, and is unwilling to provide their marriage commissioner services separate and apart from their private businesses or services)

Responsibilities

• perform all marriage commissioner duties in accordance with documented policy and legislation
• ensure legal requirements are met
• represent the Government of Alberta in a professional capacity
• solid understanding of Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) principles
• be able to handle difficult and sensitive situations
• provide marriage ceremony flexibility and inclusivity
• available to perform marriages at all hours
• available for ceremony preparations

Assets

• fluency in other languages (both verbal and written)
• strong interpersonal skills
• own transportation
• public speaking/presentation skills
• strong organizational and time management skills

Openings

Applications submitted for current opportunities will be reviewed after the closing date. Due to the volume of applications received, timelines for the review process cannot be guaranteed. All applications will be reviewed, but only applicants successful in gaining an interview will be contacted by Vital Statistics.

Opportunities are staggered in different communities depending on needs and other various factors. If you reside in a community that is not currently listed, we would be pleased to accept your application and keep it on file. All applications are kept on file for 2 years. Should there be an opportunity in the community in which you reside, your application will be reviewed with other applications received at that time.

Cost

There is no cost to become a marriage commissioner.

How to apply

Step 1. Ensure you are eligible to be a marriage commissioner

Review the marriage commissioner Position Profile.

Step 2. Check for openings

Check to see if Vital Statistics is looking for marriage commissioners in your community.
View openings.

Step 3. Complete the application form

Attach additional pages if necessary.

Application for Marriage Commissioner (PDF, 78 KB)

Step 4. Gather supporting documents

Include with your application:

• a cover letter
• current resume

Step 5. Send your application form

Email, mail, fax or courier your application and the supporting documents to Vital Statistics at:

Email: [email protected]

Mail:
Vital Statistics
Box 2023
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4W7
Attention: Marriage Unit

Fax: 780-422-4225

Courier:
Vital Statistics
Document Reception
John E. Brownlee Building
10365 97 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3W7
Attention: Marriage Unit

After you apply

Only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

If you submitted an application for a community that is not advertised, your application will be held on file for 2 years. If your application is on file when the community in which you reside is advertised, it will be considered with all other applications received.

Contact

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
Box 2023
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 4W7
Attention: Marriage Unit

Courier:
Vital Statistics
Document Reception
John E. Brownlee Building
10365 97 Street
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 3W7
Attention: Marriage Unit