Temporary marriage commissioner

Overview

A civil ceremony is a legal marriage performed by an Alberta marriage commissioner, in accordance with the legislated requirements, including the legislated statements that must be declared by the couple. A civil ceremony cannot be performed in accordance with the rites and usages of a recognized religious organization.

Eligibility

An applicant for a temporary marriage commissioner appointment:

• must be 18 years or older
• must be a permanent resident of Canada
• is appointed for one day
• is only authorized to perform a civil marriage ceremony in Alberta
• may only perform up to 3 civil marriage ceremonies per calendar year
• may only perform a marriage for a couple with whom they have a relationship/connection
• cannot charge a fee to perform a marriage
• cannot represent themselves as a permanent marriage commissioner or solicit business of this nature

Clergy Person (Religious Representative)

• A clergy person should refer to registering as a religious marriage officiant to perform religious marriages in Alberta.
• A clergy person who is not registered to perform religious marriages in Alberta can get special approval from Vital Statistics to become a temporary marriage commissioner and perform a civil wedding ceremony. Contact us for details.

Timeframes

When applying to become a temporary marriage commissioner, processing timelines work as follows.

• Submit your application at least 3 months in advance of the marriage date to ensure there is enough time for processing.
• Applications are processed based on the date of marriage, not the date an application is submitted/received.
• The Temporary Marriage Commissioner Appointment Certificate is issued about 2 weeks before the marriage date. If you have not received your Certificate of Marriage Commissioner Appointment and instruction package 10 days before the ceremony, contact us.

Cost

There is no cost to become a temporary marriage commissioner.

How to apply

Once the date of marriage has been confirmed, submit your application ideally 3 months in advance of the marriage date to ensure you receive your appointment certificate on time.

Step 1. Complete the application form

Ensure you check the box at the bottom of your application (used as a signature) to confirm you agree with the declarations.

Application for a Temporary Marriage Commissioner Appointment

Step 2. Submit your application form

Email, mail, fax or courier your application to Vital Statistics.

If you email your application to Vital Statistics, ensure the application is sent as a PDF.

After you apply

Your application is reviewed for eligibility and completeness. If more information is needed, Vital Statistics will contact you. An incomplete application will result in delays

Applications are processed according to a date of marriage, not the date you apply. This means applications for earlier weddings are processed first. When your appointment is granted, a Certificate of Marriage Commissioner Appointment will be emailed to you 2 weeks before the ceremony.

• The certificate of appointment is only valid for the intended date of marriage.
• An instruction package is sent with your Certificate of Marriage Commissioner Appointment. You are required to review this material.

If you do not receive your Certificate of Marriage Commissioner Appointment and instruction package 10 days before the intended date of marriage, contact us.

Note: If your wedding date changes, the date of your appointment will no longer be correct. Because of this, you must request a new appointment and submit a new Application for a Temporary Marriage Commissioner Appointment.

Contact

Connect with Alberta Vital Statistics:

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

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

Related

• Find a marriage officiant