What you need to know about Alberta Marriage Laws…
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.
Please review current regulations regarding proper and legal marriage ceremonies to be conducted in the province of Alberta. You must assemble complete and appropriate documentation as specified by SERVICE ALBERTA before presenting yourself at an Alberta Registry Agent to obtain an Alberta Marriage License:
SERVICE ALBERTA – information pages:
- Vital Statistics Main Introduction Page:
http://servicealberta.com/VitalStatistics.cfm - Vital Statistics: Getting Married:
http://servicealberta.com/542.cfm - Vital Statistics: Marriage Licenses:
http://servicealberta.com/1149.cfm - Finding a Registry Agent:
http://servicealberta.com/617.cfm
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 is not an official document. To obtain an official Certificate of Marriage, it is necessary to apply to the Alberta Vital Statistics Registry. The appropriate form can be obtained at a registry office (with the Marriage License).
Marriage Licenses may be purchased in Banff at The Banff Bureau, in the Wolf and Bear Mall under the movie theatre complex, across from Liquor World. Couples from out of province can pre-arrange their Marriage License through:
The Banff Bureau
Phone: 403-762-2177 or fax 403-762-0463,
Email: email@banffbureau.com
or check the web site www.banffbureau.com
Marriage Licenses may also be purchased in Canmore from:
Downer Ventures Ltd. ,
104, 837 Main Street Canmore, T1W 2B3,
phone 403-678-9320, fax 403-678-1968.
You must make an appointment with Downer Ventures.
If documentation is in order, it is possible to obtain a marriage license and be married on the same day. Most issuing offices are CLOSED on Sunday.
Both the bride and groom must be at least 18 years of age, or possess the necessary written consent.
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.
Blood tests and waiting periods are not required for marriage in Alberta.
Marriage ceremonies may be performed with the aid of an Interpreter if the bride or groom do not understand English.
