1. How much does a marriage licence cost?
- There is a $40 government fee for the marriage licence.
- Registry agents will charge an additional service fee.
- Service fees vary among registry agents.
2. How do I change my name to my married name?
In Alberta, you can keep your own last name or assume a married name when you get married. Either way, a legal change of name through Vital Statistics is not required.
You can:
- Keep your last name
- Assume your spouse’s last name
- Join your and your spouse’s last names and assume this joined name
Joining the last name can be with or without a hyphen, or a space; the order of the 2 names is up to you
for example: Smith-Jones, Smith Jones, SmithJones
Changing to a married name
If you choose to assume your spouse’s last name (or create a joined last name), you should change all your ID to reflect the new last name. Contact each organization that you have an account with and ask what they require to make the change. Some organizations will want to see your Civil Marriage Statement or government issued Marriage Certificate.
If you assume a married last name in Alberta, the name on your birth certificate does not change.
Other jurisdictions
It is important to note that the practice of assuming a last name in Alberta may differ in other jurisdictions. For example, another province may require a legal change of name rather than permitting a spouse to assume a new last name through marriage. This may or may not affect the name on your birth certificate. Contact the applicable jurisdictions for their practices.
3. Where can I get a government-issued Marriage Certificate?
You can apply for a marriage certificate at a registry office.
4. Can my children be witnesses?
Children can stand in the bridal party but cannot be witnesses unless they are at least 18 years old.
5. Can I get married on horseback or a hot air balloon?
Absolutely, I am prepared to help you in any way to make your wedding unique.
6. Can my friend or relative perform the wedding?
In Alberta, there is opportunity to apply for a “one day” license to perform weddings. Applications can be made through Vital Statistics and can take up to one week to process. The 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 (non-religious) marriage
ceremony in Alberta
- cannot charge a fee to perform a marriage
- cannot represent themselves as a permanent marriage
commissioner or solicit business of this nature
My suggestion is rather than go through this entire licensing process, I can work together with your choice of officiant and take care of all the paperwork and the legalities while your friend enjoys speaking at your ceremony. Talk to me, I am very flexible.
7. Can I write my own vows?
More couples are opting to personalize their ceremony than ever before, and with the influx of creative new brides and grooms, the pressure to write the perfect vows can be overpowering. I can help with that or you can opt for traditional vows with no added pressures.
There is a required statement in Section 8(2) of the Marriage Act.
8(2) No particular form of ceremony is required in the solemnization of a marriage by a marriage commissioner except that in some part of the ceremony, in the presence of the marriage commissioner and the witnesses, each of the parties shall declare:
I call on those persons present to witness that I, ________,do take you, ___________, to be my lawful wedded wife (or husband, or spouse).
8. Do I have to say the word “obey”?
It is not necessary to say “obey”; the word was removed from wedding ceremonies many years ago.
9. Can you do double weddings?
Yes, I am happy to perform a double ceremony. It takes a bit more planning and we need to be assured that both couples agree with the ceremony process, order of service etc.
10. Can you refuse to marry someone if they are under the influence?
Yes, in Alberta none of the wedding party may be under the influence of a drug or alcohol; this includes being heavily medicated.
11. How old do you have to be to get married in Alberta?
Both of you 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. Check with a registry agent for full details.
If you are younger than 16 years old, you cannot marry in Alberta.
I am happy to answer all your questions. Please don’t hesitate to ask.