|
For the most current information on getting married in the Province of Alberta, I encourage you to visit the Government of Alberta websites on the Marriage Act or on
Marriage Licences . As a general guideline, following are some answers to frequently asked questions.
What do I need to get married? You require a valid Province of Alberta marriage licence, a marriage officiate, at least two witnesses over the age of 18, a date, time and location. Note that marriage licences from other Provinces are not acceptable.
How do I get a marriage license? As a couple, you appear together at a Provincial registries office where you express your desire and produce proof of identification. If either person has been married before the 'Final Decree' papers for the divorce must also be presented at this time. Each person will be asked for the respective name of their father and mother, including their birth place and maiden names. The registries office will then grant a marriage licence, valid for 3 months. A blood test is not required, and the licence is effective immediately upon issuance--there is no waiting period to get married!.
Where can we hold the wedding ceremony? You can get married virtually anywhere that is suitable to you. For example a local park, a hall, a hotel, your home, a vehicle, or even in my home. The wedding can be as large or small as you wish, although the minimum size is five. (Couple seeking marriage, marriage officiate and 2 witnesses over the age of 18) Without exception, Alberta Law does not permit marriage by proxy.
How long is the wedding ceremony? Each ceremony is unique to the couple. While a typical length of the formalities is about 15 minutes, the inclusion of custom features or other parties, such as children, will influence the overall timing.
Does the wedding have to be formal and how much can I customize it? The wedding can be as formal or informal as you wish it to be, however please remember that this is a civil, not-religious, ceremony. With the exception of two statements required by Law, your entire marriage ceremony may be customized. The two statements which must be made be each party and which cannot be altered in any way are:
(1) "I do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I, (name) may not be
joined in matrimony to (name)." and
(2) "I call upon those persons present to witness that I, (name), do take you, (name), to be my
lawful wedded spouse (or partner)."
Is pre-marriage counseling required? No, however I do like to meet with you before the ceremony so that we can go through the ceremony and paperwork to ensure your day reflects your desires and goes smoothly.
Does a marriage commissioner provide a marriage certificate? While I issue a marriage statement at the time of your wedding, the Government issued
Marriage Certificate is obtained through
Alberta Registries upon completing an application form available through local registries offices. Your marriage statement as provided by me at the conclusion of the ceremony, is typically sufficient for changing one's name on most legal documents, such as your drivers licence and bank accounts.
Are wedding rings required to get married? No. While wedding rings are traditional, there is no legal requirement for rings to be a part of a civil marriage ceremony. The choice of none, one, two or more rings is yours.
Can my pet take part in our ceremony? This is your ceremony. If you wish your pet to be involved, then yes! To prevent surprises, I do suggest though that any pet be on a leash.
Is there a restriction as to when and where we can hold our ceremony? Within reason, no! If you desire an outdoor wedding at midnight, or an indoor wedding at noon, the choice is yours.
Do I have to change my last name when I get married? No. A wife has a choice of surnames to use after marriage, including her maiden name, a previous married name, her current husband's surname or any combination of the above providing it is not more than 2 surnames, with or without the use of a hyphen. The use of the husband's surname by the woman after marriage is legally accepted in Alberta, hence a legal change of name for a wife in such situations is not typically required.
|
|
