3 Minutes - Article
Requirements, process, and legal guidelines.
If you and your partner are planning to get married, this is an important time to start preparing and learning about the rights and legal responsibilities involved before the wedding day.
This is if you are planning to be legally married, as you will require this license.
Where do I go to apply?
To apply, you can go to any registry office of your choice. They will then ask for both you and your partner’s legal information.
You must provide all necessary information, especially if you would like to eventually switch your legal surname with your marriage certificate.
What is the difference between the license and the certificate?
- Marriage License - Shows you meet the legal requirements in Alberta
- Marriage Certificate - Proves that you are legally married
If you do not have these two legal documents in Alberta, the person officiating your ceremony will be unable to marry you.
What are the requirements when applying?
- Must be 18 years or older (unless parents/guardians sign off on consent)
- Have government-issued ID
- Not already married
- If divorced, provide divorce papers to file for a new license
- If widowed, provide a death certificate to file for a new license
Pay the government filing fee
NOTE:
When applying, make sure your wedding or ceremony is in Alberta within a 3-month timeline. This is to ensure the license does not expire before receiving the marriage certificate and to make it legally binding.
Make sure to also bring your official Marriage License to your ceremony for your officiant.