Marriage is a beautiful journey, and getting married in Alberta is undoubtedly an exciting experience. However, before you can officially tie the knot and start your happily ever after, there’s one crucial step you need to take: applying for a marriage certificate. It may sound like a daunting task, but don’t worry – we’re here to guide you through it! In this blog post, we’ll show you how to apply for a marriage certificate Alberta so that you can focus on planning the wedding of your dreams without any worries. Let’s get started!
How to Apply for a Marriage Certificate in Alberta?
A marriage certificate is a legal document that proves a couple has entered into a valid marriage in Alberta. Vital Statistics issues it and can be used to prove to authorities, financial institutions and employers that a couple is married. It is also required to apply for a divorce in the province or to change your name.
The process of applying for a marriage certificate in Alberta is simple and straightforward. We will explore everything in detail for you below.
Who is Eligible to Apply for a Marriage Certificate in Alberta?
In order to apply for a marriage certificate in Alberta, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by the Alberta government. These requirements include:
- You must have been married in Alberta, and the marriage must be registered with the Alberta government
- You must be at least 18 years of age or have written consent from your parent or legal guardian if you are between the ages of 16 and 18
- You must have proper identification, such as a passport, driver’s license, or permanent residency card
- You must provide both parties’ marriage date and full names
- You must pay the required fee for the marriage certificate
If you meet these eligibility requirements, you can apply for a marriage certificate in Alberta either online through the Alberta government website or by mail.
Steps to Apply for a Marriage Certificate in Alberta
Getting married is a joyous occasion, but it also comes with a lot of paperwork. One important document that you will need is a marriage certificate. This legal document is proof that you are married, and it can be used for various purposes, such as changing your last name, applying for spousal benefits, and more. If you plan to get married in Alberta, Canada, here are the steps you must follow to apply for a marriage certificate.
Apply for a Marriage License
Before you can apply for a marriage certificate, you need to obtain a marriage license. You can apply for a marriage license at any Registry Agent office in Alberta. You and your partner will need to fill out an application form and provide government-issued identification such as a passport, driver’s license, or permanent residency card. You will also need to pay a fee for the marriage license in Alberta.
Get Married
Once you have your marriage license, you can get married. A registered religious official or a civil marriage commissioner can perform the marriage ceremony. You will need to have two witnesses present at the ceremony. After the ceremony has been conducted, the officiant will sign the marriage license.
Register the Marriage
Within 48 hours of the marriage ceremony, you or your partner will need to register the marriage with the Alberta government. You can complete the Registration of Marriage form and submit it to any Registry Agent office in Alberta. You will need to provide the signed marriage license and government-issued identification and pay a fee for the registration.
Order a Marriage Certificate
Once the marriage is registered, you can apply for a marriage certificate. You can order a marriage certificate online through the Alberta government website or by mail. You will need to provide your personal information, including your full name, date of birth, and the date and location of the marriage. You will also need to pay a fee for the certificate.
After You Apply
Applications submitted through a registry agent, AMA, or Registry Connect are routed to Vital Statistics for processing. Under normal conditions, when a marriage is registered and the application is completed correctly, Vital Statistics processes it within three business days of receipt. This 3-day timeframe does not include time for mailing or delivery.
If any material needs to be included or there are any discrepancies, your application may be delayed.
What Documents Are Needed to Apply for a Marriage Certificate in Alberta?
To apply for a marriage certificate in Alberta, you will need to provide the following documents:
Marriage License: Before getting married, you need to obtain a marriage license from any Registry Agent office in Alberta. This license is a legal document that authorises you to get married in Alberta.
Registration of Marriage Form: Within 48 hours of the marriage ceremony, you or your partner will need to register the marriage with the Alberta government by completing the Registration of Marriage form and submitting it to any Registry Agent office in Alberta.
Identification: When applying for a marriage certificate, you and your spouse must provide government-issued identification such as a passport, driver’s license, birth certificate or permanent residency card.
Fee Payment: You must pay a fee for both the marriage registration and certificate. The costs can be paid online, by mail, or in person at any Registry Agent office in Alberta.
Once you have provided all the required documents and paid the fees, you can apply for a marriage certificate online through the Alberta government website or by mail. It is important to note that processing times for a marriage certificate may vary, but it typically takes around 15 business days to receive the certificate by mail.
What is the Cost of Applying for a Marriage Certificate in Alberta?
The cost of applying for a marriage certificate in Alberta is $40. This fee includes the cost of the application, the processing of the application, and the issuance of the certificate.
Please note that additional fees may apply for rush processing, expedited shipping, or other special requests. Also, the fees are subject to change, so it is best to check the Alberta government website for the most up-to-date fees.
Conclusion
Applying for a marriage certificate in Alberta is relatively straightforward and can usually be done online. The process involves submitting application forms, having the documents notarised or witnessed, and paying applicable fees. Once all the requirements are met, you should receive your official marriage certificate within 8 to 10 weeks of submitting your application.
We hope this article has made it easier for you to understand what steps need to be taken when applying for a marriage certificate in Alberta so that you can start your life together without any unnecessary delays or complications!
FAQ – Marriage Certificate in Alberta
What are the steps to getting married in Alberta?
Getting married in Alberta is a three-step process: obtaining a marriage license, having the ceremony, and applying for a marriage certificate.
- Obtain a marriage license: You can apply for a marriage license at any registry agent office in Alberta. Both applicants must be present and must provide proof of identity and age. The marriage license is free of cost for one year from the marriage date
- Have the ceremony: The ceremony can be performed by a religious officiant, a judge, or a justice of the peace. It must be witnessed by two people over the age of 18
- Apply for a marriage certificate: After the ceremony, you will need to apply for a marriage certificate. This can be done online, by mail, or in person at any Vital Statistics office. You will need to provide your marriage license and identification for both applicants. The fee for the certificate is $40
How long does it take to get marriage certificate Alberta?
The marriage certificate application will be processed and handover within 3 days of applying, but this does not include the mail or delivery period.
How can I check my marriage certificate status in Alberta?
If you applied for a marriage certificate in Alberta, you could check the status of your application online. To do so, visit the Alberta Vital Statistics website and select ‘Application Status’ from the menu. You will need to enter your application number and date of birth. Once you have done so, click ‘Search’, and your application status will be displayed.
How do I find my marriage records in Alberta?
https://provincialarchives.alberta.ca/how-to/find-birth-marriage-and-death-records offers a listing of vital statistics records and indexes held by the Provincial Archives; simply scroll down the page to find the listing.
Once you have identified the records or indexes that may contain your marriage record, you can visit the Provincial Archives of Alberta in person or submit a request for copies of the records. If using the mail, please fill out and include a completed “Request for Services” form with any relevant information (including specific dates and names) when submitting your request.
