1. Are you willing to meet with us to go over plans before the wedding?
Yes I am.
2. Can you perform our wedding in French?
I can do the ceremony totally in French or a combination of English and French.
3. Are you willing to attend the wedding rehearsal?
Yes I am. The time must be booked at the same time as you are booking the wedding day.
4. What do we as a couple need to provide you with?
You must have a license to marry as provided by an Alberta Registries Office. If you book me as your Marriage Commissioner, I will ask you to fill out an Info-sheet.
5. Where do we get a marriage license?
Licenses can be obtained from any Alberta Registries Office and are valid for three months from time of issue. http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/617.cfm
6. What are the marriage license requirements? (Bring identification to the Registries Office).
http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/1149.cfm
- You must be at least 18 years old (if you are younger than 18, you will need legal consent from your parents)
- You must show acceptable identification such as a birth certificate, passport, treaty status card, Canadian citizenship card or driver’s licence
- Both parties must provide their parents’ full names and birth places
- You cannot be related to the person you wish to marry by whole blood, half blood or adoption (for example, you may not marry your grandparent, parent, grandchild, child or sibling)
- You must be currently unmarried
- If you are divorced, you must present proof the divorce is final such as a Certificate of Divorce or a Decree Absolute
- You must have your wedding in Alberta, however you do not have to be an Alberta resident to get married in Alberta
- You must be free from the influence of drugs and alcohol when you apply for a Marriage Licence (and when you participate in the wedding ceremony)
- Both parties to the marriage must apply together for their marriage licence
7. How many witnesses need be present at our wedding?
You must provide two witnesses and both must be at least 18 years old or older and not under the influence of drugs or alcohol while witnessing your wedding.
8. Are blood tests compulsory?
No they are not.
9. Who appoints Marriage Commissioners ?
Marriage Commissioners are appointed by the Alberta government and perform civil ceremonies; however, they are not salaried employees nor are they subsidized in any way.
10. Should we hire a Wedding Consultant ?
This is totally up to you and the amount of time you have. If you have a huge wedding, a consultant may be advisable. Make sure the consultant and your expectations are clear. This means that details such as entries/exits, who stands where etc should all be worked out with the consultant.
11. If we don’t have a consultant , will you help us with some aspects of the ceremony?
Yes, things like where the groom and the best men and brides maid stand during the ceremony. entrance/exit, posture etc. ,
12. I hear we do not have to exchange rings ?
Yes, that is correct.
13. It is not acceptable to kiss the bride in my culture.
That is not a problem. You will not be asked to do it. Please advise me beforehand what cultural norms suit you.
14. Can we have our wedding outdoors?
Yes you can, always have a back up plan.
15. Can we do our wedding at the Alberta, Legislative Assembly?
There are several great vistas at the Legislative Assembly BUT you can not reserve the place you hope to do the ceremony. It is on a first come first serve basis.
16. What about doing a wedding in Mexico or another country?
This is called a destination wedding . Please make sure you know what is required in Mexico or another country to do this. (Google this!) Many couples do a simple legal marriage ceremony here in Alberta firstly, followed by the ceremonial part of the marriage in Mexico.
17. Do I need to take my spouse’s family name once married?
There are no legal requirements to change a name after marriage for a couple being married in Alberta. A man may take his wife’s last name if he wishes and a women may take her husband’s last name if she wishes. . A combination of the two last names is also possible. The order of the two names is optional. This is not a legal change of name..
http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/1184.cfm
18. Can we make our own vows?
Certain parts of the ceremony are mandated by law and must figure in the ceremony. Please check with me beforehand to see where we can best integrate this in the ceremony.
19. Can we do a theme wedding?
Yes you can, but you may need to pay for the Marriage Commissioner’s costume.
20. We would like to do a very simple wedding with our two witnesses. Do you have a place where we can hold this ceremony?
For a small wedding as described I can make arrangements at my place to hold your wedding.
21. Can you provide the two witnesses for our wedding?
Yes, with enough warning, I can help provide this service.
22. My partner or I speak limited English or French, can we still be married?
Yes, a competent translator must be present. I will meet with the translator before hand so he or she is preparedfor what must be translated.
23. What do you charge for your service?
Please contact me personally for this information as it varies depending on the service being requested. (rehearsals, travel, meetings etc.).
24. When should we book a Marriage Commissioner.
Please book as early as you can.
Note : I will issue a marriage statement once you are married. You may apply for a marriage certificate 7-10 days after the fact.