Temporary Marriage Commissioner Appointments

Effective July 1st, 2004, Alberta’s policy on temporary marriage commissioners has changed.

These appointments are now restricted and are limited to Alberta residents who are judges, a member of the Senate of Canada, Alberta MPS or MLAs (including former MLAs).

In special cases where no other permanent marriage commissioners are available, Service Alberta will have discretion to appoint an individual as a temporary marriage commissioner where they are not a judge, a member of the Senate of Canada, MP or MLA.

Temporary Appointments for Judges, Senators, MPs, MLAs and Former MLAs

Alberta Registries
Vital Statistics
Box 2023
Edmonton, AB T5J 4W7

Or fax the application to 780-422-4225

Restricted Temporary Appointments

Requirements for restricted temporary appointments (where the applicant is not a judge, senator, MLA, former MLA or MP):

  • Must be an adult who is a permanent Alberta resident

  • Consideration for appointment will only be made when it has been established that there is no permanent marriage commissioner available to perform the wedding ceremony

  • It is the responsibility of the applicant and/or couple being married to provide Vital Statistics, in detail, why a permanent marriage commissioner is not available

  • Upon receipt of your application, Vital Statistics will review the application to ensure the eligibility requirements are met and review the reasons why there is no marriage commissioner available (permanent marriage commissioners will be contacted by Vital Statistics to verify their availability)

  • Complete and submit an application form (REG 3246A) (pdf) along with any supporting documents to:

Alberta Registries
Vital Statistics
Box 2023
Edmonton, AB T5J 4W7

Or fax the application to 780-422-4225

General Information
  • Individuals seeking a temporary marriage commissioner appointment must meet eligibility criteria

  • Temporary appointments are valid for one day only (24 hours)

  • There are other registration procedures for the licencing of clergy to perform marriages in Alberta; the marriage commissioner appointments do not apply to members of the clergy

  • A person with a temporary marriage commissioner appointment only has the authority to conduct a civil (non-religious) marriage ceremony

  • Applications will take 3 – 4 weeks for processing for Restricted Temporary Appointments

  • For the purpose of becoming a temporary marriage commissioner, a permanent Alberta resident is defined as a person:

    • Lawfully entitled to be in Alberta, who makes their home in Alberta and is ordinarily present in Alberta for 6 months or more per year

    • Who would ordinarily pay Alberta income tax

    • Who is eligible for Alberta Health Care Insurance benefits

Additional Information