Delayed Registration of Marriage


When a marriage is not registered within one year from the date of the event, as per legislation, it must be processed as a delayed registration. These types of registrations require that evidence is provided to Vital Statistics to support that this event occurred in Alberta on a particular date.  A delayed marriage registration can only be registered by individuals who were:

  • A party to the marriage

  • The person who solemnized the marriage or

  • An adult person who is a relative of one of the parties to the marriage

The first step to initiate a delayed marriage registration is to provide Vital Statistics with details concerning the event. This information includes:

  • Full names of both parties to the marriage

  • Date of marriage

  • Place of marriage

  • Date of birth of both parties to the marriage

Once Vital Statistics has received the pertinent information about the marriage, Vital Statistics will advise you that the next step is submitting evidence/proof that confirms the date that the event took place and where the event occurred in Alberta.  As each delayed registration is subject to different circumstances below are merely a few examples of evidence/proof that you may be required to submit, however, further documentation and proof may be required to process the registration.

Acceptable Evidence for a Delayed Registration of Marriage

To register a delayed marriage, you must submit at LEAST ONE document that cumulatively establishes:

  • The full name of both parties to the marriage, and

  • The date and place of marriage

Some examples of proof/evidence that you may be requested to submit:

  • A copy of the marriage register from the place the marriage occurred, accompanied by a contact name and contact information of the organization responsible for the record

  • A copy of the marriage register of the person who solemnized the marriage, accompanied by a contact name and contact information of the organization responsible for the record

  • An original proof of marriage document issued by the officiant who performed the marriage

Once the delayed registration of marriage process has begun, Vital Statistics will work closely with you to provide the exact documentation, details of the evidence and fee that will be required to process the delayed registration. Vital Statistics must review the evidence submitted to determine acceptability.  For further information or clarification in regards to a delayed registration of birth, please contact the Vital Statistics office.