Volume delays
Due to the high volume of temporary marriage commissioner applications received during the summer, processing times are longer. To ensure applicants receive their certificates on time, applications should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications are processed according to a date of marriage, not the date an application is received. All applications continue to be processed.
If you do not receive your Temporary Marriage Commissioner Appointment Certificate and instruction package 10 days before the intended date of marriage, contact us.
Overview
An applicant for a temporary marriage commissioner appointment:
- must be 18 years or older
- must be a permanent resident of Canada
- is appointed for one day
- is only authorized to perform a civil (non-religious) marriage ceremony in Alberta
- cannot charge a fee to perform a marriage
- cannot represent themselves as a permanent marriage commissioner or solicit business of this nature
Clergy Person (Religious Representative)
- A clergy or person should refer to registering as a religious marriage officiant to perform religious marriages in Alberta.
- A clergy person may be appointed as a temporary marriage commissioner with special approval from Vital Statistics. Note: a temporary marriage commissioner may only perform a civil (non-religious) marriage ceremony; contact us for details.
Cost
There is no cost to become a temporary marriage commissioner.
A temporary marriage commissioner is not permitted to charge a fee to perform a marriage.
How to apply
If the date of marriage has been confirmed, file your application as soon as possible to ensure you receive your certificate on time. On average, the processing time for applications received during the summer is 8 to 10 weeks.
Step 1. Complete the application form
Ensure that the signatures of the applicant and the 2 marriage ceremony participants are provided on the application form.
Application for a Temporary Appointment as an Alberta Marriage Commissioner
PDF form issues
Fillable PDF forms do not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. To fill in and save the form:
- Save the PDF form to your computer – click or right-click the link and download the form.
- Open the PDF form with Adobe Reader. Fill it in and save it.
If you are still having problems opening the form, contact PDF form technical support.
Step 2. Send your application form
Email, mail, fax or courier your application to Vital Statistics.
If you email your signed application to Vital Statistics, ensure the application is sent as a PDF.
After you apply
Your application will be reviewed to ensure all the eligibility requirements are met. If further information is needed, Vital Statistics will contact you.
The average processing time for applications received during the summer is 8 to 10 weeks. To help ensure applicants receive their certificates on time, applications are processed according to a date of marriage, not the date an application is received, meaning applications with earlier marriage dates will be processed sooner.
When your appointment is granted, a Temporary Marriage Commissioner Appointment Certificate, only valid for the intended date of marriage, and an instruction package will be emailed to you 2 weeks prior to the intended date of marriage.
If you do not receive your Temporary Marriage Commissioner Appointment Certificate and instruction package 10 days before the intended date of marriage, contact us.
Applications are processed according to a date of marriage, not an application date.
Contact
Connect with Alberta Vital Statistics:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-7013 (Edmonton and area)
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Fax: 780-422-4225
For the deaf or hard-of-hearing:
TTY: 780-427-9999 (Edmonton and area)
Toll free TTY: 1-800-232-7215 (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]
Mail:
Vital Statistics
Box 2023
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4W7
Attention: Marriage Unit
Courier:
Vital Statistics
Document Reception
John E. Brownlee Building
10365 97 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3W7
Attention: Marriage Unit