How do you get an Alberta marriage licence?

To apply for a Marriage Licence:

• 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.
• 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 of the influence of drugs and alcohol when you apply for a Marriage Licence (and when you participate in the wedding ceremony).

Both parties must apply together for their marriage licence. When both parties cannot appear at the same time, there are three options.

1. Party A has his/her marriage licence affidavit executed before an Alberta MLI (marriage licence issuer). Later party B appears before the same MLI and has his/her marriage licence affidavit executed. Both parties appear before the same MLI – at different times.
2.  Party A and Party B ARE in Alberta
   • Party A has his/her marriage licence affidavit executed by an Alberta MLI in the registry agent office.
   • Party B has his/her marriage licence affidavit executed by a Notary Public
3. Party A or party B is NOT in Alberta
   • Party A (in Alberta) has his/her marriage licence affidavit executed by an Alberta MLI.
   • Party B (outside Alberta) has his/her marriage licence affidavit executed by a Notary Public.

Additional requirements for special circumstances

• Both parties to the marriage must speak English. If they do not, it is their responsibility to provide an interpreter who is over 18 years old and is fluent in both English and the language requiring translation. The couple applying for a licence cannot translate for each other.
• If either party is deaf, a sign language interpreter may be required.
• If either party is mentally challenged and a trustee or guardian has been appointed, proof that their trustee or guardian has been informed of the upcoming marriage is required.
• Blood tests are not required.

How long does it take to process a marriage licence?

The marriage licence is printed at Richmond Road Registry as soon as the affidavits are signed.

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