Alberta Vital Statistics maintains a record (registration) of all marriages that occur in Alberta and can only issue certificate/documents for events that occurred in Alberta. Marriage certificates are issued using the information from the original Registration of Marriage, completed at the time of marriage. If a record cannot be found, a search for a three-year period is carried out automatically and the applicant will be notified.
All marriage records are confidential, there for only certain people can apply for the marriage certificate. To order a certificate, you must be one of the below:
- Party to the marriage
- Person on written authorization
- The legal representative for an eligible applicant (proof is required)
- Any person with an order from the court (proof is required)
- A guardian, trustee or person with power of attorney for a person whose marriage is registered.
- When a party to the marriage is deceased, their adult next of kin may apply
- An executor of an estate when either party to the marriage is deceased.
If you are one of the above, you may come in and order the marriage certificate. You will require your drivers licence or passport to order the certificate along with any supplementary documentation as listed above. When you come in, you will fill out an application form and submit it to the registry agents. Once you have submitted the application, you will be asked how soon you need the certificate. You can order the certificate and have it sent to you by mail within 7-10 days, couriered to us within 2-3 business days depending on the time of day you ordered the certificate, or you can go down the Alberta government offices and pick it up yourself 2 business days later.
There are three types of certificates that you can order:
Certified Personal Marriage Certificate
This certificate contains the full name of the bride and groom, place of marriage, date of marriage, registration date, registration number and the date of issue.
Certified Personal Marriage Certificate with Place of Birth
This certificate contains the full name of the bride a groom, places of birth, date of marriage, place of marriage, registration date, registration number and date of issue.
Photocopy of Registration of Marriage
This certificate contains the same information as the large marriage certificate, and more. It is generally used for restricted purposes such as immigration, consulates etc. If you require more information on this type of certificate, please give us a call.
Once you have submitted the application, you will be asked how soon you need the certificate. You can order the certificate and have it sent to you by mail within 7-10 days, couriered to us within 3 business days, or depending on the time of day you have ordered the certificate, you can go down the Alberta government offices and pick it up the next business day.
