Non-urgent government operations are closed December 24 to January 1, reopening January 2. See the list of services available during this time.
Volume delays
Due to the high volume of temporary marriage commissioner applications received during the summer, processing times are longer. To ensure temporary marriage commissioner appointment certificates are received and processed on time, submit your application as soon as possible. Applications are processed according to a date of marriage, not the date an application is received. Thank you for your patience.
If you do not receive your Certificate of Marriage Commissioner Appointment 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
- may only perform up to 3 marriage ceremonies per calendar year
- may only perform a marriage for a couple with whom they have a relationship/connection
- 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 person should refer to registering as a religious marriage officiant to perform religious marriages in Alberta.
- A clergy person who is not registered to perform religious marriages in Alberta 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.
How to apply
Once the date of marriage has been confirmed, submit your application as soon as possible to ensure you receive your appointment certificate on time.
Step 1. Complete the application form
Ensure you check the box at the bottom of your application to confirm you agree with the declarations (used as a signature).
Application for a Temporary Marriage Commissioner Appointment
Step 2. Submit your application form
Email, mail, fax or courier your application to Vital Statistics.
If you email your application to Vital Statistics, ensure the application is sent as a PDF.
After you apply
Your application is reviewed for eligibility and completeness. If more information is needed, Vital Statistics will contact you.
The average processing time for applications received during the summer may take up to 8 to 10 weeks due to higher volume. To help ensure applicants receive their appointment 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 Certificate of Marriage Commissioner Appointment, only valid for the intended date of marriage, and an instruction package will be emailed to you 2 weeks before the intended date of marriage.
If you do not receive your Certificate of Marriage Commissioner Appointment 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
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