How do I get an Alberta marriage licence?

Alberta marriage licences are available from a registry agent office. They are valid for 3 months so you can go as early as 3 months before your wedding. I recommend getting your licence about a month before your wedding.

When applying for a marriage licence, both spouses must go together. You will need a valid piece of photo ID, and family information: your parents’ names and where they were born. This information can be found on your birth certificate.

The whole process takes about 10 minutes and you will walk out with your marriage licence.

A registry agent issues a 2-part document. The top part is a Registration of Marriage and the bottom part is the marriage licence. Please make sure that the bottom part is signed by the agent. If not, the marriage licence is not valid.

The full document (Registration of Marriage/Marriage Licence) must be given to me. This is a legal document and must be kept in good condition and not folded as it is permanently archived.

Please check the Alberta website for all up-to-date eligibility requirements and how to apply.

What if I’m from a different province or country?

Anyone can get married in Alberta as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. It doesn’t matter where you are from. The marriage certificate is a legal document and should be recognized as a legal marriage in other countries.

How do I get an official marriage certificate?

After the wedding ceremony, I will give you an unofficial marriage certificate. This certificate can be used to change your name in Alberta only. To order an official marriage certificate from the province, you will need to apply at an Alberta registry. Download the application form and bring it to an Alberta registry after your ceremony. It’s easier to apply in person, however, it is possible to apply for it out of province. You will receive your official marriage certificate in about 3-6 weeks after applying.

How do I change my name?

In Alberta, you can keep your own last name or assume a married last name when you get married.

You can:

• keep your last name

• assume your spouse’s last name

• join your and your spouse’s last names and assume this joined name. Joining a last name can be with or without a hyphen, or a space; the order of the 2 names is up to you. For example: Smith-Jones, Smith Jones, SmithJones

If you choose to assume your spouse’s last name (or create a joined last name), you should change all your ID to reflect the new last name. Contact each organization that you have an account with and ask what they require to make the change. Most organizations will want to see your government issued marriage certificate.

If you assume a married last name in Alberta, the name on your birth certificate does not change.

When do we start planning the ceremony?

After you sign the contract and pay your deposit, you will receive your ceremony resources. 10 weeks before your ceremony, you will receive your ceremony questionnaire. Once that is complete, we will have a planning meeting to review all the details of your ceremony.

What is the couple responsible for?

• Getting a marriage licence

• Filling out your questionnaires

• Attending meetings

• Writing your vows

• Picking your music

• Deciding who will be in the wedding party and who is a part of the ceremony (parents, additional readers, wedding crew, pets, kids, etc)

What’s the weather like in Jasper?

Spring | April-June: Spring can be a mix of snow, rain, and sun! Sometimes we get fabulous summer weather as early as April and May, but it can also snow! Be prepared with proper attire like an extra jacket and proper footwear.

Summer | July-September: The temperature can range from 20℃ to 35℃, mostly sunny with possibility of wind and rain. 2021 summer went through a major heatwave that saw temperatures soar to 40℃. Be prepared with shade and extra water for your guests.  The presence of wildfire smoke can be present in July and August, but it’s difficult to predict.

Autumn | September-October: Autumn starts abruptly in Jasper. The September long weekend notoriously gets a small snowfall. Be prepared with extra layers throughout the season. You can get lucky with a warm, sunny day. 

Winter | November-March: The temperature can range from 5℃ to -30℃. Most winter days are sunny, but can also be cloudy/overcast and snowing. If you are planning an outdoor winter ceremony, make sure you and your guests dress very warmly and have proper footwear. 

Jasper is a National Park. Do we need a park pass?

Yes, all visitors to Jasper National Park require a national park pass. Park passes can be purchased before coming to Jasper, or at the entry gates. There are options for daily or annual passes, individual and group passes. More information can be found on the Parks Canada website.