How to Legally Get Married in Alberta

So you’ve officially decide you are getting married in Alberta and you are feeling relieve that yet another wedding planning decision has been made! Phew!

But wait… How do you legally get married in alberta?

Well it involves just a few key steps to ensure everything is official and stress-free. Follow these steps to make your wedding in Banff or Canmore a seamless and unforgettable experience!

1. Book an Officiant

The first step to legally getting married in Banff or Canmore is securing an officiant. You can find a list of registered officiants through the Government of Alberta Website, or check out my Local Vendor Guide for a curated list of vetted officiants.

Officiant costs vary depending on location, time of day, and the type of ceremony you want. While some may be more expensive than others, don’t underestimate the value of a great officiant! A skilled officiant sets the tone for your ceremony, making it meaningful, personal, and unforgettable—rather than feeling like a sterile legal formality. Choosing the right person ensures your wedding or elopement is as special as your love story.

Option: Have a Friend or Family Member Officiate

If you prefer a more personal touch, a friend or family member can apply for a temporary marriage commissioner license. If you go this route, be sure to pick someone who is well-spoken and will take the role seriously—though they don’t have to be overly serious! A well-prepared officiant will craft a heartfelt ceremony that enhances your wedding experience. You can also check out my Top 5 Tips for Temporary Marriage Officiants to help them feel confident in their role.

2. Apply for Your Marriage License

A marriage license is required before your wedding ceremony can take place.
Your marriage license is only valid for 90 days once you have picked it up.

Here’s how to obtain one:

Alberta Residents: Visit your local registry office to apply in person.
Out-of-Province or International Couples: For your can pre-order your license through the Banff Registry or Canmore Registry by completing a form in advance. You can also go to any registry to start the application in person. Just make sure you have all the correct information with you before you go:

Required Information for the Marriage License Application:

Legal names of both partners
Places of birth for both partners
If you or your partner have previously been divorced, you must bring proof of your divorce in order to obtain your marriage license. When applying, you’ll need to provide the following details:
Legal names of both partners parents
Places of birth for both partners parents

You Need the Following to Pick Up Your License:

Both of you must be present
Both must have government-issued ID

3. Witnesses

You must choose and assign two witnesses to sign your paperwork (not the officiant). These witnesses can be anybody as long as they are of legal age (18+) and are present to physically witness the ceremony and sign the paperwork immediately after the ceremony.

Elopements

As your photographer, I am happy to be one of your witnesses. If you need another, either your officiant or I can arrange one for you for a small fee (fee depends on location) OR you can hire a videographer for your elopement and have them be your witness and also get a beautiful elopement video!

4. After Your Ceremony

Your officiant will submit your paperwork to Vital Statistics and issue you a temporary marriage certificate. You then submit this at the registry to have your official marriage certificate mailed to you.