Our Alberta Marriage Ceremonies
- Revised & reapproved at our annual meeting June 18, 2019.
- All ceremonies performed by Clergy Support Memorial Church clergy must be conducted by Appointed or Ordained ministers and registered with Vital Statistics.
- We do not conduct civil ceremonies.
- Our clergy are required to display their credentials to all couples they meet.
- All marriage ceremony requirements below apply.
- A legal marriage license is required.
For a marriage to be legal in Alberta it must meet the following requirements:
- The marriage licence must be valid on the date of marriage.
- Current ID is required from the bride and groom before the solemnization takes place.
- The Registration of Marriage/Marriage Licence document must be given to the minister conducting the ceremony.
- At the end of the marriage ceremony, the minister will provide the couple with a proof of marriage document.
- The ceremony must take place in Alberta.
- The ceremony must have the required text according to the Marriage Act, e.g. the words of impediment.
- The minister’s registration with the provincial government must be current.
- The couple and 2 witnesses over the age of 18 must be physically in the presence of the minister.
- Marriage by proxy, is not allowed.
- Couples may add certain elements to the ceremony: e.g. the unity candle, the handfasting ribbon around the hands at the vows, wine ceremony, prayers and readings and blessings from various religions. If in doubt about a particular element run it by the Chief Governing Official.
The witnesses and the couple must meet the following requirements:
- The couple must 18 years of age or older.
- Witnesses must be 18 years of age or older.
- Cannot be cognitively impaired.
- None of the wedding party may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- The couple and the witnesses must be fluent in the languages being spoken at the marriage ceremony and fully understand the English documents they have to sign.
- If a person in the wedding party (couple and/or witnesses) are not fluent in English, an interpreter/translator may be required – talk to your minister.
- When an interpreter/translator is required, it’s the couple’s responsibility to provide one.
- During the ceremony, the ‘Registration of Marriage’ must be signed by the couple, 2 witnesses and the minister
- Your Marriage Register must be used for every marriage ceremony.
- Any other requirements the church should add by notifying the minister.
- If any of these rules raise questions, please discuss them with your mentor or the Church’s Chief Governing Official.