Marriage Commissioner ~ FAQs
Leduc wedding ceremonies
Q Is a Marriage Commissioner the same as a Justice of the Peace?
A
No. A Justice of the Peace (JP) works within the judicial system and performs lots of different duties, including hearing traffic cases, issuing subpoenas and search warrants and conducting bail hearings. However, a JP cannot conduct civil marriages unless he or she is appointed as a Marriage Commissioner in the Province of Alberta.
Q What is a civil wedding ceremony?
A
A civil wedding ceremony is one that contains no religious elements. A couple may choose to include some religious components in their civil ceremony, but they cannot be performed by the Marriage Commissioner.
Q What do we need to get married by a Marriage Commissioner?
A
You will require a registration of marriage (aka marriage license), which can be obtained at any Alberta Registries Office and is valid for 3 months. The cost of your license is not included. More information about Marriage Licences is available at www.servicealberta.ca/vitalstatistics.cfm
Q How long does the ceremony take?
A
The civil wedding ceremony generally lasts about 20 minutes.
Q Do you have standard vows that you use or do we write our own?
A
The Alberta government provides vows that can be used or edited to suit the couple. Or the couple may choose to write their own vows. However, there are legal requirements that must be met, which Shaughan will be happy to discuss with you.
Q Do we have to exchange rings?
A
No, there is no requirement that rings be exchanged during a civil marriage ceremony.
Q Will you do a rehearsal with us?
A
We can arrange for a formal rehearsal, if required.
Q What if we don't have our own witnesses?
A
With advance notice, we can arrange witnesses for you. There may be a fee.
