Welcome to Wedding Ceremonies by Lorna

Pouring different coloured sands together is a way to symbolize the joining of the couple and is often  used for blending of families as a way to include the children.  One interpretation is that once the sands are combined, they can never be separate again, like the lives of the couple.

This is a romantic addition to your ceremony.  With a small wooden box, two love letters written by the couple to each other in sealed envelopes, a few small nails and the couple's favourite wine/champagne; you can share your lasting commitment to each other in this time capsule.  You can agree to open it on a special anniversary 5-10-20 or 25 years from now.

The Rose Ceremony is designed for the couple to offer a rose (or flower of choice) as their first gift as a married couple.  This is a promise of commitment to providing this gift to one another on each wedding anniversary as a reminder of the love and joy felt on the wedding day.

A Unity Candle set consists of two slender candles (called tapers) and a large center candle, recognizing the joining together of lives, families, and loved ones through the marriage. This ceremony recognizes the light of love that burns at the heart of every family.  Often the mother's light the outer candles at the beginning of the ceremony.

Tying the knot is a term we have inherited to describe the marriage of a couple.  Its ancient roots can be traced back to the tradition of “hand fasting” and today is often referred to as “hand binding”. Around the 15th century the “Clans of Scotland” followed closely by English citizens used the tradition of hand fasting”, to symbolize the joining of two as one.

Prior to being married, you must obtain an ALBERTA MARRIAGE LICENSE from a Registry Office in the province of Alberta.  It is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.

To obtain the license, both partners must go to Alberta Registries together and submit the following documents/information:

• Proof of identification (Government ID such as driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, etc.)
• Full name of father and his place of birth
• Full name of mother with maiden name and her place of birth
• If divorced; Decree Absolute is required

The Marriage License must be given to the marriage commissioner and from then on the commissioner is responsible for getting it registered. 

The cost of a Civil Ceremony is $300, regardless of the size or type of ceremony.

Civil ceremonies are non-religious ceremonies performed by marriage commissioners authorized by Alberta Government appointment.  All Marriage Ceremony Requirements apply and a valid Alberta Marriage Licence is required.  A civil ceremony requires each person getting married to declare in front of the intended spouse, both witnesses (18 years of age or older)  and the Marriage Commissioner the following two statements.

1.  I do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I, (name) may not be joined in matrimony to (name).

2.  I call upon those persons present to witness that I, (name), do take you, (name) to be my lawful wedded (wife/husband/spouse).

·  The marriage licence must be valid on the date of marriage.

·  The Registration of Marriage/Marriage Licence document must be given to the marriage officiant prior to the ceremony.

·  The ceremony must take place in Alberta.

·  The marriage officiant must be authorized/registered with the Alberta Government to perform marriages in Alberta.

·  The couple and two adult witnesses (18 years of age or older) must be physically in the presence of the marriage officiant.

·  Marriage by proxy is NOT permitted.

A Marriage Statement (certificate) is provided at completion of the wedding ceremony but is not an official document.  To obtain an official Certificate of Marriage, it is necessary to apply to the Alberta Vital Statistics Registry.  The appropriate form can be obtained online at https://www.alberta.ca/order-marriage-certificate.aspx

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The ceremony may be over, but I am still available to help you.  If you have any questions, I am delighted to support.