Early in 2015, I was appointed as a Marriage Commissioner by the Province of Alberta, serving the City of Calgary and surrounding areas.
Originally from Lethbridge, I have spent almost my entire life in beautiful Southern Alberta, residing in Calgary for the past 43 years. I am the mother of three adult children – two daughters and a son (triplets!) – and am a doting Nana to six beautiful little granddaughters who I absolutely adore! I love filling my leisure hours with cooking, reading, volunteering, travel and all sorts of music.
With an extensive employment background in customer service, I truly enjoy working with people. I can think of nothing better than to help a couple design a ceremony that reflects who they are and how they wish to celebrate the lifelong commitment they are making to one another.
What Is A Marriage Commissioner?
Marriage Commissioners are appointed by the Province of Alberta to perform civil ceremonies as an alternative to religious marriage ceremonies. All services follow the legal guidelines of the Alberta Marriage Act.
Ceremonies / Services
Standard Wedding Ceremony $450
- No-obligation coffee with the couple so they have an opportunity to meet me and decide if I’m a good ‘fit’ for them
- Collaborating with couple at one or more planning meetings to create and refine marriage ceremony to their satisfaction
- Assistance with writing personal vows, as needed
- Leading scheduled wedding rehearsal (if desired)
- Officiating the marriage ceremony
- Preparation of civil marriage statement
- Completion of legal documentation and submission of marriage license to Alberta Vital Statistics
Travel/mileage fees may apply based on location.
My ceremonies include traditional elements, but with a contemporary ‘feel’. I work with each couple to create a customized ceremony which reflects the people they are, both as individuals and together.
Additional Services
- Rush Registration — $40
On occasion couples may need to obtain their official Statement of Marriage from Vital Statistics on a rush basis. I am able to assist in expediting this process for an additional fee of $40. If you require this service please let me know in advance of your wedding ceremony.
- Sound System — $60
If there is not a sound system available at the ceremony site, I can provide my own battery-operated PA system for a $60 charge. Technical specifications of the PA system can be found here.
- Witnesses — $50/witness
Two witnesses (18 years and older) are required for the ceremony. If you don’t have witnesses of your own, I can provide them for you as long as I have advance notice. An additional fee will apply.
My fee is for ceremonies held within Calgary city limits, including Springbank and Bearspaw municipalities. For out-of-city ceremonies, there is an additional charge of 72 cents per kilometre to and from the ceremony location, or a flat rate as negotiated with the couple. Additional charges may apply, i.e. parking, Parks Canada fees, etc. Full payment is due before the wedding ceremony. Fees may be paid by cash or e-mail money transfer. I do not require a deposit; I prefer to work on a trust basis. Pricing is subject to change.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Civil Ceremony?
Many people choose to be married in a civil wedding ceremony. This may be because of convenience, lack of or conflicting religious traditions, or even time constraints. Civil marriages, just like marriages performed by clergy, are legal contracts between two persons and require actions and agreements between the parties. The ceremonies can be as formal or informal, as traditional or creative as the couple wishes.
What do I need to do?
- Arrange for a marriage commissioner to officiate at the ceremony
- Obtain a marriage licence from any Alberta Registry within three months of your ceremony (see the resources section of my website)
- Arrange for two witnesses to be present at your ceremony (anyone over the age of 18)
- Choose a venue
I am here to guide you through the rest of the process.
How much does it cost? Do you require a deposit?
My $450 fee includes one or more planning sessions with the couple, a customized ceremony, a wedding rehearsal (if desired), the wedding itself, and completion of the legal documentation. I am available by email or phone at any time for answers to any questions you may have.
I do NOT ask for a deposit, instead choosing to work on a trust basis with my clients.
I am happy to meet with couples for a no-obligation coffee so they have an opportunity to decide if I’m a good ‘fit’ for them prior to engaging my services as their officiant.
Can we add any religious components to the ceremony?
I am appointed to perform weddings only in accordance with the laws of Alberta and, by virtue of this appointment, am not authorized to perform religious ceremonies or use religious/God language. However, if you would like to incorporate some religious aspects into your ceremony, you may invite others to contribute to the ceremony through the offering of prayers, religious readings etc. I am very comfortable with this — in fact, I encourage it!
How far in advance do I have to book?
In the Province of Alberta, you can obtain your marriage licence and be married on the same day. It is as easy as going to any government registry office with appropriate identification and proof of marital status (you must take your certificate of divorce with you if you have been previously married). However, it may be more of a challenge to find an available marriage commissioner on very short notice, particularly if you have chosen a summer weekend as your wedding date! If I have no other scheduled obligations, I’m always happy to accommodate a last-minute wedding.
To avoid disappointment, though, it is recommended that couples begin looking for a marriage commissioner as soon as they have set a date and secured a venue for their wedding.
Do you perform same-sex marriages?
Absolutely!!! It is an honour for me to officiate any wedding between any two individuals who love each other and are committed to building and sharing a life together.
Do you have a place we can come to for the ceremony?
I reside in a smallish, apartment-style condominium…not ideal for a wedding ceremony! However, I am willing to accommodate a couple who have a minimal number of guests (perhaps 4-6 people) if they have no other option for a venue
Can you provide witnesses?
Yes, I am able to provide witnesses for a wedding if I am given a minimum of one week’s notice. There is an additional fee of $50 per witness.