Does anyone know, what the procedure is to get married in edmonton, alberta by a justice of the peace?

Question

i heard that you have to go to counselling for three months before you get married. is this true and who do you contact a justice of the peace. any answers would be greatly appreciate.

Answer 1

we had friends that went to city hall and got married by the JP in Edmonton.

They just called ahead to book a time. They called me and my BF to witness and in ten min it was done!! We even wore jeans haha!

I think they went on line to the city's web page to find the number.

Good luck!

P.S. The three month council thing.... so not true.  

Answer 2

For Full requirements on getting Married in Alberta you can visit the website: http://www.services.gov.ab.ca/cps/rde/xc...

Alberta doesn't use the term JP or Justice of the Peace any longer.  they use licensed Marriage Commissioners.  There is absolutely NO need for counciling or pre-marital courses.

Prices are not regulated by the government for MCs to officiate weddings, therefore you need to look around if you don't want to be ripped off.  Speak with a few, and determine if they'll fit your budget and your wants.  Some will charge extreme amounts like $500 while others are more affordable between $100-200.  The MC we had was wonderful, she was affordable, friendly, and did exactly what we wanted along with offering suggestions on what she's done in the past.  Where some MCs are demanding and strict on how they perform the ceremony.  (we talked to several)

You'll need other things too such as a Marriage Licence from an Alberta Registry agent and witnesses, then you're ready to go.  

For details on what you need visit

http://www.services.gov.ab.ca/cps/rde/xc...

For listings of Alberta marriage commisioners:

http://servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/1156.cfm

Answer 3

That counselling thing is claptrap.  Don't know why someone would tell you that but it just isn't true.

Google for 'wedding officiants Edmonton' and you'll see a whole bunch of sites taking you to lists of people.  On many sites, the officiant tells a bit about themself and the type of ceremony they typically perform.  They is A TON of flexibility.  The JP will likely want to meet with you at least once before the rehearsal to decide what kind of ceremony you want.  He/she will bring his/her own ideas too.

Depending on the JP, your ceremony can be completely secular or quite religious or anything in between.  I've know of lots of weddings by JP's in Edmonton and I've only ever heard great comments about the JP.