Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: I've never done this before. How do I get started?
A: There are some straightforward steps for you to take...
1. Find an officiant. 2. Acquire a Marriage Licence within three months of your wedding date. 3. Arrange for two witnesses. 4. Meet with your officiant. and the rest of the ceremony process will be determined from there.
For all the detailed legal information on how this works, visit the Service Alberta Website. All the questions regarding the process, paperwork and legal requirements related to getting married can be found there.
Q: You are located in Calgary. Will you travel outside of the area if needed?
A: I am located in SW Calgary and will definitely travel outside of the Calgary area if needed if a marriage commissioner designated for that area is unavailable to serve you.
Q: What are your fees? What do they include?
A: I have different fees for different kinds of ceremonies. Please see the Services Provided Section of this website for details.
Q: We only want a simple ceremony. Can you do that for us?
A: Absolutely. Your ceremony can be personalized to your individual tastes. Legal information regarding this can be located under Ceremonies through Service Alberta and beyond that, we will meet to customize the ceremony to reflect your relationship as you wish.
Q: Are you able to provide witnesses for our ceremony?
A: For an additional fee, I can organize to have witnesses provided for you.
Q: Why did you become a Marriage Commissioner?
A: I LOVE working with people and have been an educator for 30+ years. The privilege of helping couples formally start their life together by serving as their Marriage Commissioner, seemed like one way I could be of service and bring joy to people's lives at the same time.
Q: Do you perform same-sex marriages?
A: Absolutely. Love is love.
Q: Do you perform religious ceremonies?
A: By the letter of the law within Alberta, I am able to perform civil marriage ceremonies and not religious marriage ceremonies. However, if a couple wishes to have a 'religious' component to their ceremony, I would happily facilitate the integration of a friend or family member making such a contribution.
Q: Can you perform the ceremony in our home?
A: Absolutely. Where your ceremony takes place is entirely up to you. I have done ceremonies in parks, yards, restaurants, homes, gardens, on mountains and beside lakes. I'm flexible and happy to accommodate couples' wishes.
Q: Do you have recommendations for venues?
A: If you wish, I can provide you with some recommendations in terms of my experience with lovely wedding sites.
Q: Can you provide different or specialized wedding ceremonies?
A: Absolutely. Your wedding ceremony is unique to you and working with you, I can customize it to ensure it is just what you had envisioned. Sand ceremonies, rose ceremonies, incorporation of blended family members, and hand-fasting ceremonies, among other ideas, are all potential possibilities for you. We can discuss this when we meet.
Q: How can I get in touch with you to learn more about what you can provide?
A: That's simple. Just email me at happilyeverafteralberta@gmail.com or phone me at 587-229-2626 or 403-275-2187 and I am happy to answer any questions you might have.