GuidedResearch:Why Can't I Find the Record - Alberta Marriages

This page will give you additional guidance and resources to find marriage information for your ancestor. Use this page after first completing the marriage section of the Alberta Guided Research page.

Additional Databases and Online Resources
''Currently, there are no additional databases for marriages in Alberta. See, Substitute records below to help locate marriage information in other records.''

Images Only (Browsable Images)
Currently, there are no image only collections.

How to Request the Record When It's Not Online
Province-wide registration for marriages started in 1898. General compliance occurred by 1930. A few marriage records also exist from 1870-1898. To learn more about record limitations and restrictions, see the article Alberta Vital Records.

To order marriage records from 1870-1943, contact:


 * Provincial Archives of Alberta 8555 Roper Road Edmonton, Alberta T6E 5W1 Phone: (780) 427-1750 Website

To order marriage records after 1943, contact:


 * Registry Agents Services Phone: 780-427-7013 Website

NOTE: Marriage records are confidential for 75 years from the date of marriage. Only a close relative may order the marriage registration during this restricted period (see Restrictions for more details).

Additional Records with Marriage Information
Substitute records may contain information about more than one event and are used when records for an event are not available. Records that are used to substitute for marriage events may not have been created at the time of the marriage. The accuracy of the record is contingent upon when the information was recorded. Search for information in multiple substitute records to confirm the accuracy of these records.

Virtual Genealogy Consultations
Schedule a free online consultation with a research specialist:

Ask the Community
Select a community research group where you can ask questions and receive free genealogy help.

Tips for finding marriages
Successfully finding marriage records in online databases depends on a few key points. Try the following search suggestions:
 * Spelling variations. Your ancestor's name may be misspelled. Search with spelling variations for the first and last name of your ancestor.
 * Search given name. Search by given name by leaving out the last name.
 * Search for bride. Search by the bride’s name rather than the groom’s name.
 * Add information. For common names, add more information to narrow the search such as approximate year of marriage or the county the marriage took place in.
 * Date range. Expand the date range of the search by 5 years.
 * Search province. Search using the province name only instead of by smaller locality.

Known Record Gaps
Records Start
 * 1870-1898 Few marriage records exist.
 * 1898 Civil registration began.
 * 1930 General compliance occurred.