As a member of CMA you are entitled to request a licence to solemnize marriage.
This is an option you request prior to performing your first wedding. Please submit your request online at least 8 weeks prior to the wedding. This licence to marry carries no extra cost to members.
The right to marry is provincially regulated and must be processed through our office. Your Permanent Clergy Marriage Licence is only valid in the province in which you reside.
If you require the right to solemnize marriages outside of your province, you may request a Temporary Clergy Marriage Licence for the province needed. This online application must be completed no less than 8 weeks prior to the date of the ceremony. Last minute requests will not be entertained. This is due to the paperwork and time requirements of each Provincial regulator.
If you change your province of residence, you must inform our office immediately. There are regulations in the Marriage Act which must be adhered to, to ensure you the privilege of conducting marriage ceremonies in the area you now reside. Permanent Clergy Marriage Licences are not transferable between provinces.
Marriage registry books are available upon request in some provinces through the CMA office. The marriage registry book is intended to be used at each ceremony you perform. In most cases the local church or institution will have a book that you can use. If you are in need of your own book please inform us of the reason in writing and we can process your request.
If and when you cease to be a member of CMA*, you must inform us of your decision and relinquish your Permanent Clergy Marriage Licence. If you are in possession of your own personal registry book, you must relinquish this as well. For more details please contact us. Failure to do so is an offense to the Marriage Act and can carry a fine.
As a reminder to all members who perform marriage ceremonies, there are proper procedures to be followed to ensure that the couple is indeed married. We have in the past had to correct and even request special considerations for those in violation of correct practices.
If you are in doubt of these procedures please contact us and we will assist you in this area.
*Cease to be a member – CMA membership is granted and retained according to the by-laws in our constitution and therefore must be upheld. You may request special consideration in writing to the office stating your desire and current position. Members are never “cut off” without repeated communications from the office. We do rely on each member’s Biblical and moral integrity to fulfill the requirements and privilege of membership.
