04/10/2026
Today, I was asked just why the couple needed to supply the following information before I could complete the legal papers that must be submitted to eHealth Saskatchewan once the ceremony has been completed.
This information is crucial to ensure that the marriage will be officially recognized by the province. This is submitted, along with the completed Marriage Licence, by the Marriage Commissioner and provides the legal records that are necessary. The Registration of Marriage and Marriage Licence act as legal proof of the marriage.
The legal marriage certificate is needed for name changes and protects legal rights for benefits such as property rights; the establishing of the next of kin status in case of death; allows couples to file income taxes jointly and to access spousal tax credits and allows for coverage of a spouse's health insurance or survivor pensions.
I have kept track of one item on this form that I find interesting. It requires the place where each partner was born.
I have performed ceremonies for people who were born in the following places: Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, The Yukon, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island; United States of America; Mexico; Chile; Brazil; El Salvador; Guatemala; Panama; South Africa; Thailand; Philippines; Indonesia; England; Scotland; Australia; Nigeria; India and Germany.
I have required translators and have learned to perform ceremonies in front of computer screens so that family in other places can be "present" at the ceremony.
It really is a small world.