If you’re thinking about having a civil wedding in the Philippines, you’re in the right place. My partner and I embarked on this journey over a year ago, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of our lives. From the moment we decided to get married, we knew we wanted a simple yet meaningful ceremony. Navigating the process of obtaining a marriage license and planning our civil wedding was surprisingly smooth. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on our personal experience to help you through the process.

1. Prepare all necessary requirements
2. Attend the pre-wedding seminar
3. Apply for Marriage License
4. Choose a Wedding Officiant and Venue
5. Get Married
6. Obtain the Marriage Certificate

Prepare All Necessary Requirements

Before you can get married, you need to make sure you have all the necessary documents. To make sure we have the correct documents, I researched ahead of time before going to the municipal hall. Here’s what we needed:

1. Birth Certificates: Obtain certified true copies from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). We requested ours online, and they were delivered within a few days.
2. Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR): This document, also from the PSA, proves that you’re not currently married. We also requested these online.
3. Barangay Certificate: This certificate verifies your residence within the barangay jurisdiction. It’s usually easy to obtain and helps establish your local residency.
4. Valid IDs: Bring any government-issued ID. We used our UMID and Passports.
5. Community Tax Certificates (Cedula): These can be obtained from your local city hall. We just walked into our local office, filled out a form, and paid a fee (The fee also depends on the municipality).
6. Pre-Wedding Orientation Certificate: This certificate is proof that you attended the pre-wedding orientation or counseling session, which we did as next step.
7. Parental Consent or Advice: If you’re under 25, you’ll need this. My partner and I were over 25, so we skipped this step.

Tip

Request your documents as early as possible since processing times can vary. Make sure all details on your documents are correct to avoid delays. Make photocopies of all documents for your records. Most probably, the city hall will only asked for the photocopies and you can keep the original copies. (Still, it depends on your municipality. Others might asked for the original copy)

• If either party has been previously married, additional documents such as a death certificate of a deceased spouse or a judicial decree of annulment, divorce, or nullity of the previous marriage are required.
• If either party is between 18 to 21 years old, a notarized parental consent is necessary. For parties aged 22 to 24, a notarized parental advice is required.

Attend the Pre-Wedding Seminar

The pre-wedding seminar is a mandatory step for all couples getting married in the Philippines. It covers important topics such as family planning, marriage responsibilities, and the legal aspects of marriage. To attend the seminar:

• Arrange your seminar through the Local Civil Registrar. We booked ours right after applying for our marriage license.
• Both of you need to attend. It’s usually held at a local community center or the registrar’s office.
• You’ll receive this certificate after completing the seminar, and it’s required for your marriage license application

We found the seminar to be quite informative. It helped us understand the legalities and responsibilities of marriage, which we hadn’t really considered before. Plus, it gave us peace of mind knowing we were fully prepared for this next big step in our lives.

Apply for a Marriage License

The pre-wedding seminar certificate completes our requirements. The next day, we immediately went back to the local registrar office to apply for the marriage license. The process was straightforward. We filled out the forms, submitted our documents, and paid the fee. The staff were helpful and made sure we had everything in order. The 10-day waiting period passed quickly, and soon enough, we had our marriage license in hand.

It takes 10 days to get your marriage license after you apply. This waiting period is standard and allows time for any objections to be raised. We paid around PHP 200, but fees can vary slightly depending on your location.

Once you have the marriage license, you can then proceed with the marriage ceremony. The marriage license must be used within 120 days from the issuance, otherwise it will be deemed null and void.

Choose a Wedding Officiant and Venue

We decided to go with the Local Civil Registrar, the most common choice known for their availability and familiarity with the process. Alternatively, you can opt for a Judge or Mayor, though availability may require booking in advance.

For our venue, we selected the Civil Registrar’s office, which was both convenient and cost-effective. While some couples prefer parks, private venues, or their own homes, ensuring the officiant can travel to your chosen location is essential. Our experience at the Civil Registrar’s office was simple yet meaningful, creating an intimate atmosphere for our special day. It’s crucial to coordinate early with your chosen officiant if you have a specific venue in mind.

Get Married

On our wedding day, I opted for a semi-formal outfit, choosing a beautiful dress that felt perfect for the occasion. My partner complemented the setting in a black coat. The lack of a strict dress code allowed us to express our personal styles comfortably.

For witnesses, we invited two relatives who gladly participated in our ceremony. Their presence added to the warmth and significance of the day, making it even more memorable.

After exchanging vows, we proceeded to sign the marriage contract, accompanied by our witnesses and the officiant. This moment felt incredibly official and exhilarating, marking the start of our journey as a married couple.

Obtain your Marriage Certificate

After the ceremony, the officiant will give you copies of the marriage certificate. Following this, you’ll need to go to the local registrar to register the marriage within 15 days of the marriage certificate signing. The local registrar will then forward your marriage contract to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for processing. This step requires some patience as it can take some time. After a couple of months, you can request a PSA-certified copy of your marriage certificate online. This certified copy is crucial for legal purposes and, moreover, it serves as official proof of your marriage, thereby ensuring that your union is formally recognized.

Who can get married in the Philippines?

To get married in the Philippines, both parties must fulfill the following requirements:

• The marrying couple must consist of one female and one male.
• Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
• The marrying couple must not be related by blood up to the 4th degree.
• Both parties must be Philippine citizens.

Marriage Registration for Filipino-Foreigner Partners

If one partner is Filipino and the other is a foreigner, the foreign partner needs to provide a document called the Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage. The embassy or consulate of the foreign national in the Philippines issues a document that confirms they are not currently married and are free to marry in the country. After obtaining this certificate, both partners need to proceed with the standard procedures to acquire a marriage license and certificate, which are necessary for registering their marriage in the Philippines.

Marriage Registration for Foreigner-Foreigner Partners

Foreigner-foreigner partners who intend to register their marriage in the Philippines should seek legal advice due to potential changes in government regulations. If both partners are residents in the Philippines, they can opt to register their marriage at their respective embassy or consulate within the country.

Many foreign nationals who marry in the Philippines conduct their wedding ceremonies here but choose to register their marriage certificate in their home country. It’s common for foreign nationals to have a civil wedding in their home country either before or after their wedding ceremony in the Philippines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Civil Wedding

We know the process of getting married can bring up a lot of questions. To help you navigate this exciting journey, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about civil weddings in the Philippines.

What is a Marriage License?

A marriage license is a legal document that grants a couple permission to marry. Issued by the Local Civil Registrar’s Office in the Philippines, it is required before any marriage ceremony can legally take place. The couple must apply for this license and meet various requirements, including providing necessary documents and attending a pre-marriage seminar.

What is a Marriage Certificate?

A marriage certificate is an official document that proves a couple is legally married. This certificate is issued after the marriage ceremony and the registration of the marriage with the Local Civil Registrar. It contains details about the marriage, such as the names of the spouses, the date and place of the marriage, and the signatures of the officiant and witnesses.

How Much is a Civil Wedding in the Philippines?

The cost of a civil wedding in the Philippines can vary depending on the location and the specifics of the ceremony. Typically, the fees include:

• Application for a marriage license: Around PHP 100 to PHP 200
• Officiant’s fee: PHP 500 to PHP 1,000 (may vary depending on the officiant)
• Venue rental (if applicable): Varies widely based on location
• Additional requirements fees: Vary by locality

Overall, a simple civil wedding can cost around PHP 3,000 to PHP 5,000, excluding any reception or additional celebrations.

What is a Civil Wedding?

A civil wedding is a non-religious marriage ceremony performed by a government official, such as a judge, mayor, or local civil registrar. It is legally recognized and typically simpler and quicker than religious ceremonies. Civil weddings can be held in various locations, including the civil registrar’s office, a courthouse, or other approved venues.

What to Wear to a Civil Wedding?

Attire for a civil wedding can vary from casual to semi-formal, depending on the couple’s preference. Common choices include:

• For the bride: A simple white dress, a cocktail dress, or a stylish suit.
• For the groom: A button-down shirt with slacks, a suit, or a blazer. The key is to wear something comfortable and appropriate for the occasion while reflecting personal style.

Where to Get a Marriage License Application Form?

You can obtain a marriage license application form from the Local Civil Registrar’s Office in the city or municipality where one of you resides. The process involves going to the office in person, requesting the application form, and submitting the required documents.