Getting Married in Philippines: Complete Requirements

Planning to tie the knot in the Philippines? This quick, practical guide walks you through what you need, step-by-step - whether both are Filipino, one is a foreigner, or you have previous marriages to settle. Short, clear, and ready to use.

What you must know first

• Legal minimum age: 18. People aged 18–21 normally need parental consent; those 21–25 may be asked for parental advice depending on the local civil registrar. Rules can vary by municipality - always confirm with the Local Civil Registrar (LCR).
• You must apply for a marriage license at the LCR of either party's residence.
• Marriage license is generally posted for public notice (10 days) and is valid for 120 days after issue.
• Some local registrars require premarital counseling or medical clearance; requirements differ by locality.

Step-by-step checklist

1. Gather documents (birth certificates, IDs, CENOMAR, etc.).
2. Book pre-marriage counseling or seminar if required by your LCR or parish.
3. Apply for marriage license at the Local Civil Registrar (both applicants present if possible).
4. Wait for the posting/processing period - get your license.
5. Arrange the ceremony (civil, religious, or venue of choice) within the license validity (120 days).
6. After the ceremony, submit the signed marriage certificate to the same LCR for registration with the PSA.

Required Documents (by situation)

General (almost always required)

• PSA (formerly NSO) birth certificates for both parties.
• Valid government-issued IDs (passport, driver's license, UMID, PRC ID, etc.).
• Marriage License Application Form (provided at LCR).
• Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR) may be requested to prove single status.
• 2–4 recent passport-size photos (check local LCR specs).
• Parental consent/parental advice document if applicable (18–25 age groups).

If one party is a foreign national

• Passport and valid visa.
• Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage or equivalent from the foreigner's embassy (some embassies issue an affidavit of single status). Check your embassy's requirements.
• If previously married: authenticated divorce decree or death certificate of former spouse (as applicable).

If previously married

• Death certificate of deceased spouse OR
• Final divorce decree (for foreigners - Philippines recognizes foreign divorce of the foreign spouse for purposes of their remarriage in PH; complex if the Filipino needs to remarry - consult LCR or lawyer).
• Annulment papers or court order, where applicable. Note: Marriage/annulment/divorce recognition can be legally complex in the Philippines. If either party was previously married, confirm documentary requirements early and consider legal advice.

If either party is below 18

• Marriages by persons under 18 are generally not allowed. If exceptional circumstances exist, consult an attorney and the LCR - legal counsel is strongly recommended.

Special documents some LGUs may require

• Medical certificate or pre-marital medical tests (varies).
• Barangay clearance or community tax certificate (sometimes requested).
• Proof of residency (ID, utility bill, barangay certification).

Special situations & tips

• Civil wedding: mayor, judge, or authorized officer can officiate. You still need a marriage license.
• Church wedding: many parishes require a marriage license plus parish-specific requirements (e.g., baptismal certificates, confirmation certificates, pre-Cana seminars).
• Foreign embassy act: Some embassies require their own paperwork and fees; check their website early.
• If one party cannot appear for application: a notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA) may help, but check with LCR first.
• Keep originals and photocopies. Always ask the LCR for a requirements checklist-they vary across cities/municipalities.

Typical fees and timing

• Fees vary by LGU - expect a small administrative fee for the license and possible seminar fees. Processing often takes at least the 10-day posting period; license valid for 120 days.
• Allow at least 3–6 weeks for paperwork if a foreigner or previous marriage documentation is involved; longer if judicial proceedings (annulment) are necessary.

After the ceremony: registering your marriage

• The officiant must sign and return the marriage certificate to the LCR.
• The LCR registers the marriage with the PSA. Obtain a certified true copy of your marriage certificate from PSA for name changes, passports, and other legal purposes.
• For name change on IDs, bring PSA-certified marriage certificate plus supporting IDs to agencies (e.g., SSS, GSIS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth, DFA).

FAQs (quick)

• Q: Where to apply for the marriage license? A: The LCR in the city or municipality of either party's residence.
• Q: How long is a marriage license valid? A: Usually 120 days from issuance.
• Q: What if I'm divorced? A: Foreign divorce can be recognized for the foreign spouse; if a Filipino was previously married, legal complexities may require annulment or court advice. Consult LCR or a family lawyer.
• Q: Can a foreigner marry in the Philippines without embassy documents? A: Most LCRs require embassy-issued proof of legal capacity to marry. Check the embassy's guidance.

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