Civil Wedding Requirements in the Philippines
- Ideals Editor Team
- February 6, 2025
- 11:12 am
Civil weddings in the Philippines are a popular choice for couples who prefer a simpler, more intimate ceremony. They are legally binding, recognized by the government, and a faster alternative to church weddings. If you’re planning a civil wedding, there are specific requirements and steps you’ll need to follow.
This guide covers everything you need to know about civil wedding requirements in the Philippines, from the documents you need to file to the steps involved in completing the process.
What Is a Civil Wedding?
A civil wedding is a legal marriage ceremony conducted by a government official, such as a judge, mayor, or other authorized public officer, instead of a religious leader. It is held in a civil setting such as a government office or an authorized venue, making it less formal compared to religious ceremonies.
Benefits of a Civil Wedding:
- Quick and simple process: Unlike church weddings, civil weddings require fewer formalities.
- Cost-effective: It’s typically more affordable, as it doesn’t require church fees or elaborate decorations.
- Legal recognition: Civil weddings are fully recognized by the government and carry all legal rights and responsibilities.
Civil Wedding Requirements for Filipinos
Before you can tie the knot, there are several documents and requirements you must complete. The following are essential for Filipino citizens planning a civil wedding in the Philippines:
1. Marriage License
A marriage license is the primary requirement for getting married in the Philippines. You can apply for one at your local civil registry office, either in the city or municipality where either of you reside.
Requirements for a Marriage License:
- Age Requirement: Both parties must be at least 18 years old. If one of you is between 18 and 21, parental consent is required.
- No Marital Status: You should not be currently married to someone else. You may need to provide a Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
- Proof of Identity: Birth certificates or valid government IDs.
- Residence Certificate: Proof of residence in the city or municipality where you are applying for the license.
- Fees: A small fee is required for the application.
2. Valid Government IDs
Both parties must present government-issued IDs that confirm your identity and citizenship. Commonly accepted IDs include:
- Passport
- Driver’s License
- Voter’s ID
- Postal ID
- Social Security System (SSS) ID
3. Birth Certificates
Both the bride and the groom must submit original or certified true copies of their birth certificates from the PSA. This is a requirement for verifying age and identity.
4. Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR)
A CENOMAR is a document that confirms you are not currently married. It can be obtained from the PSA, and it serves as a form of verification that both parties are eligible to marry.
- For Widows/Widowers: If you were previously married and your spouse has passed away, you’ll need to provide a Death Certificate of your former spouse.
- For Divorcees: If you were divorced abroad, you must present the divorce decree or its equivalent from the country where the divorce was granted.
5. Parental Consent or Advice
- Parental Consent: For individuals aged 18 to 21, parental consent is mandatory. This is written permission from both parents or guardians allowing you to marry.
- Parental Advice: If either party is 22 to 25 years old, you need to provide a Parental Advice, which is a notarized affidavit signed by the parents. However, if your parents do not consent, you may still marry, but the affidavit needs to be filed.
6. Pre-Marriage Counseling (PMC)
Most local government units (LGUs) require couples to attend pre-marriage counseling seminars before applying for a marriage license. The purpose is to help couples prepare for marriage and understand the responsibilities that come with it.
- Where to Attend: The counseling is typically offered by the local health or social welfare office.
- Duration: The counseling can take several hours, and you may be required to attend over one or two sessions.
- Certificate: After completing the seminar, you will be issued a certificate which you must submit along with your other documents when applying for a marriage license.
7. Blood Test (Not Required in All Areas)
While a blood test used to be mandatory in the Philippines for marriage, this requirement has been lifted in most areas. However, you may still be required to undergo medical testing in some LGUs. These tests may include:
- HIV test
- Blood typing test
- Syphilis test
Civil Wedding Requirements for Foreign Nationals
If one of the parties is a foreign national, there are additional requirements to fulfill.
1. Affidavit of Legal Capacity to Marry
A foreigner must submit an Affidavit of Legal Capacity to Marry, which states that they are legally allowed to marry according to their home country’s laws. This affidavit should be notarized and signed before a consular officer at their country’s embassy or consulate in the Philippines.
2. Passport and Visa
Foreign nationals must provide a valid passport with a valid visa for entry into the Philippines. The passport must have at least six months’ validity beyond the intended date of marriage.
3. CENOMAR
Just like Filipino citizens, foreign nationals will need a CENOMAR issued from their respective home country’s government agency. If the country does not issue this document, a notarized affidavit confirming their single status may be required.
4. Visa or Entry Permit
If you are staying in the Philippines temporarily or on a tourist visa, you may need to apply for a special permit for marriage from the Bureau of Immigration. This is necessary to ensure that you are allowed to legally marry while in the country.
Steps to Get Married in a Civil Ceremony
Once all the requirements are met, here is a quick rundown of the steps to follow in order to complete the civil wedding process:
Step 1: Submit Your Application for a Marriage License
- Bring all the required documents to your local civil registrar’s office.
- Pay the fees for the marriage license application.
- Wait for the issuance of the marriage license, which typically takes 10 days for the application to be processed (though the waiting period may vary depending on the LGU).
Step 2: Schedule the Civil Wedding Ceremony
Once the marriage license is issued, you can schedule your wedding with a licensed officiant, such as a judge or mayor. Civil weddings are usually held during office hours on weekdays, but other arrangements may be possible if you discuss with the officiant.
Step 3: Perform the Civil Wedding Ceremony
- Witnesses: Two witnesses must be present during the wedding ceremony. They do not need to be related to the couple, but must be of legal age.
- Officiant: The officiant will conduct the ceremony and ask for the vows to be exchanged. The officiant will then sign the marriage certificate, along with the couple and the witnesses.
Step 4: Register Your Marriage
After the ceremony, your officiant will submit the signed marriage certificate to the local civil registry office. Once registered, your marriage becomes legally binding.
Step 5: Obtain Your Marriage Certificate
After your marriage is registered, you can request a Marriage Certificate from the PSA. This serves as the official legal document confirming your marriage.