Getting married in the Philippines is a joyous occasion, but it also involves navigating several legal requirements to ensure your marriage is recognized by law. Whether you’re a Filipino citizen, a foreigner, or a mixed couple, understanding these requirements can help you plan your wedding smoothly.
1. Marriage License
One of the most important documents you need is a marriage license. Both parties must apply for this at the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) office in the city or municipality where either of you resides. Here are the steps and requirements:
- Age Requirement: Both parties must be at least 18 years old. Those aged 18 to 21 need parental consent, while those aged 22 to 25 need parental advice.
- Application Form: Fill out the marriage license application form from the LCR office.
- Birth Certificates: Provide certified true copies of your birth certificates.
- Residence Certificate (Cedula): Obtain a residence certificate from the barangay or municipal hall.
- Community Tax Certificates: These are often required and can be obtained from the city or municipal hall.
- Proof of Parental Consent or Advice: If applicable, this can be a written document signed by your parents.
- Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR): This document, which can be obtained from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), certifies that you are not currently married.
- Pre-Marriage Counseling Certificate: Attend a pre-marriage counseling seminar at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or an accredited provider and obtain a certificate.
2. For Foreigners
Foreign nationals wishing to marry in the Philippines must also comply with additional requirements:
- Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry: This document is issued by the foreigner’s embassy or consulate in the Philippines, stating that there are no legal impediments to the marriage.
- Passport and Birth Certificate: Provide copies of your passport and birth certificate.
- Divorce Decree or Death Certificate: If previously married, provide a copy of the divorce decree or death certificate of the deceased spouse.
3. Publication of Application
The marriage license application will be posted publicly at the LCR office for ten consecutive days. This is a mandatory waiting period to allow for any objections to the marriage.
4. Marriage Ceremony
Once you have the marriage license, you can proceed with the wedding ceremony. It can be a civil or religious ceremony:
- Civil Ceremony: Conducted by a judge, mayor, or any authorized officiant.
- Religious Ceremony: Conducted by a priest, pastor, imam, or other religious leader.
5. Marriage Certificate
After the ceremony, ensure that the marriage certificate is signed by the officiant, the couple, and two witnesses. The officiant will then register the marriage with the LCR, and you can request a certified copy of the marriage certificate from the PSA.
Additional Considerations
- Filing Fee: There is a small fee for processing the marriage license, which varies by locality.
- Special Cases: Special laws apply to Muslim marriages, indigenous marriages, and marriages involving persons under guardianship.
By following these legal requirements, you can ensure that your marriage in the Philippines is valid and recognized. For those looking to capture their special day, Tropical Frames offers affordable and high-quality wedding photography and videography services to make your memories last a lifetime.
Sources:
- Philippine Statistics Authority
- Department of Social Welfare and Development
- U.S. Embassy in the Philippines
Tropical Frames is here to help you capture every magical moment of your wedding day with stunning photos and videos.