Civil Wedding Requirements and Legal Guide in the Philippines

Thinking of a city hall ceremony in the Philippines? Use this legal checklist to prepare your documents, understand eligibility, and file your marriage license correctly. Rules can vary by LGU so always confirm with your Local Civil Registrar.

Who can marry

• Both applicants are at least 18 years old
• Not currently married to anyone else
• Able to present valid identification and required civil status documents
• Not related within prohibited degrees

Consent and advice based on age

• Ages 18 to 20 need written parental consent presented to the Local Civil Registrar
• Ages 21 to 25 need written parental advice usually noted at application
• Ages 26 and above do not need consent or advice

Core documents to prepare

• Government issued IDs with same address or proof of residence
• PSA issued birth certificates for both applicants
• CENOMAR for both applicants
• Recent ID photos size may vary by LGU
• Filled out marriage license application form from your LCR
• Pre marriage counseling or family planning seminar certificate if required
• Barangay certificate of residency if required by your LGU

Special cases and extra documents

• If widowed bring the PSA death certificate of your late spouse
• If marriage was annulled or declared void bring the court decision and certificate of finality
• If legally separated confirm additional documents with the LCR
• If foreign national or marrying a foreign national prepare passport and proof of legal capacity to marry from embassy or consulate plus certified translations when needed

Marriage license basics

• Apply at the Local Civil Registrar of the city or municipality where either applicant resides
• Pay the application fees and submit all documents
• Many LGUs require a seminar before issuance
• Expect a posting or waiting period after filing
• A marriage license is commonly valid for 120 days from issue
• Once issued you can typically marry anywhere in the Philippines during the validity period

Authorized officiants for civil rites

• Mayor or acting mayor within their jurisdiction
• Judge within their jurisdiction
• Other public officials authorized by law as recognized by your LGU

Bring at least two witnesses of legal age with valid IDs to the ceremony.

What happens at the LCR

1. Queue and get the application form
2. Submit IDs and PSA documents for verification
3. Receive schedule for seminar if required
4. Pay official fees and receive claim or release instructions
5. Wait for posting or processing period
6. Return to claim the license before your ceremony date

After the ceremony

• The officiant or designated staff files your signed marriage certificate with the LCR for registration
• Request a certified local copy after registration if needed for immediate transactions
• Your PSA copy becomes available later timeframes vary by location and season

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Mismatched names or addresses on IDs
  Prepare supporting documents such as a barangay certificate or affidavits when needed

• Expired license
  Plan your ceremony within the validity window and book the officiant early

• Missing witnesses
  Secure two witnesses of legal age in advance and remind them to bring IDs

• Incomplete special case documents
  For annulment, widowhood, or foreign nationals verify the exact list with your LCR before applying

Quick legal checklist

• [ ] Both applicants meet age and civil status requirements
• [ ] Valid government IDs and proof of residence ready
• [ ] PSA birth certificates for both
• [ ] PSA CENOMAR for both
• [ ] Parental consent or advice when applicable
• [ ] Pre marriage seminar completed if required
• [ ] Marriage license application filed and fees paid
• [ ] Two witnesses confirmed with valid IDs
• [ ] Officiant scheduled and location cleared
• [ ] Folder with originals and photocopies prepared for wedding day

FAQs

Where do we apply for the license
At the Local Civil Registrar where either applicant resides

How long is the license valid
Commonly 120 days from the issue date confirm with your LGU

Can we marry in a different city
Usually yes during the license validity but confirm local rules with your LCR and officiant

Do we need witnesses
Yes bring two witnesses of legal age with valid IDs

Are seminars required
Many LGUs require a pre marriage seminar check your LCR for schedule and fees

Other helpful link

• Complete Guides for Civil Weddings
• Find Officiants
• Book a Photographer
• Hair and Makeup
• Flowers and Styling
• Venues