Civil Wedding Requirements in the Philippines - Complete Checklist

Planning a civil wedding in the Philippines starts with knowing exactly what to bring, where to file, and when each step happens. For the big picture, skim the pillar guide Civil Weddings in the Philippines Requirements Costs and Step by Step Process, and if schedules are tight, secure an available officiant early.

Requirements at a glance

• Valid government IDs of both parties
• PSA Birth Certificates of both parties
• PSA CENOMAR if single or PSA Advisory on Marriages if previously married
• Marriage License application filed at your Local Civil Registry
• Premarriage counseling or family planning seminar certificate if required by your LCR
• Two witnesses of legal age present on ceremony day
• Payment for applicable fees

Core documents for both parties

• Government issued IDs with photo and signature
• PSA Birth Certificate
• PSA CENOMAR if single
  PSA Advisory on Marriages if previously married
• Recent 1x1 or 2x2 ID photos follow your LCR size and background rules
• Proof of residence if required by your LCR
  Barangay certificate, utility bill, or lease
• Community Tax Certificate if required by your LCR
• Completed Marriage License application form from the LCR
• Premarriage counseling or family planning seminar certificate if required

Tip
Requirements can vary by city or municipality. Always confirm with your LCR before lining up.

Age based consents

• Ages 18 to 21 need parental consent
  Parents or legal guardians execute the consent and present valid IDs
• Ages 21 to 25 need parental advice
  A written advice is presented. If unavailable, the LCR may apply additional posting or requirements

Special situations

• Annulled or previously married
  Final decision and Certificate of Finality, or PSA Death Certificate of former spouse
• Name change or discrepancies
  Bring supporting records that show the correct spelling and details
• Widowed
  PSA Death Certificate of former spouse

Requirements for foreign nationals

• Passport and proof of legal stay in the Philippines
• Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry or embassy equivalent
  Label may differ by nationality. Check embassy website before visiting
• Divorce decree or death certificate of former spouse if applicable
• Translations and authentication if documents are not in English or Filipino

Where to apply and who can officiate

• File your Marriage License at the Local Civil Registry where either party resides
• Posting period is 10 consecutive days at the LCR bulletin board
• License validity is 120 days nationwide
• Civil ceremonies can be officiated by judges and mayors within their jurisdiction or by Philippine consuls for Filipinos abroad

Fees to expect

• LCR application and license fee
• Seminar fee if applicable
• Certified copies of the marriage certificate from the LCR
• Officiant honorarium especially for private venue or off hours
• Optional expenses for photos, HMUA, bouquet, and simple reception

For benchmarks and a step by step walkthrough, refer back to the pillar guide Civil Weddings in the Philippines Requirements Costs and Step by Step Process, then request quotes from photographers and shortlist venues and restaurants that fit your budget and location.

Master checklist you can tick off

Identity and civil status

• [ ] Valid government ID of Party A
• [ ] Valid government ID of Party B
• [ ] PSA Birth Certificate Party A
• [ ] PSA Birth Certificate Party B
• [ ] PSA CENOMAR or Advisory on Marriages for each party

Residence and forms

• [ ] Proof of residence for at least one party if required
• [ ] Community Tax Certificate if required
• [ ] Completed Marriage License application form
• [ ] Two recent ID photos each as per LCR specs

Age based documents

• [ ] Parental consent for ages 18 to 21 if applicable
• [ ] Parental advice for ages 21 to 25 if applicable

Special cases

• [ ] Annulment Decision and Certificate of Finality if applicable
• [ ] PSA Death Certificate if widowed
• [ ] Corrective documents for name or date discrepancies if any

For foreign nationals

• [ ] Passport and valid visa or proof of legal stay
• [ ] Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry or embassy equivalent
• [ ] Divorce decree or death certificate if previously married
• [ ] Certified translations and authentication if needed

LCR and scheduling

• [ ] Premarriage counseling certificate if required
• [ ] License fees prepared in cash
• [ ] Note the 10 day posting period dates
• [ ] Ceremony scheduled within 120 day license validity
• [ ] Authorized officiant confirmed with jurisdiction over venue

Ceremony day

• [ ] Two witnesses of legal age with IDs
• [ ] Rings and vow notes optional but prepared
• [ ] Contract pages and IDs ready for signing
• [ ] Coordinator or trusted friend assigned to manage documents

After the ceremony

• [ ] Officiant or representative files signed documents with the LCR
• [ ] Request certified copies from the LCR if needed
• [ ] Follow up timeline for PSA Marriage Certificate
• [ ] Update IDs and records after receiving PSA copy if changing surname

Step by step process snapshot

1. Gather IDs, PSA documents, and photos
2. Attend premarriage seminar if your LCR requires it
3. File your application at the LCR and pay fees
4. Wait through the 10 day posting period
5. Claim your Marriage License within the release date given
6. Hold your ceremony with an authorized officiant and two witnesses
7. Ensure LCR registration then request your PSA Marriage Certificate after encoding

Timing tips

• Start gathering documents 2 to 3 weeks before your target date
• Book your officiant and venue during the posting period
• Remember that license validity is 120 days from issuance
• Peak months can slow processing. Build buffer days into your plan

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying at the wrong LCR for your residence
• Missing the posting period dates or claiming late
• Booking a venue outside your officiant jurisdiction
• Forgetting witnesses or valid IDs on ceremony day
• Assuming your PSA certificate is available immediately

Wrap up your planning
Confirm glam and florals with trusted hair and makeup artists and florists so your photos match the moment.