Civil Weddings in the Philippines - Requirements, Costs, and Step-by-Step Process
Getting married through a civil ceremony in the Philippines is simple, fast, and budget friendly. This guide walks you through legal requirements, exact steps, realistic costs, and pro tips so you can plan with confidence and avoid delays. For a tidy prewedding pack, see the Civil Wedding Requirements in the Philippines – Complete Checklist.
Use this as your master checklist, then pace your planning with a 30-Day Timeline for a Civil Wedding.
Quick Steps At A Glance
- Gather documents like valid IDs, PSA Birth Certificate, and CENOMAR or Advisory on Marriages.
- Attend your city or municipality’s required premarriage counseling or seminar if applicable.
- Apply for your Marriage License at your Local Civil Registry.
- Wait for the 10 day posting period, then claim your Marriage License. It is valid for 120 days nationwide.
- Book an authorized officiant such as a judge or mayor, choose date and venue.
- Hold your ceremony with two legal witnesses who are of legal age, then sign the marriage contract.
- Ensure your officiant or LCR registers your marriage so you can later request your PSA Marriage Certificate.
Estimated lead time: 2 to 4 weeks for most couples. If you want a day by day version, use the 30-Day Timeline for a Civil Wedding.
What Is A Civil Wedding
A civil wedding is a legally binding marriage ceremony conducted by a government authorized officiant without religious rites. It can happen at City Hall, a courtroom, the mayor’s office, a consulate for Filipinos abroad, or a private venue within the officiant’s jurisdiction. If you are choosing who will lead the ceremony, this side by side guide helps: Judge vs Mayor – Who Should Officiate Your Civil Wedding.
Who Can Officiate
- Judges within their court’s jurisdiction
- City or Municipal Mayors within their locality
- Consuls for Filipino citizens marrying abroad
- Certain temporary cases in articulo mortis as provided by law
Tip
Always confirm the officiant’s authority and jurisdiction for your chosen venue and date. For space and setup choices, compare City Hall vs Private Venue Civil Wedding – Pros, Cons, and Fees.
Legal Requirements And Documents
Prepare originals and photocopies. Requirements can vary by city or municipality, so verify with your Local Civil Registry.
- Government issued IDs of both parties
- PSA Birth Certificate of both parties
- PSA CENOMAR if single, or PSA Advisory on Marriages if previously married
- Marriage License Application Form from your Local Civil Registry
- Premarriage counseling or family planning seminar certificates if required by your LCR
- Two witnesses who are of legal age for the ceremony
Special situations
- Ages 18 to 21 require parental consent and ages 21 to 25 may need parental advice; see Parental Consent vs Parental Advice – What You Actually Need
- Previously married due to annulment or death bring the final Decision and Certificate of Finality or PSA Death Certificate; see Previously Married? Annulment, Death Certificate & Other Proofs Explained
- Foreign nationals usually present a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry plus passport and proof of legal stay; see Civil Wedding for Foreigners or Fil-Foreigner Couples – Extra Documents & Tips
Marriage License: Where, How, And Validity
Where to apply
Apply at the Local Civil Registry of the city or municipality where either party resides. Full details here: Marriage License in the Philippines – Where to Apply, Validity & FAQs.
Standard process
- Submit forms and documents at the LCR.
- Attend required seminar if applicable.
- Pay the license fees.
- LCR posts your application for 10 consecutive days on the bulletin board.
- Claim your Marriage License after the posting period.
Validity
The Marriage License is valid for 120 days from issuance and is recognized anywhere in the Philippines.
Planning in a specific city Start with local walk throughs for Manila, Quezon City, Cebu City, and Davao City.
Costs And Fees
Real costs vary by locality and supplier choices. See typical ranges in How Much Is a Civil Wedding in the Philippines – Cost Breakdown & Real Budgets, and if you are weighing ceremony types, check Civil vs Church Wedding Costs – Side by Side Comparison.
| Item | Low Estimate | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSA Birth Certificate each | ₱155 to ₱365 | ₱155 to ₱365 | Per copy, per person |
| PSA CENOMAR or Advisory on Marriages | ₱210 to ₱430 | ₱210 to ₱430 | Per person |
| Marriage License fee | ₱100 to ₱500 | ₱200 to ₱1,000 | Varies by LCR |
| Premarriage seminar fee if any | Free | ₱0 to ₱500 | Depends on LCR |
| Officiant honorarium judge or mayor | ₱0 to ₱10,000 | ₱2,000 to ₱8,000 | Often lower for City Hall ceremonies |
| Venue City Hall | Free | ₱0 to ₱2,000 | Reservation or admin fees if any |
| Private venue permit if any | ₱0 to ₱10,000 | ₱2,000 to ₱6,000 | If outside City Hall |
| Marriage certificate certified copies | ₱50 to ₱300 | ₱100 to ₱300 | Per copy from LCR |
| Optional photographer 2 hours | ₱3,000 | ₱5,000 to ₱12,000 | City Hall coverage packages |
| Optional HMUA bride only | ₱2,000 | ₱3,500 to ₱8,000 | Trial separate |
| Optional bouquet and boutonniere | ₱800 | ₱1,500 to ₱3,500 | Fresh florals |
| Optional simple lunch or dinner for 10 | ₱3,000 | ₱5,000 to ₱12,000 | Restaurant set menu |
Sample budget snapshots
- City Hall only couple plus two witnesses: ₱2,500 to ₱6,000 before optional suppliers
- Simple private venue, photographer, bouquet, lunch for 10: ₱20,000 to ₱45,000
Step By Step Timeline
Week 1
- Day 1 to 2 gather IDs and PSA documents
- Day 3 premarriage seminar if required
- Day 4 file Marriage License application at your LCR and pay fees
Week 2
- Day 5 to 14 10 day posting period at the LCR
- Book your officiant and venue during this window. Prepare rings, attire, and witnesses
Week 3
- Day 15 claim your Marriage License
- Finalize details with officiant and suppliers
Week 3 to 4
- Day 16 to 30 hold the ceremony within the 120 day validity window
- Officiant or designated party submits signed documents to LCR for registration
If you prefer a checklist with dates, the 30-Day Timeline for a Civil Wedding keeps everything on track.
Ceremony Options Compared
| Option | What It Looks Like | Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Hall or Mayor’s Office | Brief rites at office or designated area | Simple, low cost, easy scheduling | Limited guests, fixed slots, quick pacing |
| Courtroom with Judge | Formal setting with judge | Clear authority, often available on weekdays | Court schedules, jurisdiction limits |
| Private Venue Within Jurisdiction | Condo function room, restaurant, garden | Intimate vibe, flexible styling, family friendly | Honorarium, permits, travel to LCR for registration |
Pro tip
Confirm the officiant’s jurisdiction covers your chosen private venue on your exact date. Outfit planning and etiquette are covered in What to Wear to a Civil Wedding, while simple styling ideas are in Simple Décor & Bouquet Ideas for Civil Ceremonies.
Supplier Checklist For A Simple Civil Wedding
Must haves
- Officiant with authority and schedule confirmed
- Two witnesses who are of legal age
- Rings, valid IDs, Marriage License, and ceremony contract pages
Nice to have
- Photographer for 1 to 2 hour coverage
- Hair and makeup for the bride and simple grooming for the groom
- Bouquet, boutonniere, and minimal décor for photos
- Small coordinator or reliable friend to manage documents and timing
- Restaurant reservation for a celebratory meal
If you are keeping things intimate, this walkthrough helps keep quality high and costs lean: Planning a 20-Guest Civil Micro Wedding. For post ceremony meals, browse Intimate Restaurant Receptions After a Civil Wedding – Ideas & Budgets.
After The Ceremony: Registration And PSA Copy
- Ensure the officiant or an authorized representative files your signed marriage documents with the LCR that has jurisdiction over the ceremony venue.
- Follow up with the LCR for the local civil registry copy.
- Once forwarded and encoded at the national level, request your PSA Marriage Certificate online or at PSA service centers. Processing timelines vary by locality and season.
When you are ready to claim official proof quickly, follow After the Wedding – How to Get Your PSA Marriage Certificate Fast.
Common Questions And Answers
How long does the 10 day posting take in practice
Ten consecutive days excluding the day of filing. The license release date is set by your LCR.
How long is the Marriage License valid
120 days from issuance, valid nationwide.
Can we marry on weekends or holidays
Yes if your officiant agrees and has authority over the venue on that date.
Do we need witnesses
Yes. Two witnesses who are of legal age must be present and sign the documents.
Can a foreigner marry a Filipino in a civil ceremony
Yes. The foreigner usually needs a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry or its embassy equivalent, plus passport and proof of legal stay.
Do we need a premarriage seminar
Many LCRs require it. Some waive for ages above a certain threshold. Confirm with your LCR.
Can we choose any venue
You can hold a civil ceremony at City Hall, a courtroom, your home, a restaurant, or a small garden within the officiant’s jurisdiction.
When can we get the PSA Marriage Certificate
After local registration is transmitted and encoded at the national level. Expect several weeks, and plan earlier if you have deadlines.
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