How to Have a Civil Wedding in Manila - Offices, Fees & Sample Timeline

Planning a civil wedding in Manila is straightforward once you know which offices handle what, when to file, and how to schedule your ceremony. Begin by confirming jurisdiction and dates with available officiants so your chosen venue and timeline match.

Key offices you will interact with in Manila

• Local Civil Registry LCR Manila for Marriage License filing and local registration after the ceremony
• Office of the Mayor for City Hall civil rites within Manila
• Regional Trial Court RTC branches for judge led ceremonies within their court’s jurisdiction
• PSA service channels for your PSA Marriage Certificate after encoding

Requirements you will prepare

• Government issued IDs of both parties
• PSA Birth Certificates and CENOMAR or Advisory on Marriages as applicable
• Two 1x1 or 2x2 photos per person follow LCR spec
• Premarriage counseling or family planning certificate if required by the LCR
• Two witnesses of legal age for ceremony day

If you want a deeper prefiling audit of documents and edge cases, the Marriage License in the Philippines guide covers where to apply, validity, and FAQs.

Typical Manila fees and ranges

Numbers vary by season and locality. Bring cash, IDs, and photocopies.

City Hall vs private venue inside Manila

• City Hall works best for small groups, predictable slots, minimal styling
• Private venue inside Manila offers flexible timing and photos but may need permits and a clear indoor backup

For a fuller pros and cons rundown, compare options in City Hall vs Private Venue Civil Wedding. While you sketch your plan, consider a compact package from dependable photographers to cover filing day portraits and the rite itself.

Sample 30 day Manila timeline

Week 1

• Day 1 to 2 gather IDs, PSA docs, and photos
• Day 3 attend counseling if required
• Day 4 file at LCR Manila and note the exact release date after the 10 day posting period
  Need a day by day template Use the 30 Day Timeline for a Civil Wedding to map reminders.

Week 2

• Day 5 to 14 posting period
• Lock your officiant’s slot and location pin
• Prepare rings and witness IDs

Week 3

• Day 15 claim your license
• Finalize a 30 minute program and signing area
• Confirm who files the signed contract to LCR after the rite

Week 4

• Day 22 to 26 rehearsal at home and outfit checks
• Day 27 ceremony day
• Day 28 to 30 follow up with LCR Manila on registration status and when PSA encoding typically appears

Manila day of sample schedule

• Arrival 30 to 45 minutes before your slot for ID checks and quick briefing
• Ceremony 10 to 20 minutes depending on setting
• Signing 5 to 10 minutes with witnesses
• Portraits 20 to 30 minutes at a shaded spot or nearby landmark
• Document handoff confirm who submits to LCR Manila and your follow up date

Transport, time, and photo tips

• Manila traffic can compress your schedule Build buffers between prep, ceremony, and meal
• Assign one point person to carry IDs, license, and contract pages
• Keep your shot list short and achievable near the venue
• Shade matters for quick portraits; scout a covered corner or indoor hallway

Simple budgets for Manila scenarios

City Hall minimalist
Government fees plus honorarium, short photo set, light lunch for 6 to 8
Estimated ₱3,500 to ₱6,000 before optional add ons

Private venue micro
Permit if any, honorarium, light styling, 2 hour photo coverage, modest meal
Estimated ₱20,000 to ₱45,000 depending on venue and guest count

Booking checklist for Manila

1. Confirm jurisdiction for your exact location and date
2. Lock your officiant slot and time block
3. Prepare IDs, license, and two witnesses of legal age
4. Print your program and shot list on one page
5. Set a calendar reminder for LCR follow up and PSA request timing

Wrap your celebration with something nearby to avoid traffic snags. Shortlist a cozy reception venue within 15 minutes of City Hall or your private space, and coordinate prep with reliable hair and makeup teams to keep everything on time.

For end to end planning with requirements, costs, and post wedding steps in one place, finish with the pillar walkthrough in the Civil Weddings in the Philippines – Requirements, Costs, and Step by Step Process.