Marriage License in the Philippines - Where to Apply, Validity & FAQs

Getting a Marriage License is the first legal step to a civil wedding in the Philippines. This guide covers where to apply, timelines, validity, and FAQs so you can plan with confidence. As you prepare, lock in your schedule for required counseling with trusted premarriage seminar providers and line up an available officiant near you to match your target date.

Where to apply

Apply at the Local Civil Registry LCR of the city or municipality where either party resides. You do not need to apply in both places; one qualifying residence is enough.

Who can apply and basic eligibility

• Both parties are legally free to marry
• Both are of legal age or have the proper consent or advice
• Both can appear in person at the LCR with valid identification

Documents you will usually bring

• Government issued IDs of both parties
• PSA Birth Certificates
• PSA CENOMAR for single applicants or PSA Advisory on Marriages if previously married
• Two recent ID photos per person follow your LCR specs
• Premarriage counseling or family planning seminar certificate if required by your LCR
• Community Tax Certificate and proof of address if your LCR requires them

Step by step application

1. Prepare IDs and PSA documents
2. Attend the required counseling or seminar if your LCR mandates it
3. Submit your Marriage License application at the LCR and pay fees
4. The LCR posts your application for 10 consecutive days
5. Return on the release date to claim your license

If you want the entire wedding process in one place including budgets and supplier checklists, skim the pillar overview in the Civil Weddings in the Philippines guide. For help with errands and timelines, consider reaching out to experienced planners and coordinators.

Posting period and processing time

• Posting period typically runs for 10 consecutive days excluding the day of filing
• Release is often the next working day after posting ends
• Start early if you have fixed venue or work travel dates

Validity and where you can use it

• The Marriage License is valid for 120 days from issuance
• It is recognized nationwide so you can marry in another city or province within the validity window
• Schedule your ceremony within the window to avoid reapplying

Fees and typical costs

Budget tip
Set aside a small buffer for photocopies, ID photos, and incidental admin charges. While you are budgeting, get rough numbers for simple coverage from reliable photographers for city hall rites.

Special situations

• Ages 18 to 21 require parental consent
• Ages 21 to 25 present parental advice
• Previously married due to annulment or death bring final court Decision and Certificate of Finality or the PSA Death Certificate
• Foreign nationals provide a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry or embassy equivalent plus passport and proof of legal stay

FAQs

Can we apply in different cities
Apply where either party resides. One residence is sufficient.

Do both of us need to appear
Yes. Personal appearance is the norm for filing and for claiming the license.

Can we marry on weekends
Yes if your officiant agrees and jurisdiction is covered. Plan around public holidays and office hours.

How long until we can marry
Allow at least two weeks to cover document gathering, posting, and release.

What if the license expires
If you do not use it within 120 days you must reapply and repay fees.

Can we marry in another province
Yes. The license is valid nationwide during its validity period.

Practical tips

• Start with PSA documents while penciling in possible ceremony dates
• Attend counseling early to avoid bottlenecks
• Keep multiple photocopies of IDs and PSA papers in a labeled folder
• Book your ceremony date as soon as posting starts to align schedules
• If you need a full walk through from license to PSA certificate, open the Civil Weddings in the Philippines guide for steps and checklists

After you claim the license

• Confirm your officiant’s jurisdiction over the venue and finalize the schedule
• Prepare witness IDs and contract pages for signing
• If you are celebrating after a short courthouse rite, shortlist intimate reception venues to keep logistics simple

Wrapping up

With your license in hand, you are ready to move into ceremony planning. Coordinate timing with your stylist and glam team, then confirm your documentation plan with the officiant. To round out the day, book talented hair and makeup artists and lock a date with your preferred reception venue. For the full picture on requirements, costs, and the ceremony flow, revisit the pillar resource in the Civil Weddings in the Philippines guide.