Step by Step Planning for a Civil Wedding in the Philippines

Young Filipino couple outside city hall holding a marriage license

Guide
6 mins read

Step by Step Planning for a Civil Wedding in the Philippines

This step by step playbook turns your city hall ceremony into an easy win. Follow the 30 day countdown or use the 7 day sprint if you are on a tight timeline. Always confirm requirements with your Local Civil Registrar since LGU rules can vary.

How to use this plan

Skim the 30 day countdown then copy the checklist
Book suppliers early if you want photos, HMUA, bouquet, or a small venue
Keep all IDs and PSA papers in one labeled folder with clear photocopies

Couple planning a 30 day wedding countdown with calendar laptop and checklist

30 day countdown

Week 4 Day 22 to Day 30

Decide where to apply for the marriage license based on residence
List documents you have and those to secure
Order PSA birth certificates and CENOMAR if you do not have recent copies
Ask your LCR about seminar schedule fees and posting period
Shortlist officiants who can do city hall or offsite within the LGU
Shortlist photographer and HMUA with civil wedding packages

Week 3 Day 15 to Day 21

Attend or schedule the pre marriage seminar if required
Fill out the marriage license application form
Prepare parental consent or advice if applicable
Gather barangay certificate of residency if your LCR needs it
Pencil book target ceremony dates with your preferred officiant
Compare photographer and HMUA packages and confirm holds

Week 2 Day 8 to Day 14

Submit the license application at the LCR and pay fees
Track the posting or waiting period on your calendar
Finalize officiant date time and location city hall or approved offsite
Lock in photographer and HMUA with deposit and signed terms
Choose attire and ring options RTW dress jumpsuit barong or suit
Draft a simple guest list and witness names two adults with IDs

Week 1 Day 1 to Day 7

Claim the marriage license when released
Confirm ceremony call time meeting point and parking details
Prepare ceremony script options if your officiant allows personalization
Order bouquet and boutonniere or arrange to pick up on the day
Create a day of timeline and share with witnesses and suppliers
Pack your document folder and an emergency kit

Wedding week checklist

[ ] Marriage license on hand
[ ] Two witnesses with valid IDs confirmed
[ ] Officiant details date time location and honorarium
[ ] Photographer and HMUA call times
[ ] Bouquet or boutonniere ready
[ ] Outfits steamed and rings packed
[ ] Cash for fees parking and tips
[ ] Printed timeline and shot list optional

Couple mapping a 7 day sprint plan on a notepad with a phone calendar

7 day sprint plan

Use this if your documents are already complete and your LCR allows a fast schedule.

Day 1 apply for license and secure seminar slot if needed
Day 2 attend seminar and submit any remaining documents
Day 3 to Day 4 posting or processing verify release date
Day 5 claim license book officiant lock photographer and HMUA
Day 6 finalize outfits bouquet and timeline
Day 7 ceremony day then file for registration

Supplier booking guide

Officiant

Confirm jurisdiction city hall or offsite within LGU
Ask about required permits and official fees or honorarium
Share names of witnesses and preferred wording if allowed

Photographer

Choose a one or two hour civil package
Agree on meet point inside city hall or just outside
Share your short shot list arrivals vows rings signing family group

HMUA

Set call time based on ceremony hour
Confirm travel fee early morning surcharge and retouch add ons
Share hair accessories and veil plan if any

Flowers and styling

Order a compact bouquet and boutonniere sized for quick movement
If using a backdrop ask city hall about space limits and setup rules
Prepare a simple ribbon or small toss bouquet if desired

Couple in wedding attire checking a printed day of timeline near city hall

Day of timeline sample for a 10 am ceremony

6 30 am HMUA starts
8 00 am Dress up and detail photos rings license bouquet
8 45 am Travel to city hall plan for traffic and parking
9 15 am Meet witnesses photographer and officiant contact
9 30 am Final document check at LCR or court clerk
10 00 am Ceremony begins
10 20 am Signing of marriage certificate group photos
10 45 am Settle fees honorarium and quick thank yous
11 15 am Portraits around city hall
12 00 pm Lunch with family or micro reception

Document kit

Clear folder with originals and photocopies
Valid IDs both applicants and witnesses
PSA birth certificates and CENOMAR
Marriage license release slip and the license itself
Parental consent or advice if applicable
Pens small envelope for receipts and cash for fees

Budget planner mini worksheet

LGU fees license and certificates
Seminar fee if required
Officiant honorarium on site or offsite
Photographer package length and add ons
HMUA base rate travel and early start
Bouquet boutonniere and optional styling
Transport parking and small reception

Communication templates

Message to an officiant
Good day Judge or Mayor. We are applying for a civil wedding in your LGU. Are you available on Friday 27 September at 10 am at City Hall or an approved offsite within the city. We will bring two witnesses and our license. Thank you.

Message to a photographer
Hello. We would like a two hour civil wedding mini on Friday 27 September at City Hall. Coverage from 9 15 am to 11 15 am. Please confirm rate inclusions meet point and delivery timeline.

Message to HMUA
Hi. One natural bridal look for a 10 am city hall ceremony. Call time 6 30 am in Mandaluyong. Please confirm rate travel fee and what to prepare.

Risk and backup plan

Weather check 48 hours and 12 hours before the ceremony
Bring a compact umbrella and a microfiber towel for quick fixes
Prepare a backup officiant or alternate time if the court calendar changes
Print two extra copies of your timeline and supplier contacts
Keep a digital scan of your IDs and license on your phone

After the ceremony

Confirm who will file the signed certificate with the LCR
Request a certified local copy after registration if you need to update records quickly
Track when the PSA copy is expected to be available
Start name change updates if applicable bank SSS PhilHealth Pag IBIG passport