Venues and Logistics for a Civil Wedding in the Philippines

Young Filipino couple outside city hall ready for a civil wedding

Guide
6 mins read

Pick a venue that fits your guest count, paperwork, and schedule, then plan the moving parts so the day runs smoothly. This guide covers city hall rooms, courts, barangay halls, and small private spaces, plus permits, timing, parking, and backup plans.

Venue types and when to choose them

Venue type	Best for	Pros	Considerations
City hall or municipal hall room	Fast simple ceremonies	Easy routing and staff support	Limited hours and small capacity
Hall of Justice or court chamber	Legal mood and weekday slots	Clear process and orderly flow	Court schedule may shift
Barangay hall or cultural center	Local residents and short guest list	Near home and community feel	Varies in space and lighting
Offsite within the LGU garden cafe studio	Micro wedding vibe	Flexible styling and better photos	Permit and officiant honorarium
Private small venue condo function room	Ceremony plus short lunch	Weather cover and amenities	Time blocks and security rules

How to choose a venue

Confirm jurisdiction of your officiant within the city or municipality
Match capacity to your guest list and witness count
Check natural light and quiet corners for photos
Ask about seating, table, and mic availability
Verify restroom access, elevators, and accessibility for seniors
Confirm if confetti, petals, or candles are allowed

Permits and approvals

Offsite permits when not inside city hall or court
Venue approval letter for the officiant
Photo or video permission if the space is public or semi public
Security clearance and guest list if the building requires it

Couple checking ceremony room layout chairs table and walking path

Capacity, layout, and flow

Ceremony zone at least 2 by 3 meters for couple, officiant, and two witnesses
Chairs for parents and seniors near the aisle
A small signing table with two pens and document tray
Clear path from entrance to ceremony area for quick start

Timing and scheduling

City offices often follow weekday business hours
Judges and mayors may follow separate calendars
Book a morning slot to avoid traffic and late day backlogs
Add buffers of 15 to 30 minutes for parking and document checks

Sample time blocks

Arrival and ID check 20 minutes
Ceremony 15 to 25 minutes
Signing and group photos 15 minutes
Portraits around the venue 30 minutes

Weather and comfort plan

For outdoor or open air spaces bring umbrellas and a compact fan
Prepare a towel and blotting sheets for touch ups
Identify a covered fallback spot that fits the signing table and six chairs

Transport and parking

Confirm guest drop off point and nearest parking levels
Prepare small cash for parking and short term passes
If the building has strict entry times share IDs and plate numbers in advance
Factor traffic patterns in Metro Manila and other cities during rush hours

Couple confirming photo and sound rules with an office staff member

Photo and sound policy

Ask if flash is allowed and if tripods are permitted
Keep music at a respectful level inside government buildings
Use a small portable speaker only if the venue allows it

Power and facilities

One grounded outlet near the ceremony area for a small mic or fan
Restroom locations for quick prep and retouch
Water station for seniors and kids

Security and identification

Bring valid IDs for the couple and witnesses
Prepare a printed guest list for guards if required
Keep official receipts and permit copies in one folder

Micro reception ideas near the venue

Cafe private corner for 8 to 12 guests
Condo function room for two hours with light catering
Garden nook for juice and pastries after portraits

Vendor logistics

Photographer

Meet point and route for quick portraits
Shot list arrivals, vows, rings, signing, family groups
Plan B spot if the ceremony room becomes crowded

Hair and Makeup

Prep location near the venue to avoid delays
Early call time and retouch kit for humidity
Hair accessories and veil plan if any

Flowers and styling

Compact bouquet and boutonniere
Minimal arch or stand that fits doorways and elevators
Setup and teardown window cleared with venue staff

Couple reviewing a printed day of run sheet outside a city hall

Day of run sheet for a city hall room

8 45 am Couple arrives and checks documents
9 00 am Guests and witnesses seated
9 05 am Officiant arrives and brief
9 10 am Ceremony begins
9 25 am Signing and quick family photos
9 40 am Portraits around building facade or courtyard
10 15 am Depart for micro reception

Pack list for venue logistics

Valid IDs and marriage license
Two pens black ink
Small envelope for receipts and honorarium
Compact umbrella and microfiber towel
Safety pins double sided tape and mini first aid
Portable fan and power bank
Printed timeline and supplier contacts

Communication templates

Message to a venue Hello. We plan a civil ceremony for 20 guests on Friday 22 November at 10 am. May we book a one hour slot for vows and signing plus one hour for portraits. Please confirm rental fee inclusions and any permits or security requirements.

Message to building security Good day. We have a civil wedding on Friday 22 November 10 am to 12 noon. Here is our guest list and plate numbers for parking. We will bring IDs and follow building rules. Thank you.

FAQs

Can we hold an offsite ceremony within the city Yes if your officiant has jurisdiction and the venue issues approval. Secure any required permits.

How many guests fit in a typical city hall room Small rooms often fit 10 to 20 seated. Confirm exact capacity with the office.

Are weekend ceremonies allowed Some officiants accept weekend schedules by arrangement. Building access rules may limit hours.

Can we bring our own decor Light decor is usually fine. Avoid nails confetti and open flames unless the venue approves.

Can we do portraits in public areas Often yes with courtesy to staff and the public. Some areas need a quick permit. Ask in advance.