How to Get Married in the Philippines

Get married and celebrate on the beach.

Getting married in the Philippines requires some preparation. Whether you are an alien or a local, you need to meet certain requirements. After you get your marriage license, you can have either a civil wedding or a church wedding, or both. Either would be legally binding under Philippine law.

Instructions

1. Get an "Affidavit in Lieu of a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage" from the U.S. Embassy in Manila or the U.S. Consular Agency in Cebu. This must be done in person, although your fiance or fiancee need not be present, and you need an appointment. Bring your passport, appointment confirmation printout, all divorce decrees or death certificates that show you are free to marry, and valid U.S. passport, as well as $50 in cash or Philippine peso equivalent, or a credit card. Fees are current as of publication.

2. Get parental consent if either party is between 18 and 21 years old. If either party is between 22 and 24, parental advice is required. This can be waived if the parents appear in person at the ceremony and give their blessing.

3. Get a certificate of singleness for the Filipino fiance(e). Request for a "Certificate of No Marriage" or "CERNOMAR" from either the National Statistics Office or the e-Census web site. A CERNOMAR is proof that there is no record of marriage for the Filipino citizen who intends to get married. Visit a National Statistics Office or order online. In addition, get statements from two persons not related to the Filipino citizen, stating he or she is unmarried.

4. Apply for a marriage license. Go to the Local Civil Registrar in the city or town where either of the contracting parties lives. When applying for the license, submit your birth certificates, affidavit of legal capacity to contract marriage, your partner's CERNOMAR, your passport, divorce certificate (if applicable), death certificate (of previous spouse, if applicable), and letter(s) of parental consent or advice (if applicable). Wait 10 days, during which a notice will be posted. After 10 days, get your marriage license. It should be valid for 120 days anywhere in the Philippines.

5. Schedule a marriage ceremony. You can have either a religious or a civil wedding. Show your marriage license. Your marriage can be solemnized by a religious figure such as a priest or rabbi, a judge, or a mayor.

Tips & Warnings

• Additional requirements are needed for a church wedding, such as pre-wedding seminars, an interview, list of sponsors, and permission from the parish.

• Military personnel should contact their personnel office to learn of additional requirements.

• One contracting party must be a Filipino citizen. Two foreigners cannot marry in the country. If you are both foreigners in the Philippines and you wish to marry, contact your embassy. A consul might be authorized by law to solemnize the marriage.

Resources

• The Family Code of the Philippines (full text)
• U.S. Embassy, Manila: Marriage of American Citizens in the Philippines