Foreigners Can Get Married in the Philippines

Are you dreaming of exchanging vows in the Philippines’ stunning settings? Getting married here is easier than you think, even for those from abroad¹. You don’t need to be a citizen or have a residence permit to marry in the Philippines. Just bring your partner and witnesses, and you can get married in a few days¹.

But, there are some things to think about before you say “I do.” This article will help you with the legal steps and ceremony types. Get ready for a romantic adventure in a beautiful place.

Key Takeaways

• Foreigners can get married in the Philippines without being citizens or holding a residence permit.
• The Philippines has a straightforward seven-stage process for weddings, including choosing between a civil or church ceremony.
• Specific documents are required for foreigners to marry in the Philippines, such as a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage.
• Legal restrictions exist, such as prohibitions on same-sex marriages and marriages between relatives.
• Pre-marriage counseling and seminars are mandatory for both civil and church weddings in the Philippines.

Overview of Marriage Requirements in the Philippines

In the Philippines, couples have two main choices for getting married: civil marriage and church wedding. Each option has its own rules. The Philippines also has a strict Family Code that sets legal limits².

Differences Between Civil and Church Weddings

For a civil marriage, couples need a marriage license, pre-marriage counseling, and a civil registrar or judge to perform the ceremony³. A church wedding requires more documents, like baptismal and confirmation certificates, and a meeting with a priest⁴.

Strict Family Code and Legal Restrictions

The Family Code in the Philippines has strict marriage rules. It bans marriages between relatives up to the fourth degree of consanguinity (first cousins)³. Also, the country doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages because they are illegal².

Despite these rules, the Philippines is looking into new ways, like the “Virtual Marriage Act” for online marriages. Services like Courtly also offer quick marriage certificates². But, it’s important for couples, especially foreigners, to know and follow the strict marriage rules to make their union legal³⁴.,

Seven Stages for a Wedding in the Philippines

Planning a wedding in the Philippines involves seven key steps. First, you must decide between a civil or church wedding. This choice affects the documents you need⁵.

Choosing Civil or Church Wedding

After picking your wedding type, you need to collect important documents. These include birth certificates, proof of being single, and passport details⁵.

Collecting Required Documents

Once you have all your documents, the last step is to submit them to the civil registry. This is before you can have the wedding⁵.

Submitting Documents to Civil Registry

The fee for applying for a marriage license in the Philippines is P120.00. You also need to attend a marriage counseling seminar and get a certificate of attendance⁵. Also, people under 18 can’t get married, and those 18 to 24 need parental consent or advice⁵.

After the civil wedding, you’ll get your marriage certificate in 10 business days. You can get certified true copies from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)⁵. Remember, there’s a 10-day wait from applying for the marriage license to getting it⁵.

“The key to a successful wedding in the Philippines is to be prepared and organized throughout the process. By following these seven stages, you can ensure a seamless and memorable celebration.”

Documents Needed for Foreigners to Marry in the Philippines

Foreigners planning to marry in the Philippines must gather certain documents first. The key document is the

Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry

, proving you can legally get married⁶. This certificate is only good for 4 months⁶, so get it early.

You also need your

birth certificate

and

passport details

. Order your birth certificate online for 365 PHP⁶ through the Philippine Statistics Authority Helpline. Your valid passport is also needed as ID.

If you’ve been married before, you must show

proof of single status or divorce papers

. This proves you’re free to marry again. You can order the PSA Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) online for 420 PHP⁶.

Make sure you have all the needed documents to marry in the Philippines, like the certificate of legal capacity to marry Philippines, birth certificate Philippines, and proof of single status Philippines or divorce papers Philippines⁷. With these documents ready, you’re set to marry in the Philippines.

Requirements for Civil Weddings in the Philippines

Planning a civil wedding in the Philippines means knowing the rules and legal limits. The Family Code⁸ says no to marrying relatives. Also, the Philippines doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages, so LGBTQ+ couples can’t get a civil marriage license⁸.

Restrictions on Relative Marriages

The Family Code says no to marrying siblings, parents, children, and other close relatives. This is to avoid issues that can come from marrying within the family. If you’re related, you’ll need to find another way to get married because a civil marriage license won’t work⁸.

Same-Sex Marriages Not Recognized

Same-sex marriages aren’t allowed in the Philippines, not by civil or religious means. The country is working on LGBTQ+ rights, but legalizing same-sex marriage is still up for debate. So, same-sex couples can’t get married here and must look for other ways to make their relationship official⁸.

Couples aged 18-21 need parental consent, while those 22-25 must get a Parental Advice for their civil wedding⁸. U.S. citizens can get an Affidavit from the U.S. Embassy in Manila, but only by appointment⁹.

“The Philippines’ Family Code imposes strict limitations on who can legally marry, including prohibiting marriages between close relatives and not recognizing same-sex unions. Couples must be aware of these restrictions when planning a civil ceremony in the country.”

It’s key for couples planning a civil wedding in the Philippines to know the legal rules and limits. This ensures a smooth and legal marriage process⁸¹⁰⁹.

can foreigners get married in the philippines

Yes, foreigners can get married in the Philippines, but it’s a bit more complicated than in other places⁶. You just need to follow all the legal steps and meet the requirements.

To marry here, you must have a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage that’s good for 4 months⁶. You’ll also need your birth certificate, a valid passport, or citizenship certificate to show where you’re from⁶. If you’ve been married before, you’ll need to bring a divorce decree, annulment order, or your ex’s death certificate⁶.

Getting married here isn’t easy¹. If one of you is from another country, you’ll go through seven steps to get hitched¹. Also, the Philippines doesn’t accept same-sex marriages or unions⁷.

Even with strict laws, the Philippines is a popular place for couples to get married because of its culture and beauty⁷. With the right steps and legal papers, foreigners can definitely say “I do” in this beautiful country⁶⁷¹.

“Marrying anyone under the age of 18 is strictly forbidden under Philippine law.”⁷

Key Requirements for Foreigners

• Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage (valid for 4 months)⁶
• Original or certified true copy of birth certificate⁶
• Valid passport or citizenship certificate⁶
• Divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate of deceased spouse (if applicable)⁶
• Submission of updated photo with specific size and background requirements⁶

Getting married in the Philippines can be harder than in other places¹. Make sure you do your homework and follow all the rules for a smooth wedding⁶⁷¹.

Age Requirements and Parental Consent

Planning a wedding in the Philippines means knowing the age rules and the need for parental consent. The minimum age to marry is 18¹¹. If you’re under 21, you need your parents or guardians’ written okay¹¹. If you’re 21 to 25, you must get your parents’ advice, and there’s a three-month wait if they say no¹¹.

Affidavits for Ages 18-25

Younger couples need to get affidavits for parental consent or advice¹¹. These documents prove your parents or guardians say it’s okay for you to get married¹¹. They’re a key legal step before you can get a marriage license in the Philippines¹¹.

Knowing the age rules and parental consent is key for a smooth marriage process in the Philippines¹¹. Following these steps makes sure your marriage is legal and valid¹¹.

“The Philippines has strict laws regarding the age of consent for marriage, ensuring that younger individuals receive proper guidance and approval from their parents or guardians.”

Remember, a marriage without consent or under pressure is not valid in the Philippines¹². It’s vital to meet the age rules and get the right parental approvals for a legal marriage.

Pre-Marital Counseling and Seminars

Before you can get married in the Philippines, you and your partner must go through pre-marital counseling. This is true for both civil and church weddings¹³. These sessions offer advice and learning on marriage. They cover topics like Philippine family law, Filipino culture, customs, and traditions¹³.

The time you spend in pre-marital counseling can vary. Church weddings usually need more preparation¹³. Generally, civil wedding pre-marriage counseling lasts about a day¹⁴.

Pre-marital counseling is a key part of wedding planning. It makes sure you and your partner know about the legal and cultural sides of marriage in the Philippines¹³. By doing this, you’ll be ready for a happy and successful marriage.

• Pre-marital counseling is a must for all couples marrying in the Philippines, for both civil and church weddings¹³.
• These counseling sessions talk about Philippine family law, Filipino culture, customs, and traditions¹³.
• Church weddings need more in-depth pre-marital counseling than civil weddings¹³.
• For civil weddings, pre-marriage counseling usually takes about a day¹⁴.

“Completing the pre-marital counseling requirement is a crucial step in ensuring a successful and fulfilling marriage in the Philippines.”

Selecting a Wedding Venue and Reservations

Planning your dream wedding in the Philippines means picking the perfect venue. You can choose from beautiful beaches to historic sites for your big day¹⁵.

Booking your wedding venue depends on the location and ceremony type. For civil weddings, you might face challenges with judges’ schedules¹⁵.

Choosing a church wedding means working with the church. They have their rules and procedures¹.

It’s key to plan early and book your venue fast. The Philippines is a popular spot for weddings, so top venues fill up quickly¹⁵.

Working with a local wedding planner can make things easier. They know the best venues and can help with the booking process¹⁵.

Your wedding venue sets the mood for your day. It’s important to pick one that fits your dream and budget¹⁵.

“The Philippines is a truly enchanting destination for weddings, offering a diverse array of breathtaking venues that can make your special day truly unforgettable.”

Obtaining a Marriage License

After you finish the pre-marital counseling and collect all needed documents, getting a marriage license is the next step in the Philippines. This license is good for 120 days and has certain rules, like paying fees¹⁶. Having a valid marriage license is key to getting married in the Philippines.

To get a marriage license in the Philippines, you must submit documents like your birth certificates and proof of being single¹⁶. Foreign citizens also need a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage, which is good for 4-6 months¹⁶.

Then, you visit the local civil registry office to apply for your marriage license¹⁶. The staff checks your documents, and if all is good, they give you your marriage license¹⁶. Remember, the rules for getting a marriage license can change in different places in the Philippines. Always check with local authorities to make sure you have everything needed¹⁷.

Once you have your marriage license, you have 120 days to get married¹⁶. This gives you plenty of time to plan your special day, whether it’s a civil or church ceremony¹⁶.

Validity Period and Requirements

Your marriage license in the Philippines is valid for 120 days from when you get it¹⁶. This means you have four months to have your ceremony before the license expires¹⁶.

To keep your marriage license valid, you must follow the rules of the local civil registry¹⁶. This includes paying fees, providing more documents, and making sure your ceremony is done by an approved person¹⁶.

If you don’t meet the requirements or have your ceremony within 120 days, you might need to get a new license¹⁶. This can take more time and money. So, it’s important to plan well to keep your license valid for your wedding¹⁶.

Knowing what you need and the timeline for a marriage license in the Philippines makes the process smooth. This lets you enjoy your special day with your loved ones¹⁶.

The Wedding Ceremony and Legal Requirements

On your big day in the Philippines, having an authorized officiant is key. This person could be a judge, priest, or someone else who can legally perform weddings¹⁸. You also need two adult witnesses to show you both agree to get married¹⁸. These steps make sure your marriage is legal in the Philippines.

The officiant is very important during the ceremony. They help you and your partner say your vows and follow the legal rules¹⁸. The witnesses watch over the ceremony. They make sure you both want to get married¹⁸. Their presence makes the ceremony more official and legitimate.

Remember, the rules for getting married in the Philippines differ between civil and church weddings¹. No matter the type, you and your partner must do everything needed to make your marriage legal in the Philippines¹⁴.

“The marriage license must be used within 120 days from the date of issuance to remain valid.”¹⁸

Knowing the legal requirements for a wedding in the Philippines helps you plan with ease. This way, your special day will follow local laws and traditions¹⁴¹⁸¹.

Registering the Marriage After the Ceremony

After the wedding, the next step is to register the marriage with the Local Civil Registrar’s office. You need to bring the marriage license, pre-nuptial agreement (if needed), and the signed marriage certificate¹⁹. The officiant must register this within 15 days of the wedding.

The marriage license costs US$25.00, and the ceremony costs US$60.00¹⁹. You also need a Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR) from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) with an Apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)¹⁹. If you’re a widow or widower, you’ll need your previous spouse’s death certificate from the PSA with an Apostille¹⁹.

Requirements change based on your situation, like being single, widowed, or divorced¹⁹. The marriage license is good for 120 days from when it’s issued¹⁹. You must post or publish the marriage application for ten days before getting the license²⁰. You’ll work with the Civil Registry Section to finish the marriage¹⁹.

You’ll have to provide documents like birth certificates, passports, proof of Filipino citizenship, and photos¹⁹. Some situations might need extra fees, like the CENOMAR¹⁹. If you’re 18-25, you might need affidavits of parental consent or advice¹⁹. Make sure to bring all original documents with the needed copies¹⁹.

By following these steps and meeting the requirements, you can make sure your marriage in the Philippines is legally recognized²¹. The marriage certificate you get will be your proof of marriage, giving you legal rights and benefits in the Philippines²⁰.

Additional Requirements for Church Weddings

For couples choosing a church wedding in the Philippines, there’s more than the civil ceremony. They must finish a pre-nuptial seminar, go through a canonical interview, and have a priest do a pre-nuptial investigation²². The non-Catholic partner might also need permission from the Archdiocesan Chancery Office²³.

Pre-Nuptial Investigations and Interviews

A key part of a church wedding in the Philippines is the pre-nuptial investigation. This means the priest checks the couple’s backgrounds, family history, and if they’re ready for marriage²². They will also have a meeting with the parish priest or assistant, usually a month or two before the wedding²⁴.

Getting the papers for a church wedding can be hard, especially if one partner is an OFW or immigrant²². Couples must file the wedding banns at both parishes and come back after three Sundays²⁴. Some churches want valid IDs and a fee for the application²².

The couple also needs to list the names and addresses of at least two sponsors/witnesses for the ceremony²⁴. Some parishes set a limit on sponsors²⁴. Confessing isn’t always needed for a Catholic church wedding but is often suggested by priests²².

If one partner is a foreigner, there are more steps. The non-Catholic partner must get permission from the Archdiocesan Chancery Office²³. They might also need a Certificate of Freedom to Marry from their embassy or home country²³. For mixed marriages, a special permission might be needed²³.

Dealing with the extra steps for a church wedding in the Philippines can be tough. Couples should plan well and be ready to spend time and effort. This way, they can have a smooth wedding day²²²⁴²³.

Legal Recognition of Philippine Marriages in the U.S.

If you’ve had a wedding in the Philippines, your marriage is legally recognized in the United States²⁵. Marriages done in the Philippines are valid in the U.S., as long as they follow Philippine laws. To make sure your marriage is recognized, register it at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate after the ceremony²⁶. This step lets you change your name and use the marriage certificate for official processes in the U.S.

The U.S. legally recognizes Philippine marriages easily²⁵. U.S. immigration law accepts valid divorces if they are recognized where they were given²⁶. Some divorces without both parties in court might not be recognized for immigration, but this doesn’t affect marriages in the Philippines.

To register your Philippine marriage in the U.S., you need certain documents²⁷. You’ll need a notarized Report of Marriage Form, your marriage certificate from U.S. vital records, proof of your Filipino citizenship, and valid passports or IDs for you and your spouse. You might need more documents based on your previous marriage status.

The process is easy, and your Philippine marriage will be recognized in the United States²⁷. Just follow the right steps and document everything, and you’ll enjoy the legal benefits of your marriage in the U.S.

Getting your Philippine marriage recognized in the U.S. is usually straightforward, but it’s wise to talk to a lawyer for a smooth process²⁶. The U.S. Embassy in Manila can help with the specific steps and requirements²⁵²⁶²⁷.

Conclusion

Getting married in the Philippines is a detailed process but can be done with the right steps. By knowing the legal steps, foreigners can make their dream wedding come true in this beautiful place²⁸.

The Philippines has rules for registering foreign marriages, set by the Philippine Family Code, DFA, and PSA²⁸. You might need to pay a small fee, and sometimes you’ll face challenges like needing to prove a foreign divorce is valid or dealing with document issues²⁸. If things get complicated, it’s wise to talk to a lawyer to make sure you follow all the rules²⁸.

To get married here, you must know the legal age rules and gather all needed papers. With good planning and attention to detail, you can make your dream of marrying in the Philippines come true²⁹. This way, you can start this new chapter of your life in a stunning place³⁰.

Source Links

1. https://shuwedd.com/blog/how-do-i-get-married-to-a-foreigner-in-the-philippines/
2. https://www.courtly.com/resources/how-to-get-married-online-in-the-philippines-step-by-step-guide
3. https://nomadicfire.com/marriage-license-in-the-philippines
4. https://attorney.org.ph/legal-news/135-the-basic-requirements-and-procedures-of-getting-married
5. https://rapidvisa.com/definitive-guide-to-getting-married-in-the-philippines/
6. https://www.nuptials.ph/marriage-requirements-for-foreigners-philippines/
7. https://www.expat.com/en/guide/asia/philippines/35575-getting-married-in-the-philippines.html
8. https://www.nuptials.ph/civil-wedding-requirements-in-the-philippines/
9. https://filipiknow.net/how-to-get-married-in-the-philippines-with-a-foreigner/
10. https://the-smile-bar.ph/how-much-is-a-civil-wedding-in-the-philippines/
11. https://tripsupport.ca/blog/what-are-the-requirements-to-marry-a-filipino/
12. https://www.respicio.ph/commentaries/marriage-laws-in-the-philippines-a-comprehensive-overview
13. https://freddysmusings.com/2018/08/09/our-civil-wedding-in-the-philippines-the-requirements-and-processes-no-holds-barred/
14. https://www.travelvisapro.com/blog/passports/how-to-get-married-in-philippines-as-a-u-s-citizen
15. https://filipinagettingmarried.wordpress.com/2019/03/29/planning-a-civil-wedding-in-metro-manila-what-you-need-to-know/
16. https://nomadicfire.com/getting-married-in-the-philippines
17. https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/asia/philippines/new-zealand-embassy/living-in-the-philippines/getting-married-in-the-philippines
18. https://www.eventplannerphilippines.com/marriage-registration-philippines/
19. https://philippineembassy-dc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/SOLEMNIZATION-OF-MARRIAGE.pdf
20. https://lawyerphilippines.org/what-does-it-mean-if-you-were-married-without-a-marriage-license/
21. https://mrandmrshowe.com/lifestyle-blog/foreigner-filipina-marriage-philippines
22. https://www.nuptials.ph/catholic-church-wedding-requirements-philippines/
23. https://weddingsatwork.com/church-requirements-for-marriage-with-foreigners/
24. https://reginaroque.com/catholic-church-wedding-requirements-in-the-philippines/
25. https://www.gurfinkel.com/dont-need-philippine-annulment-get-married-u-s/
26. https://www.expatforum.com/threads/married-in-the-philippines-divorced-in-the-us.1541169/
27. https://newyorkpcg.org/pcgny/civil-registration/report-of-marriage-of-a-filipino-abroad/
28. https://www.respicio.ph/features/foreign-marriage-philippines
29. https://www.zigguratrealestate.ph/post/making-it-official-understanding-the-legal-procedures-for-getting-married-in-the-philippines
30. https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/28/54455