Getting Married in the Philippines: Required Documents

Are you dreaming of tying the knot in the Philippines’ tropical paradise? Before you can say “I do,” you’ll need to go through some paperwork. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This guide will take you through the essential documents and steps for a Philippine wedding. It’s perfect whether you’re a US citizen marrying a Filipina or two US citizens celebrating your love here¹.

Key Takeaways

• Individuals under 18 years old cannot get married in the Philippines¹.
• Marriage counseling is required for individuals between 18 and 25 years old before a marriage license is issued¹.
• If previously married, documentation of death, divorce, annulment, or nullity of previous marriage is required¹.
• Marriages must be held in specific locations like churches, temples, or consular offices¹.
• The marriage license is valid for 120 days after issuance¹.

Choose Your Wedding Ceremony Type

When planning your wedding in the Philippines, the first step is to decide between a civil or church wedding ceremony. This choice will affect the documents you need and the process you’ll follow. Civil weddings are simpler, while church weddings require more steps like seminars and clearance.

Civil Wedding

A civil wedding is a legal ceremony done by a civil registrar or judge. It’s great for couples wanting a simple wedding. You’ll need a marriage license, submit documents, and attend a brief ceremony at a government office².

Couples aged 22 to 24 must get Parental Advice for their civil wedding in the Philippines². Foreigners might need a Sworn Declaration from their embassy or consulate in the Philippines².

Church Wedding

For those who want a traditional, religious ceremony, a church wedding is an option. This includes steps like pre-nuptial seminars and church clearance, and a longer wait for a wedding date. You might need a Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)³.

The marriage license can take up to three months to process if you need parental consent³.

The choice between a civil or church wedding depends on what you prefer and what your venue or officiant requires. Knowing the differences will help you decide and make planning easier.

Compile the Required Documents

Getting ready for your wedding in the Philippines means collecting certain documents, whether it’s a civil or church wedding⁴. If you’re a US citizen marrying here, you’ll need a birth certificate, proof of ending any past marriage, a legal capacity to marry certificate, ID documents, and recent photos⁵.

Your Philippine partner must bring documents like a valid ID, PSA documents, a Barangay certificate, and a tax certificate⁵. Having all your papers ready is key before you apply for a marriage license⁴.

Using an online service like DocHub can simplify things. It’s trusted by over 10 million users and has high ratings for ease of setup and use⁶. With positive reviews and over 300,000 users for the marriage license form, DocHub can help with your documents⁶.

“Gathering all the required documents can be a daunting task, but using an online service like DocHub makes it much more manageable.”

Process Apostilles for Foreign Documents

If you’re a U.S. citizen marrying in the Philippines, you must apostille your foreign documents like your birth certificate⁷. The process is now simpler and quicker than before, thanks to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)⁷.

First, get your documents authenticated by the agency that issued them. For instance, your birth certificate must be verified by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)⁸. Then, send these authenticated documents to the DFA or its branches for the apostille⁷.

Many documents can be apostilled, like those from PSA, contracts, and school records⁷. You might also need to provide extra documents, such as certified copies or verifications⁷. If you can’t do it yourself, you can use a Special Power of Attorney for an authorized person⁷.

Most countries that are part of the Hague Convention accept apostilles from the Philippines, except for a few like Greece, Austria, Germany, and Finland⁷. So, your apostilled documents will be recognized in the Philippines and many other countries⁹.

Learning about the apostille process helps make your marriage journey in the Philippines smoother⁷⁸⁹.

Obtain a Marriage License

After you have all your documents ready, it’s time to apply for a marriage license in the Philippines. This means you’ll need to go through pre-marital counseling, submit your papers, and pay the fees¹⁰.

Attend Pre-Marital Counseling

First, you and your partner must go to a pre-marital counseling session. This seminar covers important topics like money, talking to each other, and planning for the future¹⁰.

Submit Documents and Fees

Next, you’ll need to send in your application form, along with other documents and pay the fees. The cost for the marriage license is Php 150, and another Php 50 for the notary¹⁰. After everything is in order and the fees are paid, the local civil registry will wait 10 days before giving you the marriage license¹⁰. This license is good for 120 days, giving you time to plan your wedding¹⁰.

For US citizens getting married here, the license costs US$25.00 at the Philippine consulate. If you choose to have your wedding there, it’s another US$60.00¹¹.

Applicants over 25 must go to a Family Planning Seminar. Those under 24 need Family Counseling instead¹⁰. Also, getting a PSA-authenticated copy of your Marriage Certificate can take 3 to 6 months after the wedding¹¹.

Some situations, like being a widow or widower, or having a previous marriage annulled, might need more documents. This could include a PSA Death Certificate, an Amended PSA Marriage Certificate, and more¹¹.

Getting your marriage license in the Philippines is a big step. By knowing what you need, going through counseling, and submitting your documents, you can get your license quickly. This lets you plan your wedding without any delays¹².

Find an Officiant for the Ceremony

Finding an officiant is key to making your marriage legal in the Philippines. Whether it’s a civil or church wedding, picking the right person can be different¹³.

For a civil wedding, you can choose a judge or mayor as your officiant¹³. If you’re having a church wedding, a priest or pastor will lead the ceremony¹³.

Remember, legal processes in the Philippines can take longer than you think¹³. You or a wedding planner or resort will handle the paperwork and arrangements¹³.

If you plan to live abroad, consider making civil arrangements at home and bring a marriage certificate for the officiant¹³. Citizens from other countries might need a License to Marry from their government or consulate¹³.

Marriages in the Philippines must be legalized within 120 days of applying for the license¹⁴. Contact your Local Registrar or Consulate to start the process, as each case is different¹³.

Considerations for Civil and Church Weddings

• For a civil wedding, your officiant can be a judge or mayor, as determined by the Local Civil Registrar¹³.
• If you’re having a church wedding, a priest or pastor will officiate the ceremony¹³.
• Foreign citizens should consider making civil arrangements in their home country if planning to reside overseas¹³.
• Citizens of other countries might need to obtain a License to Marry from their government or consulate¹³.
• Marriages legalized in the Philippines must take place within 120 days of applying for the marriage license¹⁴.

Choosing the right officiant is vital for a legal wedding in the Philippines. Knowing your options and requirements ensures your marriage is recognized and celebrated legally¹³.

“Choosing the right officiant is essential for ensuring your marriage is legally recognized in the Philippines.”

Conduct the Wedding Ceremony

On your philippines wedding ceremony requirements day, you’ll need two adult witnesses¹¹. They will sign the marriage certificate with you and your partner¹¹. This completes the signing marriage certificate philippines process¹¹. After the ceremony, your officiant must give the marriage certificate to the Local Civil Registrar within 15 days.

Invitation of Witnesses

Your wedding witnesses philippines play a big role. They must be over 18 and people you trust¹¹. Make sure to invite them early so they can be there on your big day.

Signing of Marriage Certificate

After the ceremony, you, your partner, and your two witnesses will sign the marriage certificate¹¹. This document makes your marriage official¹¹. Your officiant will then send it to the Local Civil Registrar within 15 days¹¹.

“The signing of the marriage certificate is the final step in formalizing your union. This document represents the legal recognition of your marriage, so it’s crucial that you and your witnesses carefully review and sign it.”

By following these steps, you meet the philippines wedding ceremony requirements and your marriage is recognized by the Philippine government¹¹. Congratulations on this new chapter of your life¹¹!

what paperwork do i need to get married in the Philippines

Getting married in the Philippines means you need to gather certain documents. These documents are key for a legal and smooth wedding. You’ll need a birth certificate, proof of ending any past marriage, a certificate showing you can get married, valid ID, and recent photos¹⁵.

If you’re a U.S. citizen marrying here, you must get an apostille for your documents. This makes them legal in the Philippines⁴. What documents you need can change based on your situation, like your age and if you’ve been married before¹.

• Birth certificate with apostille
• Proof of ending a previous marriage (if needed)
• Certificate of legal capacity to marry
• Valid ID documents (like a passport)
• Recent passport-sized photos

If you’re 18 to 25, you might need an affidavit of parental consent or advice¹. You and your partner must also take pre-marital counseling classes. After that, you can get a marriage license that’s good for 120 days¹⁵⁴.

Before getting your license, your marriage application must be posted for ten days¹⁵. With all the documents ready and steps done, you’re ready to get married in the Philippines.

“The key to a successful marriage in the Philippines is to ensure all the necessary paperwork is in order before the big day.”

Register Your Marriage

After your wedding, you need to register your marriage with the Local Civil Registrar in the Philippines. You must submit the marriage license, a copy of the pre-nuptial agreement (if needed), and the signed marriage certificate¹⁴.

The person who performed your wedding must register your marriage within 15 days. This makes sure your marriage is officially documented and recognized by the Philippine government¹⁴.

Submit Marriage Documents

To register your marriage, you and your spouse must give the following documents:

• Marriage License
• Copy of the Pre-Nuptial Agreement (if applicable)
• Signed Marriage Certificate

Your officiant will send these documents to the Local Civil Registrar for you¹⁴.

After registering, you can get a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This proves your marriage is officially registered in the Philippines¹⁶.

If you’re a foreigner marrying a Filipino, you must also provide a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage from your home country’s consular office¹⁴.

Make sure to register your marriage within 15 days of your wedding. This ensures your marriage is legally recognized in the Philippines¹⁴.

“Registering your marriage is a critical step in formalizing your union and ensuring its legal recognition in the Philippines.”

For more info on registering your marriage, call the Philippine Consulate General in New York at (212) 764-1330 ext. 3825 or email

ne**********************@df*.ph











¹⁶.

By following the right steps, you can make sure your marriage is officially recognized and documented in the Philippines¹⁴.

Legal Recognition of Philippine Marriages

If you’ve gotten married in the Philippines, your marriage is also recognized in the United States. As long as your marriage is valid in the Philippines, it’s also valid in the US¹⁷. To make sure it’s recognized, you need to get your marriage certificate and register it at the US Embassy or Consulate¹⁷. This step lets you change your name and use the certificate for official purposes.

Recognition in the United States

Getting your Philippine marriage recognized in the United States is easy. You just need to register your marriage at the US Embassy or Consulate. You’ll need to provide your marriage certificate, passports, and proof of Philippine citizenship¹⁷. The Consulate is open Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM¹⁷.

Some marriages need extra documents, like if you’ve been divorced or if there’s a delay in registration¹⁷. For example, if you’ve been annulled, you’ll need specific documents, including Annotated Marriage Contracts and divorce papers¹⁷. If your marriage was delayed, you’ll need an Affidavit of Delayed Registration and more documents¹⁷.

By following these steps, you can make sure your Philippine marriage is recognized in the United States. This lets you enjoy all the benefits and rights that come with it. The process might change a bit depending on your situation, so always check with the US Embassy or Consulate for the latest info¹⁸¹⁷¹⁹.

Requirements for US Citizens Marrying in the Philippines

If you’re a US citizen planning to get married in the Philippines, you need to meet certain requirements. The key one is being at least 18 years old²⁰. If you’re 18 to 21, you must get your parents’ written consent. Those 22 to 25 need to get advice from your parents before the wedding²⁰.

Age Requirements

The Philippines sets the legal marriage age at 18²⁰. If you’re 18 to 21, you’ll need your parents’ consent in the form of affidavits²⁰. For those 22 to 25, you just need your parents’ advice before you can marry²⁰. It’s important to check these age rules to make your marriage legal in the Philippines.

Parental Consent and Advice

US citizens marrying in the Philippines also need parental consent or advice based on their age²⁰. If you’re 18 to 21, you’ll need your parents’ consent with affidavits²⁰. Those 22 to 25 must get advice from your parents²⁰. This paperwork is key to legally marrying in the Philippines.

Knowing and following these age rules helps US citizens have a smooth marriage in the Philippines. Understanding legal steps, getting the right documents, and following the right process are important for a hassle-free experience²⁰.

Document Checklist for US Citizens

Planning to get married in the Philippines as a US citizen? Make sure you have all the right documents. You’ll need your birth certificate and proof that you’re no longer married, among other things²¹.

Birth Certificate

Your original birth certificate, with an apostille, is key for your marriage application in the Philippines. It proves who you are and that you’re allowed to get married²².

Proof of Termination of Previous Marriage

If you’ve been married before, you must show proof that you’re no longer married. This could be a divorce decree or a death certificate²².

Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry

Getting a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry is a big step. It comes from your home country’s embassy or consulate. It shows you’re allowed to marry in the Philippines²².

Valid Identification Documents

Make sure you have a valid passport and other IDs from the government. These prove who you are and your citizenship²².

Recent Passport Photos

You’ll need recent passport photos for your application. They should look like you and be no more than six months old²².

With these documents ready and authenticated, you’re set for a smooth marriage process in the Philippines²¹.

Conclusion

Getting married in the Philippines is a special and memorable journey. By knowing the marriage requirements philippines and following the steps, you can make your philippines wedding requirements come true. This guide has given you the key info to make your dream wedding happen, whether you’re a US citizen marrying a Filipina or two US citizens.

From gathering the needed documents to getting a valid marriage license, the steps here will make your process easy. Remember, it usually takes²³ 10 days to get the marriage license, and it’s good for four months from when you get it²³. If you’ve been married before, you’ll need a divorce certificate, annulment order, or death certificate of your previous spouse²³. Church weddings also need extra papers, like a Certificate of Freedom to Marry and Baptismal Certificates²³.

Starting this new chapter, keep in mind the Philippines doesn’t officially recognize same-sex unions or marriages²³. But, for those who can get married, the 13a visa lets a foreigner stay in the Philippines forever if they meet the visa rules²³. Getting this visa usually takes 2-3 months after you send in all the needed documents²³.

Source Links

1. https://www.brides.com/get-married-in-the-philippines-2303484
2. https://www.nuptials.ph/civil-wedding-requirements-in-the-philippines/
3. https://www.nuptials.ph/marriage-requirements-for-foreigners-philippines/
4. https://www.travelvisapro.com/blog/passports/how-to-get-married-in-philippines-as-a-u-s-citizen
5. https://nomadicfire.com/marriage-license-in-the-philippines
6. https://www.dochub.com/fillable-form/43778-marriage-license-application-form-download-philippines
7. https://lawyerphilippines.org/how-to-apostille-philippine-documents-birth-certificates-marriage-certs-etc/
8. https://dfa-oca.ph/authentication/authentication-requirements/documents-for-authentication/
9. https://ph.usembassy.gov/services/notarials/
10. https://psahelpline.ph/blogs/how-to-get-a-marriage-license-at-the-quezon-city-hall
11. https://newyorkpcg.org/pcgny/civil-registration/getting-married-at-the-consulate/
12. https://assistance.ph/marriage-licenses-philippines/
13. https://palawanwedding.com/palawan-wedding-planner-blog/2019/8/18/legal-side-of-wedding-in-the-philippines
14. https://www.eventplannerphilippines.com/marriage-registration-philippines/
15. https://philippineembassy-dc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/SOLEMNIZATION-OF-MARRIAGE.pdf
16. https://newyorkpcg.org/pcgny/civil-registration/report-of-marriage-of-a-filipino-abroad/
17. http://www.chicagopcg.com/reportofmarriage.html
18. https://www.courtly.com/resources/how-to-get-married-online-in-the-philippines-step-by-step-guide
19. https://nomadicfire.com/getting-married-in-the-philippines
20. https://rapidvisa.com/definitive-guide-to-getting-married-in-the-philippines/
21. https://dfa-oca.ph/consular-records/crd-requirements/report-of-marriage/
22. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Supplements/Supplements_by_Post/MNL-Manila.html
23. https://www.expat.com/en/guide/asia/philippines/35575-getting-married-in-the-philippines.html