Application for a Philippine Marriage License

Marriage License: this is the first requirement if you want to get married here in the Philippines, either Civil or Church wedding. You have to file the application for Marriage License at the Local Civil Registrar of the city, town or municipality where either the bride or groom resides. Personal appearance of both the bride and groom is required.

The license is usually released after ten days and is valid for 120 days (or four months) from the date of issuance. It may be used anywhere in the Philippines. So a couple where the bride say resides in Las Pinas and a groom residing in Quezon City may file an application for Marriage License at either Las Pinas or Quezon City, even if they are getting married let’s say in Makati, or even outside of Metro Manila for example in Tagaytay or Boracay.

Requirements to file for Marriage License in the Philippines are

1. Birth Certificate - Certified True Copy required for both bride and groom with the respective registry number. This document is issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

NOTE: NSO now provides a web service which accepts online application for copies of birth and marriage certificates. It is called the e-Census, a web facility aimed to provide Filipinos within and outside the country an alternative means in applying for copies of their civil registry documents. It also has a 24-7 hotline called the NSO Helpline Plus with telephone no. (632)737.1111. You could also reach them via email through: e-census.info@mail.census.gov.ph

2. Parents' Consent (for 18-21 years old) or Parent's Advice (for 21-25 years old): Under Philippine law, the legal age for marriage is 18. If either of the bride or groom is between the ages of 18 and 21, they must present written consent to the marriage from their father, mother or legal guardian. While if they are between the age of 22 and 25, they must present written parental advice, i.e., a written indication that the parents are aware of the couple's intent to marry.

3. Certificate of Attendance in a pre-marital counseling and family planning seminar conducted by the Division of Maternal and Child Health at the Municipal/City Hall in the same municipality or city where the contracting parties applied for the marriage license.

FOR FOREIGNERS: Philippine law requires a citizen or subject of a foreign country to obtain a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage. It is issued by the diplomatic or consular offices of his or her country, prior to the issuance of a marriage license in the Philippines. This serves as a clearance or permit from the consul as an actual proof of the subject’s civil status and his/her eligibility for marriage.