A civil wedding can be simple. The paperwork is the part that needs care.
The best move is to call the Local Civil Registrar, or LCR, before you collect anything. City and town lists are not always the same. Rules can also change.
This guide covers the common steps for two adults who plan to marry in the Philippines. Special cases may need more papers.
Quick answer
Most couples will need:
- Marriage license forms
- Birth or baptismal records
- PSA Certificate of No Marriage Record, or CENOMAR
- Valid IDs and proof of address
- ID photos
- Family planning or pre-marriage seminar papers required by the LGU
- Extra papers based on age, past marriage, or foreign citizenship
Both partners may need to appear in person. Ask the LCR where either partner lives for the latest list, fees, schedule, and seminar rules.
Who can marry?
Under the Family Code, a person must be at least 18 years old to marry.
Age can add more steps:
- Age 18 to 20: written consent from a parent or legal guardian is required.
- Age 21 to 25: the couple must ask for parental advice. If advice is not given or is against the marriage, the license may be delayed for three months after the notice period.
- Age 18 to 25: marriage counseling papers may also be needed when parental consent or advice rules apply. LGUs may also require local seminars for all couples.
Do not guess what form to use. Get the current form from the LCR.
Where to apply
The Family Code says the marriage license comes from the LCR of the city or town where either partner normally lives.
Many LGUs ask for proof that at least one partner lives there. This may be an ID with the right address or a barangay paper.
Common document checklist
Bring the original and copies unless the LCR tells you something else.
For both partners
- Filled marriage license application forms
- PSA birth certificate or allowed baptismal record
- Recent PSA CENOMAR
- Government ID
- Proof of address or residency
- ID photos in the size set by the LGU
- Seminar or counseling certificates
- Payment receipt for local fees
The PSA has online channels for CENOMAR requests. Order early enough for delivery, but ask the LCR how recent the copy must be.
If a partner is 18 to 20
- Parent or guardian consent form
- ID of the parent or guardian
- Personal visit by the parent or guardian if the LCR asks for it
If a partner is 21 to 25
- Sworn paper that parental advice was asked for
- Written advice, if given
- Other forms set by the LCR
If a partner was married before
The papers depend on how the prior marriage ended. The LCR may ask for:
- Death certificate of a late spouse
- Court decision on annulment or nullity
- Certificate that the court ruling is final
- An updated or marked marriage record
- Divorce papers when allowed by Philippine law
This is a case where legal advice may help. Do not book the wedding date until the LCR says the papers are enough.
If a partner is a foreign citizen
Common extra papers may include:
- Passport and proof of stay
- Certificate of legal capacity to marry from the person’s embassy or consulate
- Civil status or no-impediment papers
- Divorce or death records from a past marriage
- Local seminar papers
Embassy and LGU rules can differ by country and case. Check both.
The step-by-step process
Step 1: Call the right LCR
Ask these five questions:
- What is the latest checklist?
- Must both people appear in person?
- Which seminars are required?
- How much are the fees?
- When can we pick up the license?
Write down the name of the office and the date you called.
Step 2: Check every name and date
Your names, birth dates, places of birth, and civil status must match your records.
If one paper has an error, ask the LCR what to fix before you apply. One wrong letter can cause a long delay.
Step 3: Finish the seminars
Book early. Some offices have limited slots. Keep both the paper and a clear photo or scan.
Step 4: File the application
Each partner gives a sworn application. Bring all originals, copies, IDs, photos, and extra papers.
Step 5: Wait for the public notice period
The Family Code calls for the marriage notice to be posted for 10 straight days. The license is issued after that period if there is no legal block.
Some LGUs tell couples to return on the 11th day. Follow the date on your receipt or claim slip.
Step 6: Use the license within 120 days
The license is valid anywhere in the Philippines for 120 days from issue. After that, it ends on its own if it was not used.
Do not apply too early. Do not wait until the last week.
Step 7: Confirm the ceremony
Make sure the person who will lead the wedding has legal power to do so. For a civil wedding, this may be a judge or mayor, based on the law and local process.
You also need at least two witnesses of legal age.
Ask who will prepare the marriage certificate and what the couple must bring on the day.
Step 8: Follow up after the wedding
The solemnizing officer must send the marriage certificate copies to the LCR. The Family Code gives a 15-day filing period for regular cases.
Ask when you can get a local copy and when the PSA copy may be ready. Processing time can vary.
Five mistakes to avoid
- Using a checklist from another city. Start with your own LCR.
- Ordering documents with wrong details. Check names first.
- Thinking a CENOMAR is the marriage license. They are different papers.
- Applying too early. The license lasts 120 days.
- Booking an officiant without checking authority. Ask for clear proof and process.
Your next move
Call the LCR where either partner lives. Ask for the current checklist in writing. Then make one folder for originals, copies, receipts, and contact details.
Paperwork first. Panic never.
References
- Supreme Court E-Library — Family Code of the Philippines, Executive Order No. 209
- Philippine Statistics Authority — CENOMAR
- Quezon City Government — How to Get a Marriage License
- Manila City Civil Registry — Marriage License Citizen’s Charter
Last legal review: August 21, 2026. This is a general guide, not legal advice. Your Local Civil Registrar has the final checklist for your case.