Civil Wedding Requirements in the Philippines (2026 Checklist)
A civil wedding in the Philippines requires a marriage license, CENOMAR, PSA birth certificates, valid IDs, a pre-marriage counseling certificate, and two witnesses aged 21 or older. The entire process takes 2-4 weeks and costs ₱1,500-₱5,000 for the ceremony. Here's everything you need, step by step.
Civil weddings are the fastest, most flexible, and most affordable way to get legally married in the Philippines. Whether you're planning an intimate garden ceremony or a simple city hall wedding, this checklist covers every document, every step, and every cost, so nothing falls through the cracks.
Complete Document Checklist
Print this list. Check off each item as you go.
Required for Both Parties
| Document | Where to Get It | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSA Birth Certificate | PSA Serbilis online or PSA outlet | ₱335 (walk-in) / ₱420 (delivery) | 5-10 business days |
| CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage) | PSA Serbilis online or PSA outlet | ₱420 (delivery) | 5-10 business days |
| Valid Government ID | Already on hand | N/A | N/A |
| Community Tax Certificate (Cedula) | Barangay hall or municipal hall | ₱5-₱500 | Same day |
| 1x1 or 2x2 ID Photos | Photo studio | ₱50-₱150 | Same day |
| Pre-marriage counseling certificate | Municipal/city population office or church | Free-₱500 | 1 day (seminar) |
Additional Documents (Situational)
| Situation | Additional Requirement |
|---|---|
| Either party is 18-20 years old | Parental consent (signed by parents, notarized) |
| Either party is 21-25 years old | Parental advice (signed by parents, notarized) |
| Previously married (annulled) | Court decree of annulment (PSA-annotated) |
| Previously married (widowed) | Death certificate of former spouse (PSA-issued) |
| Foreign national marrying a Filipino | Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage from their embassy + passport |
Important notes:
- All PSA documents must be PSA-issued, not local civil registrar copies
- Birth certificates and CENOMAR must be recent. Some LCRs require within 6 months
- Order your PSA documents early. Online delivery takes 5-10 business days; walk-in at PSA outlets in SM malls is faster but may have long queues
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Gather Documents (Week 1)
Order your PSA birth certificates and CENOMAR online at PSA Serbilis. This is the fastest method. While waiting for delivery, get your cedula and ID photos done.
Pro tip: Both parties should order their documents simultaneously. If one person's PSA documents are delayed, it holds up the entire process.
Step 2: Attend Pre-Marriage Counseling (Week 1-2)
This is a legal requirement under the Family Code. The seminar covers family planning, financial management, and relationship guidance. It takes half a day to a full day.
Where to attend:
- Municipal or city population office (usually free)
- DSWD-accredited counseling centers
- Some churches offer pre-marriage seminars that the LCR accepts
Note: This is different from Pre-Cana, which is a Catholic church requirement. The pre-marriage counseling for civil weddings is shorter (4-8 hours vs. 1-2 days) and non-religious.
Step 3: Apply for Marriage License (Week 2)
Visit the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) in the city or municipality where either party lives. Both applicants must appear in person.
What to bring:
- All documents from the checklist above
- Application form (available at the LCR office, or downloadable from some LGU websites)
- ₱200-₱500 application fee (varies by LCR)
What happens at the LCR:
- Submit your application and documents
- Pay the application fee
- The LCR posts a Notice of Application for 10 consecutive days (this is a legal requirement under Article 17 of the Family Code. It allows anyone to file an objection)
- After 10 days with no objections, the marriage license is issued
The marriage license is valid for 120 days from issuance. You must hold your ceremony within this window.
Step 4: Choose Your Officiant (Week 2-3)
Your civil ceremony must be officiated by an authorized solemnizing officer:
| Officiant | Typical Fee | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal/City Trial Court Judge | ₱500-₱3,000 | Judge's chambers or city hall |
| Mayor or Vice Mayor | ₱500-₱3,000 | City/municipal hall |
| Licensed solemnizing officer | ₱5,000-₱30,000 | Any venue of your choice |
Venue flexibility: Unlike church weddings, civil ceremonies can be held anywhere: a garden, restaurant, beach, hotel, or your family home. If you want a venue outside city hall, hire a licensed solemnizing officer who can travel to your location.
Step 5: Prepare Your Witnesses
You need at least 2 witnesses who are:
- At least 21 years old
- Present during the ceremony
- Willing to sign the marriage contract
These can be your principal sponsors (Ninong/Ninang), friends, or family members. For the full guide on choosing sponsors, read: Ninong & Ninang: Roles, Duties & How Many You Need.
Step 6: The Ceremony (Week 3-4)
A civil ceremony is short, typically 15-30 minutes. The officiant reads the legal provisions of marriage, the couple exchanges vows (the officiant provides a standard script or you can write your own), rings are exchanged, and the marriage contract is signed.
You can include Filipino traditions:
- Cord, veil, coins, and candle (these are cultural, not exclusively religious)
- Readings by family members
- Unity candle lighting
- Personal vows
For a complete guide on including these traditions, read: Cord, Veil & Coins Ceremony Meaning.
Step 7: After the Ceremony
After signing, the officiant submits the marriage contract to the Local Civil Registrar for registration. Your marriage is now legally valid.
Getting your PSA marriage certificate:
- The LCR forwards the marriage contract to PSA
- PSA processing takes 2-3 months
- You can request a copy via PSA Serbilis once it's encoded
- You'll need this PSA marriage certificate for legal transactions (passport update, bank accounts, property, etc.)