52nd Edition·September 12–13, 2026·Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall
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Event Planning · Before I Do Bridal Fair

How to Plan
Your Civil Wedding

Getting married doesn't have to be elaborate to be meaningful. A guide from Simply Beautiful Events on planning a simple, intentional civil wedding.

In collaboration with Simply Beautiful Events

Civil wedding ceremony

Let's face it — it is every couple's dream to get married with style. But getting married can be expensive, and if you're practical, you might prefer an intimate ceremony with just your closest family and friends, or even just a civil wedding with two witnesses.

Our friends from Simply Beautiful Events shared a guide on how to plan a simple yet meaningful wedding. The good news? There are only three things you actually need to get married:

A Marriage License — make sure to have all your requirements ready before applying.
A Solemnizing Officer
Two Witnesses — to stand by your side

That's all you really need. Just accomplish those three things and you're almost there.

Who Can Solemnize Your Marriage?

Main Civil and Legal Officiants

City or Municipal Mayors — can solemnize marriages within their specific territorial jurisdiction. At least one of the parties must typically be a resident of that city or municipality.
Judges — lower court judges (MTC or RTC) can officiate within their court's designated jurisdiction. Higher justices (Court of Appeals, Supreme Court, etc.) may solemnize a marriage anywhere in the country.
Priests, Ministers, and Imams — religious ministers of any denomination or sect, as long as they are duly authorized by their church and properly registered with the Office of the Civil Registrar General.

Special or Limited Officiants

Philippine Consuls and Vice-Consuls — authorized to solemnize civil marriages between two Filipino citizens while stationed abroad.
Ship Captains and Airplane Chiefs — can only officiate marriages in articulo mortis (at the point of death) during a voyage or flight.
Military Commanders — may perform marriages in articulo mortis for military personnel and civilians under specific active combat or isolated conditions.
Civil wedding ceremony

Photo: Liz Rañola Photography

Other Things to Consider

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When and Where

Pin your date and book a venue where you can have both your ceremony and reception — this is the most economical option. Coordinate with your solemnizing officer about the date and location.

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Wedding Bands

Simple wedding bands will do to symbolize your union. You don't need to go elaborate — what matters is what they represent.

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Guests

It's entirely up to you whether you have just you and your witnesses, a small group of family and friends, or something in between. Celebrate your union at a nearby restaurant or at home — whatever feels right.

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Nice-to-Haves (Not Essentials)

A gown, a bouquet, souvenirs — none of these are essential, but they're all wonderful touches that can make your civil wedding feel special and personal.

Remember: Regardless of the type of wedding ceremony you're having, you will undergo the same process of getting married. The marriage is what counts — the celebration is how you honour it.
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