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Video Summary
This video from the Before I Do Bridal Fair series walks couples through the legal requirements of getting married in the Philippines — from the straightforward to the more complex situations.
The Basics: What Every Couple Needs
Every legal marriage in the Philippines requires exactly three things: a valid marriage license, an authorized solemnizing officer, and at least two witnesses. These are non-negotiable — without all three, the marriage has no legal standing.
To obtain a marriage license, both parties must appear in person at the Local Civil Registry in the city or municipality where either the bride or groom habitually resides. The license is valid for 120 days from the date of issuance and must be used within that period — otherwise, a new application must be filed. The license is posted for 10 days before release, so couples should plan at least 2 weeks ahead.
Documents You'll Need to Prepare
At minimum, both parties need to present their PSA-authenticated birth certificates (or baptismal certificates), community tax certificates, CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage), 2x2 ID photos, and a Certificate of Family Planning and Counseling. Couples 24 years and below must also attend both Family Planning and Marriage Counseling sessions.
The Complicated Situations
The video also covers the more complicated legal scenarios — what happens when one or both parties has been widowed, previously annulled, or when one party is a foreign national. Each of these requires additional documentation: death certificates, court decrees of finality for annulled marriages, or certificates of legal capacity issued by a diplomatic or consular office for foreigners.
For couples who have been living together as husband and wife for at least 5 consecutive years, the law provides an exception: no marriage license is required. A sworn affidavit attesting to the cohabitation is sufficient to proceed with the marriage.
Why This Matters
Understanding the legal requirements early — not days before the ceremony — saves couples from last-minute scrambling and potential stress. Many of the documents needed require advance applications through the PSA. Building the legal requirements into your wedding planning timeline from the start is one of the most practical things a couple can do.