One of the first legal steps toward getting married in the Philippines is securing a marriage license — and for many couples, it's also the most confusing. There are forms to fill out, documents to gather, and offices to visit, all while trying to finalize venues, suppliers, and guest lists at the same time.
The good news is that the process is straightforward once you know what to prepare. This guide walks you through the general requirements so you can start organized and avoid unnecessary delays. Keep in mind that requirements can vary by city or municipality, so always confirm the complete checklist with your Local Civil Registrar (LCR) before submitting anything.
Basic Marriage License Requirements
You will generally need:
Where Can You Get Your PSA Documents?
You can request your PSA Birth Certificate, CENOMAR, and other civil registry documents through PSA-authorized online channels, including:
PSAHelpline also offers the PSA E-Certificate, a digitally secured copy of eligible PSA civil registry documents that can be verified through its QR code or the PSA verification portal.
Where Do You Apply for a Marriage License?
A marriage license is generally issued by the Local Civil Registrar of the city or municipality where either applicant habitually resides.
Check with the appropriate Local Civil Registrar before preparing your documents because requirements and procedures can vary between cities and municipalities.
How Long Does It Take?
After the application is filed, the notice of marriage is posted for 10 consecutive days. Once the legal requirements are completed and the publication period has passed, the marriage license may be issued.
The marriage license is valid anywhere in the Philippines for 120 days from the date of issuance. If it is not used within that period, it is automatically cancelled.
What If Either Applicant Was Previously Married?
Additional documents may be required. For example:
What About Couples Who Have Lived Together for Five Years?
Philippine law provides limited circumstances where a marriage license is not required, including certain couples who have lived together as husband and wife for at least five years.
If One Applicant Is a Foreigner
Foreign applicants generally need additional documents, including proof of legal capacity to marry from the appropriate diplomatic or consular authority.
Contact the Local Civil Registrar and the appropriate embassy or consulate for the current requirements.
Before You Apply
A few simple tips:
Quick Checklist
Before going to the Local Civil Registrar, check that you have:
Planning a wedding is already a lot. Take the legal requirements one step at a time, prepare early, and keep your documents organized.