Getting married in the Philippines as a foreign national involves a few extra documents, legal requirements, and careful planning, but with the right preparation, the process can be much smoother.
At Two Monkeys Travel Group, members of our team have gone through this process firsthand. This guide combines personal experience with updated research to help couples understand the steps, required documents, and what to expect when a foreigner marries a Filipina in the Philippines.
If you’re planning your wedding in the Philippines, here’s what you need to know before saying “I do.”
If your lover was married before or had an annulment, you need proof that the previous marriage has legally ended. Keep a photocopy of the divorce decree or annulment decision in your document organizer. And make sure to arrange your travel insurance to avoid problems during the trip.
You don’t want a movie-style“itigil ang kasal!” moment, right? Follow these steps for your happy ever after!
STEP 1: Get a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage (Foreign National)
This paper proves that your partner is single and allowed to marry. It also confirms that no one is against your marriage.
They must get it from their embassy or consulate in the Philippines. Some embassies can issue this in a day. Others, like Switzerland, may take 4–6 months.
Set an appointment early. Make sure all documents are complete. Requirements and processing vary by embassy, and many require the foreign national to appear in person. Always check directly with your embassy or consulate before booking.
Common Requirements
- Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) – Ask your embassy or get it from your home country’s civil office
- Original valid passport or Birth Certificate
- Divorce Decree absolute or death certificate of a deceased spouse – Only if your partner was previously married
- Processing Fee
- Other embassy-specific documents
Specific Requirements from the Embassy
Each country has its own rules. Below are some examples:
- The Chinese Embassy provides an affidavit instead of a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage. Here are the requirements and how to apply.
- German citizens can check these instructions.
- Swiss citizens can request a legal capacity to marry.
- US citizens must submit an affidavit in place of the Certificate. Book an appointment here first.
For others, check your Embassy. Ask what you need to submit to get a certificate. They are usually valid for 6 months.
STEP 2: Getting a Marriage License
Apply for a marriage license at the local civil registry office in the Filipino partner’s town or city.
Main Requirements for Both Partners
- Marriage License Application Form – get this from the civil registrar’s office
- PSA Birth Certificate – Foreigners can use a birth certificate from their own country
- PSA Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) – A Certificate of No Marriage from the Philippine Statistics Authority, also needed for the foreign partner
- Certificate of Attendance in Pre-Marriage Counseling – attend the seminar together
- Valid IDs
- Personal Appearance
- Community Tax Certificate or CEDULA
- Photos
- Barangay Certificate
- Parental Consent or Advice – Required if the Filipino partner is under 25
- Ages 18–21: Affidavit of Parental Advice or consent is needed with witnesses
- Ages 22–25: Parents must give advice or submit a sworn statement
After submitting your documents, pay the license fee. Wait 10 days before getting it. This waiting time is for public posting. This is to see if anyone is against the marriage.
The marriage license is valid for 120 days. You can use it anywhere in the Philippines.
STEP 3: Prepare for a Marriage Ceremony
You can choose a civil wedding or a religious wedding.
Civil weddings are quicker and easier. You’ll need a license and a solemnizing officer.
For Church weddings, you may be asked to submit additional requirements.
Who can officiate a marriage (according to the Family Code):
- A judge in the local court
- Any priest, pastor, or religious leader is officially allowed by their religion. They should also be registered with the government. (At least one of the couple must belong to their religion, of course.)
- A ship captain or airplane pilot, only in emergencies
- A military officer, only during missions if no chaplain is present
- A consul or vice consul, only if the marriage happens abroad
In the Philippines, common officiants are judges, mayors, pastors, and priests.
STEP 4: Get Married
Pick your venue. This can be a Mayor’s Office, church, temple, or open court. Say your vows in front of the officer and two legal-age witnesses.
If you plan to submit a petition for visa or residency later, make sure you keep all documents and certificates safe.
STEP 5: Get your Marriage Contract or Certificate
After the wedding, your marriage documents will be sent to the civil registrar. After that, you’ll get your Marriage Certificate.
You can also register the marriage at your partner’s Embassy or Consulate. PSA copies are available online, and for immigration purposes, you may need documents authenticated by DFA.
Helpful Official Resources
- U.S. Embassy Manila notarial services for marriage affidavits
For U.S. citizens getting married in the Philippines, this page explains how to request an Affidavit in Lieu of a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry, which may be required when applying for a marriage license. - U.S. Embassy Manila appointment scheduler for American Citizen Services
Use this appointment system to book a visit with the U.S. Embassy in Manila for notarial services and marriage related documents. - Philippine Embassy marriage requirements and legal documents guide
Helpful for reviewing general marriage requirements, required paperwork, and embassy guidance related to marriage in the Philippines. - Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) birth certificate, CENOMAR, and marriage certificate requests
Visit the PSA website to request official civil documents such as a birth certificate, CENOMAR, or PSA marriage certificate.
I hope you find this helpful! If you want to get married here, you’ll need more than 2 weeks. Just prepare your documents.
A day or two is important at the Embassy. Another 1 or 2 days for applying for a Marriage License and attending a Seminar. Then 10 days of waiting for your Marriage License. Finally, another day for the Marriage Ceremony.
Congratulations and best wishes on your new life together!
FAQ
You need to wait 10 business days after applying before you can get a marriage license. This doesn’t include weekends or holidays. The license is valid for 120 days and can be used anywhere in the Philippines.
Processing fees and timelines for U.S. spouse or fiancé visas can change. Always refer to the official USCIS and U.S. Department of State websites for the latest fees and estimated processing times.
Processing times can vary depending on USCIS workload, the U.S. embassy or consulate handling the case, and your individual application.
In general, the K-1 fiancé visa may be faster for entering the U.S., while the CR-1 spouse visa may offer a quicker path to permanent residency after arrival.
Because timelines can change often, it’s best to check the latest estimates directly through USCIS and the U.S. Department of State before applying.
About the Writer
Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and fell in love with the journey since. I’m aiming to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, photography, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.