How to wed in the Philippines if you’re a foreigner


In my blog post entitled “How to get a Filipina wife,” I have introduced to you the traditional courtship practices in the Philippines. Now, let’s assume that you already found the woman [man] of your dreams and her [his] wonderful family. The next possible step would be marriage. And where else would you spend that special day but in the Philippines! Sure you can take her [him] immediately to your homeland but did you not know that it would be more beautiful if you wed her [him] in her own country? Please find with this post the basic requirements and legal steps in marrying a Filipino citizen.


Basic requirements for a church wedding

1. Clearance: Foreigners who wish to apply for marriage with a Filipino citizen must first secure clearance from the Archdiocesan Chancery Office at the Arzobispado de Manila, 121 Arzobispo St., Intramuros, Manila (near Manila Cathedral). This clearance must be submitted to the Parish Office upon filing of application for the wedding.
2. Baptismal Certificate: This must the original and obtained not more than three months from the wedding date. It must have the annotation: "FOR MARRIAGE PURPOSE ONLY." This is a requirement for BOTH bride and groom whether they are Catholic or not.
3. Certification of Freedom to Marry: This can be obtained from the Catholic Pastor, Protestant Minister or the Embassy of the foreigner.
4. Marriage License: This can be obtained from the civil authorities; or a Marriage Contract if already married with the civil registry number.
5. Permission and Certification of Singularity: This can be obtained from the parish of the bride if she is Catholic. CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage Record) may also be obtained at the National Statistics Office in lieu of this.
6. Marriage Banns: These have to be posted for three consecutive Sundays.
   

Additional Requirements for Specific Cases

• For Military personnel: a Military clearance has to be secured from the base military authorities specifically from the immediate Commanding Offices ONLY if any of the parties belong to the military.
• For Non-Catholics: A certification of his/her legal capacity to marry. Has to be obtained from his/her embassy or from the country of origin.
• For Mixed-Marriages: A dispensation from the impediment of mixed marriage/religion (Disparitas Cultas) has to be obtained if necessary.
• Widow and Widower: The death certificate of the former spouse has to be presented to the parish office.
• For Divorced parties: A document of the Declaration of Nullity promulgated by the Catholic Memorial Tribunal or a certification from the Bishop of the party that he/she is free to marry has to be presented to the Archdiocesan Chancery Office for authentication and clearance.
• For American citizens: Affidavit of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage, Proof of Citizenship, Evidence of Termination of Previous Marriage(s), Military Approval of active members of the US Armed Forces. A more detailed explanation is found here.
• For Japanese citizens: A clearance must be obtained from Fr. Toru Nishimoto, CSSR. His office is at Traveller's Life Bldg., T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila.
• For Chinese citizens: A clearance must be obtained from Msgr. Peter Tsao, SVD. His office is at the St. Jude Parish, J.P. Laurel St., San Miguel, Manila. Tel No.: 735.6408.
• For other nationalities: Ask your respective embassy here in the Philippines for any requirement needed before getting married with a Filipino national. A complete listing of Foreign Embassies in the Philippines is posted at the Department of Foreign Affairs' Diplomatic and Consular List

Legal steps to take

1. Philippine law requires a citizen or subject of a foreign country to obtain a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage.
2. After receiving the certificate of legal capacity to contract marriage both parties must proceed to the city hall or the municipality in which the Philippine national habitually resides (for at least 6 months).
3. You must then both present the certificate of legal capacity to contract marriage to the local civil registrar and apply for your marriage license.
4. After applying your marriage license, the information given in the application will be posted for 10 consecutive days inside the city hall or the municipality in which the Philippine national habitually resides.
5. The marriage license will be issued after the completion of this 10-day period
6. The marriage license, once issued, is valid in any part of the Philippines for 120 days.
7. If it has not been used during this 120-day period it will then automatically expire
8. The marriage ceremony must be solemnized by an individual with the legal authority to perform such a ceremony.
9. Signing of marriage certificate
10. Registration of marriage certificate to the city hall or the municipality in which the Pinoy national resides.
    

Who can solemnize the wedding?

• Any incumbent member of the judiciary is authorized to solemnize marriages within his court's jurisdiction
• Any priest, rabbi, imam, or minister of any church or religious sect duly authorized by his church or religious sect.
• Any ship captain or airplane chief only in the case of marriages in articulo mortis between passengers or crew members,
• Any military commander of a unit to which a chaplain is assigned.
• Any consul-general, consul or vice-consul in the case of marriages between Filipino citizens abroad.
  

Other requirements

• Parents consent - if the contracting parties are between the ages of 18 and 21, they must present written consent to the marriage from their father, mother or legal guardian.
• Parent’s advice - contracting party between the age of 22 and 25 must present written parental advice, i.e., a written indication that the parents are aware of the couple's intent to marry.
• Certificate of Attendance in a pre-marital counseling and family planning seminar
  

Tips

• Contact your embassy for additional information
• If you’re planning to wed in the most popular churches in the Philippines, better make a reservation as early as possible (max 1 year)
• Set good dates for your wedding
• Remember that we don’t have divorce in the Philippines so make sure you have no doubts in marrying here
• Read about Pinoy wedding superstitions so you won’t freak out if her folks won’t let you see her the day before the wedding
• As much as possible be involve in wedding preparations
• Respect each others culture and inculcate them in your wedding theme
• Don’t let yourself be stuck on traffic during the wedding day!
• Make sure you have brought everything you need during the ceremony. Yes, don’t forget the ring!
• If you have the money, you may want to reserve rooms for you and your guests at the nearest hotel
• Prepare for her long wish-list of Godmother and Godfather
• Enjoy the wedding!
  

Credits: Weddings at Work, Filipino Web, Gov FAQS, Tanjutcolaw


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