Getting married in the Philippines is possible for foreigners, but the process is not fast or simple. Requirements vary between cities, paperwork takes time, and mistakes cause delays. This guide gives you the practical steps you need, without sugar coating the reality of how marriage works for foreigners in 2025.
Basic Requirements for Foreigners
Expect to prepare more documents than Filipino citizens. You will need:
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) for your Filipino partner
- Affidavit of Legal Capacity to Marry (from your embassy or consulate)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if previously married
- Two valid IDs
- Passport photos
Some embassies no longer issue a Certificate of Legal Capacity. In those cases, you must notarize a sworn statement instead.
Affidavit of Legal Capacity to Marry
This is the first step for most foreigners. You usually get it from your embassy in Manila or Cebu. Each embassy has its own rules.
Expect:
- Appointment required
- High fees
- ID verification
- Long wait times
If your embassy does not issue this form, you must execute a notarized affidavit. Local civil registrars accept both, but requirements vary by city.
Marriage License Requirements
Once you have your affidavit, you apply for a marriage license at your partner’s local civil registrar.
You will both need to submit:
- IDs
- Birth certificates
- CENOMAR (for Filipino partner)
- Legal Capacity affidavit (you)
- Barangay certificates
- Marriage application forms
In many cities, the registrar requires in-person interviews. Some require seminars on family planning and relationships, which both partners must attend.
Processing time: 10 days minimum, no shortcuts legally allowed.
Civil Wedding vs. Church Wedding
Civil Wedding
Faster and cheaper.
Performed by a judge, mayor, or authorized official.
Church Wedding
More complicated.
Churches often require:
- Baptism records
- Confirmation records
- Pre-Cana seminars
- Confession
- Priest interviews
Foreigners without Catholic documents will face additional requirements or restrictions. If you are not baptized Catholic, some churches will not officiate.
Costs
Costs vary by city and church but generally include:
- Legal Capacity affidavit fee
- Document fees
- Marriage license fee
- Civil registrar charges
- Church or officiant fees
- CENOMAR and PSA document costs
Expect total costs between ₱5,000 to ₱25,000, not including travel or embassy fees.
Real-World Problems You Should Expect
1. Inconsistent requirements between cities
One city may accept your affidavit. Another may demand extra documents.
2. Embassy limitations
Some embassies issue legal capacity certificates only on certain days. Others no longer issue them at all.
3. Long waiting times
Appointments at embassies and civil registrars fill up quickly.
4. Incorrect documents
Wrong signatures, wrong stamps, or missing photocopies cause delays.
5. Churches have strict rules
They verify baptism and confirmation documents. They reject incomplete or mismatched records.
Be ready for extra steps.
After You’re Married: Important Legal Notes
Property Ownership
Foreigners cannot own land, even if married. Property must be titled under the Filipino spouse.
(Full explanation here → use internal link in SEO section.)
Visa Options After Marriage
Marriage allows the foreigner to apply for the 13A Marriage Visa, which provides long-term residency.
Name Change
Changing names on passports and Filipino documents requires multiple appointments and is optional.
Is Marriage in the Philippines Worth It for Foreigners?
Marriage is straightforward if your documents are complete and your embassy is cooperative.
Marriage is difficult if:
- Your embassy has strict rules
- You lack divorce documents
- You expect quick processing
- You live far from Manila or Cebu
The key is preparation and patience.
FAQ
Q: How long does it take to get married in the Philippines?
A: The legal minimum is 10 days. Most couples take 3–6 weeks because of embassy schedules and document preparation.
Q: Can I marry on a tourist visa?
A: Yes. A long-term visa is not required.
Q: Do we need a CENOMAR if my partner was previously married?
A: Yes. CENOMAR will show if an annulment or death certificate is needed.
Q: Can same-sex couples marry legally in the Philippines?
A: No. Same-sex marriage is not recognized.
Q: Should I use a VPN when sending documents online?
A: Yes. Protect sensitive documents when using hotel or public Wi-Fi.