Getting married is one of life’s biggest moments.
But before the big day, there are important legal steps to take—especially if you want everything to be smooth, valid, and recognized by law.
Understanding these legal matters is for you if are planning to get married, whether through a civil or church ceremony.
We will walk you through the legal services you may need and how to avail them.
Most services have a fee, especially those handled by private lawyers, but there are also free options if you qualify.
Securing Your Marriage License
The marriage license is the first legal requirement.
Without it, your marriage won’t be considered valid under the law.
You can get your marriage license at your Local Civil Registrar’s Office (LCRO).
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare:
- PSA-issued birth certificate
- Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR)
- Valid government-issued IDs
- A recent photo of you and your partner
- Certificate of Attendance from a Family Planning Seminar
Once you’ve submitted these, pay the required fee.
Processing usually takes 10 days.
Your marriage license is valid for 120 days from the date of issue.
If you’re both over 25, you won’t need parental consent.
But if one of you is between 18 and 21 years old, you’ll need consent from your parents.
Take note: even if you’ve been together for years, you still need to go through this process.
Getting Legal Help for a Prenup (If Needed)
Prenuptial agreements are not just for the wealthy.
They’re useful for couples who want to agree ahead on property matters.
If you and your partner want to keep certain properties separate or protect family assets, a prenup can help.
Here’s how it works:
- You and your partner agree on the terms.
- You consult a lawyer who will draft the agreement.
- Both of you sign in front of two witnesses.
- The document is notarized.
- It must be registered with the local civil registry and the Registry of Deeds before your wedding.
It must be completed before the marriage.
If done after the wedding, it won’t be legally valid.
Verifying Legal Capacity to Marry
Not everyone is automatically allowed to marry.
For Filipino citizens, the Family Code sets the minimum age at 18, but at least one partner must be 21 or older to avoid the need for parental consent.
Foreign nationals marrying Filipinos need to prove they are legally free to marry.
This means getting a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry from their embassy or consulate.
They must bring:
- A valid passport
- Proof of civil status (single, widowed, divorced)
- Birth certificate
- Divorce or annulment papers (if previously married)
Once they have the certificate, it should be submitted along with the marriage license application.
What If One Partner Was Previously Married?
If either of you was married before, you’ll need documents to prove that the previous marriage has legally ended.
This may include:
- A court-issued annulment decision
- A Certificate of Finality
- PSA-annotated marriage certificate showing the annulment
- For foreign divorce: recognition by a local court
If your partner is a foreigner who got divorced abroad, Philippine law still requires a local court to recognize that divorce.
You’ll need a lawyer to help file a petition for judicial recognition of the foreign divorce.
Once approved, you can proceed with your marriage license application.
Church Wedding Legal Requirements
If you’re having a church wedding, there’s more than just choosing a date and venue.
Churches have their own sets of legal and spiritual requirements.
Expect to submit the following:
- Baptismal and confirmation certificates (stamped “For Marriage Purposes”)
- Marriage license
- Canonical interview with your parish priest
- Attendance in a Pre-Cana Seminar (marriage preparation class)
Some churches ask for confession before the ceremony.
There may also be a list of documents required from your wedding sponsors.
Each church is slightly different, so it’s best to check with your parish early.
Fees may vary depending on the church.
Where to Get Legal Advice on Marriage and the Family Code
The Family Code of the Philippines explains your rights and responsibilities once married.
But it’s written in legal language that can be hard to understand.
If you need guidance, you have two main options:
- Public Attorney’s Office (PAO)
- Offers free legal help for those who can’t afford private lawyers
- You’ll need to show proof of income to qualify
- Visit the nearest PAO office for advice on marriage, property, and family concerns
- Private Family Lawyers
- Best for couples dealing with complex issues like joint custody, inheritance, or international marriage
- Fees vary by lawyer or law firm
There are also legal clinics and non-profits that offer low-cost advice to soon-to-wed couples.
Knowing your rights and responsibilities can prevent future issues—especially when it comes to shared property or raising children.
Legal Costs to Expect
Marriage doesn’t have to break the bank, but you do need to budget for the legal side.
Here’s a sample of possible costs:
- Marriage license fee: ₱100 to ₱300
- Family planning seminar: Free to ₱200
- Prenuptial agreement (lawyer fee): Starts at ₱5,000
- Notary public for documents: ₱100 to ₱500
- PSA documents: ₱155 each (online request)
- Church wedding fees: Varies (can range from ₱5,000 to ₱25,000+)
Always ask for an official receipt and verify fees with the local office or church.
Why Legal Preparation Matters
Skipping the legal steps can lead to delays, stress, or even an invalid marriage.
If your documents aren’t complete or properly filed, you might not be able to register your marriage.
That means no official marriage certificate—which can affect visas, insurance, inheritance, and your children’s legitimacy.
Preparing ahead is not just about the paperwork.
It’s about starting your married life with confidence and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I still get married without a CENOMAR?
No. The Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) is required to confirm you’re legally single and eligible to marry. - How long is a marriage license valid?
It is valid for 120 days. If you don’t use it within that time, you’ll need to apply again. - What if we want to get married abroad after applying here?
You’ll need to check the marriage laws in the country where you plan to marry. Some countries accept Philippine documents, others don’t. - Can same-sex couples apply for a marriage license?
As of now, same-sex marriage is not legally recognized under Philippine law, so marriage licenses are only issued to heterosexual couples.
Conclusion
Weddings are not just romantic milestones.
They’re also legal commitments that come with responsibilities.
The more you understand the process, the better your chances of having a smooth journey toward married life.
So take your time.
Ask for help.
And don’t hesitate to consult with legal professionals when needed.
After all, building a strong foundation starts even before you say “I do.”