Married in the Philippines: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats

A Guide for Expats Getting Married in the Philippines

You’ve found love in the beautiful Philippines. Now it’s time to plan the big day! If you are an expat, the process can feel a little complicated, but it’s manageable once you know the steps. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, whether you’re from the US, Europe (including the UK), Australia, or elsewhere.

The Steps to Getting Married in the Philippines

1. Get Your Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry (CENOMAR)

This is the first document you’ll need.

It proves you are free to marry.

Where to get it: Your home country’s embassy or consulate in the Philippines.
Tip: Apply early, as processing times can vary.

2. Meet the Residency Requirement

At least one of you must live in the Philippines for at least 30 days before filing the marriage application.

Note: Some exceptions may apply, but always check with the local civil registrar in the town or city where you plan to marry.

3. Apply for a Marriage License

Once the residency requirement is met:

Visit the Local Civil Registrar’s Office (LCR) where the wedding will take place.
Submit a completed marriage license application form, your CENOMARs, passports, and any other documents the LCR requests.

4. Attend Pre-Marriage Counseling

This is mandatory for all couples, whether you’re planning a civil or church wedding.
The counseling helps prepare you and your partner for married life.

5. Gather Your Documents

Here’s what you’ll likely need (check with your local LCR for exact requirements):

Completed marriage license application form
Original and copy of your CENOMAR
Original and copy of your passport
Original and copy of your birth certificate
Single status certificate (if previously married)
Medical certificate from a local doctor
Marriage solemnizing officer’s certificate (for church weddings)

6. Plan Your Ceremony

You can choose:

Civil Ceremony: Conducted by a judge or local official at the LCR’s office.
Church Wedding: Usually happens after the civil ceremony. A priest or pastor will officiate. You’ll need a certificate from the solemnizing officer.

7. Remember the Mandatory 10-Day Waiting Period

After filing your application, there’s a 10-day waiting period before the marriage license is issued.
This is a standard part of the process and allows time for any objections to be raised.
Plan your wedding timeline accordingly so this doesn’t cause last-minute stress.

Building a Strong Foundation: Pre-Marriage Counseling for Philippine Weddings

If you’re planning to get married in the Philippines, pre-marriage counseling is a step you cannot skip. It’s a mandatory requirement for all couples, whether you choose a civil ceremony or a traditional church wedding. But more than that, it’s an investment in your relationship and future happiness.

How the Process Works

The process is simple:

Visit your local Social Welfare Office (SWO) to pick up a pre-marriage counseling form.
Pay the required fees at the Local Civil Registrar Treasury Office.
Return to the SWO to attend your counseling sessions.

Session Details

The length of your counseling depends on the type of ceremony:

Civil ceremonies usually require a shorter session, often completed in one day.
Church weddings might involve more sessions, spread out over time depending on your church’s guidelines.

What You’ll Learn

Pre-marriage counseling is not just a legal formality. It’s a space for couples to:

Discuss communication styles
Talk about financial planning
Learn conflict resolution skills
Explore expectations for marriage
Facilitators will help you both have honest, open conversations about building a strong partnership.

Why It’s Worth It

Think of this as a pre-wedding gift to yourselves. Counseling helps set a solid foundation for your marriage by giving you tools to manage challenges and celebrate the good times together. It also encourages healthy communication and realistic expectations right from the start.

After the Counseling

Once you complete your sessions, you’ll be given a certificate of attendance.
You’ll need this to move forward with your wedding plans. With this certificate in hand, you can confidently proceed to the next exciting step—your big day!

A Word on Nationalities

While the main marriage requirements stay the same, there are a few small differences depending on your nationality:

Americans:
Usually, no extra documents beyond the standard list are needed.

Europeans (including British):
Check with your country’s embassy or consulate. Some European countries, like the UK, might ask for additional documents such as apostilled birth certificates.

Australians:
Similar to Americans, Australians typically do not need extra documents. Still, it’s a good idea to double-check with the Australian embassy in the Philippines.

Tip:
Start early. Give yourself plenty of time to gather documents and complete paperwork with your home country’s embassy or consulate.

Wedding Planning: DIY or Hire a Wedding Planner?

Planning a wedding in a new country can be exciting and a little overwhelming. You might wonder if you should handle everything yourself or bring in a wedding planner. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.

DIY (Do It Yourself)

Pros:

Saves you money on planner fees
You have full control over all decisions
Planning your wedding yourself can be a rewarding experience

Cons:

Researching legal steps, vendors, and venues takes time
The workload can feel stressful and overwhelming
You might miss out on local insider knowledge

Hire a Wedding Planner

Pros:

Wedding planners know the local vendors and legal process
They handle most of the planning details, easing your stress
Planners often get better rates with local vendors
You save time and avoid unnecessary headaches

Cons:

Planners do charge fees, which adds to your budget
You’ll hand over some control to the planner’s experience and advice
Finding a planner who matches your style takes effort

Making Your Choice

Ask yourself:

Does your budget allow for a wedding planner?
Do you have the time and energy to plan on your own?
Are you comfortable managing vendors and legal steps in the Philippines?
Would you prefer local help from someone with experience planning expat weddings?

Tip:
If you hire a planner, interview several first. Ask about their experience with expat weddings, their fee structure, and past client reviews.

Remember:
There’s no right or wrong answer. Whether you go it alone or work with a planner, the goal is a celebration that reflects your unique love story.

Additional Things to Consider for Expat Weddings

Even though weddings for expats follow the same legal process as everyone else, there are a few extra things to keep in mind.

Visas and Immigration

Make sure your partner has the right visa to get married and stay in the Philippines long-term. Check into visa options like the 13A visa (for spouses of Filipino citizens). If needed, talk with an immigration lawyer.

Guest Travel and Visas

Help international guests by giving clear info about flights, visa requirements, and accommodation options.

Embracing Filipino Traditions

Incorporate fun local customs like:

Arras (coin ceremony)
Padesal (shoe game)
Talk to your partner’s family about which traditions they’d like to include.

Language Barriers

If language might be an issue at your wedding, consider hiring a translator for key parts of the ceremony or reception.

Budget for Extras

Don’t forget to budget for:

Translator or interpreter services
Visa application costs
Cultural elements like traditional outfits or décor

Find the Right Vendors

Look for vendors who have worked with expat couples before. Check reviews and ask other expats in the Philippines for recommendations.

Build Your Support System

If you don’t have many family or friends nearby, lean on your partner’s family, fellow expats, or even online expat groups for advice and support.

Unveiling the Budget: From Simple Elegance to Grand Celebrations

One of the best things about getting married in the Philippines is the flexibility to match any budget. Whether you want a small civil ceremony or an all-out celebration, here’s a general guide to help you plan.

Civil Ceremony (Budget-Friendly)

If you want to keep things simple and focus on the legal requirements, expect to spend:

₱10,000 to ₱20,000 (US$200 to US$400)
This usually covers your marriage license, officiant fee, and basic venue rental at the Local Civil Registrar’s Office (LCR).

Simple Church Wedding (Mid-Range)

A classic church wedding with a small reception and a few extra touches might cost:

₱50,000 to ₱150,000 (US$1,000 to US$3,000)
This includes church fees, a modest reception venue, basic catering, simple wedding attire, and a photographer.

Grand Celebration (High-End)

If you want to go big, with a grand venue, full reception, and extra touches, plan for:

₱300,000 to ₱1,000,000+ (US$6,000 to US$20,000+)
This covers church fees, a premium venue, elaborate catering, formal wear, a full wedding planner, entertainment, and full photography and video coverage.

Keep in Mind:

These are only estimates. Costs will vary based on location, guest count, vendors, and the level of detail you choose.

Cost-Saving Tips

Set a budget: Be realistic and stick to it.
Prioritize: Focus your budget on the things that matter most to you.
Choose the right season: Peak months (December and May) tend to be more expensive.
Look for alternatives: Gardens, restaurants, or private spaces can be more affordable than big hotels.
DIY where possible: Invitations, centerpieces, and favors are great places to save.
Shop around: Get quotes from multiple vendors and don’t be afraid to negotiate.

With thoughtful planning, you can have the wedding you’ve always wanted without overspending.

A Quick Recap for Your Dream Wedding in the Philippines

Congratulations on this exciting journey! Here’s a summary of what we’ve covered:

Essential Steps:

Secure your CENOMAR
Meet the residency requirements
Apply for your marriage license
Gather the required documents
Choose your ceremony type

Special Considerations by Nationality:

Americans: Usually no extra documents
Europeans: Check with your embassy (some may require apostilled documents)
Australians: Generally no additional requirements

Wedding Planning Choices:

DIY: Saves money but requires time and effort
Wedding planner: Costs more but offers expertise and convenience

Beyond the Ceremony:

Understand your spouse’s visa options
Help guests with travel plans and visas
Consider adding local Filipino traditions
Prepare for possible language differences
Budget for any additional extras
Find culturally competent vendors
Build your local support system

Wedding Budget Range:

Civil Ceremony: ₱10,000 to ₱20,000
Simple Church Wedding: ₱50,000 to ₱150,000
Grand Celebration: ₱300,000 to ₱1,000,000+

Final Thought:

This guide provides a strong starting point. Always consult with a local attorney or wedding professional for advice tailored to your personal situation. With a little research and careful planning, your Philippine wedding can be everything you’ve dreamed of—and more.