How to Apply for a Marriage License
A marriage license is a legal document required before a marriage ceremony can take place in the Philippines. It is issued by the Local Civil Registrar of the city or municipality where either the bride or groom habitually resides. The marriage license is valid for 120 days from the date of issuance and must be used within that period. Under Article 3 of the Family Code, no marriage shall be solemnized without a valid marriage license.
Marriage License at a Glance
Estimated Cost
P300-500 for the marriage license fee plus additional fees for seminars, documents, and other requirements. Total cost varies depending on the LGU.
Timeline
A 10-day posting period is required by law. The total process typically takes 2 to 3 weeks, including document gathering, seminars, and the posting period.
Key Fact
The marriage license is valid for 120 days from the date of issuance. The wedding ceremony must take place within this period, or the couple must reapply for a new license.
Warning: Marriage Without a Valid License is VOID
A marriage performed without a valid marriage license is VOID, except for specific exemptions under the Family Code. These exemptions include marriages in articulo mortis (at the point of death), marriages in remote areas where no civil registrar is available, marriages among Muslims or members of indigenous cultural communities performed under their customs, and marriages where both parties lived together as husband and wife for at least five years without any legal impediment. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies for an exemption, consult with the Local Civil Registrar or a lawyer before proceeding.
Who Can Apply?
Both parties intending to marry must personally appear at the Local Civil Registry Office to apply for a marriage license. The age of the applicants determines additional requirements:
Age Requirements
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry
- If 18-20 years old: Need Parental Consent (written consent from father, mother, or guardian)
- If 21-24 years old: Need Parental Advice (advice from parents; marriage can proceed even without it after 3 months)
- If 25 and above: No parental consent/advice needed
Previously Married Applicants
- Must present proof of dissolution of previous marriage
- If widowed: Death certificate of former spouse (PSA-issued)
- If annulled: Court decree of annulment or declaration of nullity, with Certificate of Finality
- If divorced abroad: Recognition of foreign divorce decree by Philippine court
Requirements for Marriage License Application
| Document / Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Form for Marriage License | Obtained from the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO). Must be filled out completely by both parties and signed in the presence of the Civil Registrar. |
| PSA Birth Certificates of Both Parties | Original PSA-issued birth certificates for both the bride and groom. Cost: P155 each. Can be obtained from PSA Serbilis outlets, PSAHelpline.ph, or PSA offices. |
| CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage) from PSA | Required for both parties to prove that neither has an existing marriage on record. Cost: P210 each. Must be recent (issued within the last 6 months is preferred). |
| Valid IDs of Both Parties | At least one government-issued ID with photo for each party (e.g., passport, driver's license, PhilSys/National ID, UMID, SSS ID, PRC ID, postal ID). Bring original and photocopy. |
| Community Tax Certificates (Cedula) | Current year's Community Tax Certificate (cedula) for both parties. Obtainable from the city/municipal treasurer's office or barangay hall. Cost varies (typically P35-50 each). |
| Pre-Marriage Counseling Certificate | Certificate of completion from an accredited organization such as the DSWD, a church, or other accredited counseling center. Both parties must attend the seminar together. Cost: approximately P300. |
| Family Planning Seminar Certificate | Issued by the municipal or city health office after both parties attend the family planning seminar. Cost: approximately P200. Some LGUs offer this free of charge. |
| Parental Consent or Parental Advice | If 18-20: Notarized Parental Consent signed by father, mother, or legal guardian. If 21-24: Notarized Parental Advice from parents. If parents refuse, the marriage may proceed after a 3-month waiting period. |
| Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage | Required for foreign nationals marrying a Filipino citizen. Issued by the foreigner's embassy or consulate in the Philippines, certifying that they are legally free to marry. |
| Death Certificate / Annulment Decree | Required if either party was previously married. Present the PSA-issued death certificate of the former spouse, or the court decree of annulment/declaration of nullity with Certificate of Finality. |
| Passport-Size Photos of Both Parties | 2x2 passport-size photos with white background. Typically 3-4 copies each are required. Cost: approximately P100 total. |
| Marriage License Fee | P300-500, depending on the city or municipality. Payable at the LCRO or the city/municipal treasurer's office upon submission of the application. |
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Marriage License
The following steps outline the complete process for obtaining a marriage license at the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO). Both parties must personally appear and participate in the application process.
Both Parties Personally Appear at the LCRO
Both the bride and groom must personally appear at the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) of the city or municipality where either party habitually resides. Bring all required documents and valid IDs. Inform the staff that you wish to apply for a marriage license.
Tip: Visit the LCRO early in the morning, as offices tend to be less crowded. Some LCROs accept applications only on specific days, so it is advisable to call ahead and confirm the schedule.
Submit the Application Form and All Required Documents
Fill out the marriage license application form provided by the LCRO. Submit the completed form along with all required documents: PSA birth certificates, CENOMARs, valid IDs, cedulas, photos, and any additional documents depending on your situation (parental consent/advice, death certificate, annulment decree, etc.). The LCRO staff will review your documents for completeness.
Important: Ensure all documents are original copies. The LCRO will retain photocopies for their records but will need to verify the originals. Incomplete submissions will delay the process.
Pay the Marriage License Fee (P300-500)
After your documents are accepted, pay the marriage license fee at the LCRO or the city/municipal treasurer's office. The fee ranges from P300 to P500 depending on the local government unit. You will be issued an official receipt. Keep this receipt as proof of payment.
Attend Pre-Marriage Counseling Seminar
If you have not yet attended the pre-marriage counseling seminar, you must complete it as part of the application process. The seminar is conducted by the DSWD, churches, or other accredited organizations. Both parties must attend together. Topics include marriage responsibilities, family planning, financial management, and conflict resolution. A certificate of completion will be issued.
Note: Some LCROs require the pre-marriage counseling certificate before accepting the application. Check with your local LCRO for their specific requirements and schedule.
Attend Family Planning Seminar
Both parties must attend the Family Planning Seminar conducted by the city or municipal health office. The seminar covers responsible parenthood, family planning methods, and reproductive health. A certificate will be issued upon completion. The fee is approximately P200, though some LGUs offer this seminar free of charge.
LCRO Posts the Application for 10 Consecutive Days
As required by the Family Code, the LCRO will post the marriage license application in a conspicuous place in the office for 10 consecutive days. This public notice allows any person who knows of a legal impediment to the marriage to come forward and file an opposition. The posting includes the names of the applicants, their ages, and other relevant details.
Important: The 10-day posting period is mandatory and cannot be shortened. Plan your wedding date accordingly, ensuring enough time for the posting period plus processing.
LCRO Issues the Marriage License
After the 10-day posting period, if no opposition has been filed, the Local Civil Registrar will issue the marriage license. Both parties may be required to appear at the LCRO to claim the license. The marriage license will contain the names and details of both parties, the date of issuance, and the signature of the Civil Registrar.
Use the Marriage License Within 120 Days
The marriage license is valid for 120 days from the date of issuance. The wedding ceremony -- whether civil, church, or other -- must take place within this period. Present the marriage license to the solemnizing officer (judge, priest, pastor, mayor, etc.) on the day of the wedding. If the license expires before the ceremony, you must reapply for a new marriage license.
Tip: Coordinate your wedding date with the estimated release of the marriage license to avoid any issues with the 120-day validity period.
Complete Example: Mark and Lisa's Marriage License Application
Mark (28) from Makati and Lisa (26) from Quezon City decided to get married. They chose to apply at the Makati LCRO where Mark habitually resides. Here is how they obtained their marriage license:
Gathered All Required Documents
Mark and Lisa gathered their requirements: PSA birth certificates (P155 each), CENOMARs from PSA (P210 each), valid government IDs, and Community Tax Certificates (cedulas). Since both are above 25, they did not need parental consent or advice. Neither had been previously married, so no additional documents were needed. They also had their 2x2 passport-size photos taken.
Applied at Makati LCRO and Attended Seminars
Mark and Lisa personally appeared at the Makati LCRO and submitted their application form along with all documents. They paid the marriage license fee of P500. They attended the pre-marriage counseling seminar (P300) and the family planning seminar at the Makati Health Office (P200). The LCRO began the 10-day posting of their application.
Received the Marriage License
After the 10-day posting period with no opposition filed, the Makati LCRO issued Mark and Lisa's marriage license. They picked it up at the LCRO and verified that all details were correct. They got married at a church in Makati 3 weeks later, well within the 120-day validity period.
Cost Summary for Mark and Lisa's Application
Total timeline: approximately 2-3 weeks from application to receiving the marriage license. Actual costs may vary by LGU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we apply at any LCRO?
No. You must apply at the LCRO of the city or municipality where either the bride or groom habitually resides. This is a requirement under the Family Code. You cannot apply at just any LCRO in the country. Choose the LCRO where either party has established residence.
How long is the marriage license valid?
The marriage license is valid for 120 days from the date of issuance. The wedding ceremony must take place within this 120-day period. After 120 days, the license expires and the couple must reapply for a new one.
What if we don't use it within 120 days?
If the marriage license is not used within 120 days, it expires and becomes invalid. You will need to reapply for a new marriage license by going through the entire application process again, including paying the fees and waiting for the 10-day posting period. However, your pre-marriage counseling and family planning certificates may still be valid depending on the LCRO's policy.
Can a foreigner marry a Filipino?
Yes, a foreign national can marry a Filipino citizen in the Philippines. The foreigner must obtain a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage from their embassy or consulate in the Philippines. This document certifies that the foreigner is legally free to marry under the laws of their country. Additional requirements may include a valid passport, proof of identity, and in some cases, a divorce decree or death certificate of a former spouse (translated and authenticated if in a foreign language).
What is the 10-day posting period?
The 10-day posting period is a mandatory public notice requirement under the Family Code. The LCRO posts the marriage license application in a conspicuous place in the office for 10 consecutive days. This allows any person who knows of a legal impediment to the marriage (e.g., one party is already married, the parties are closely related, etc.) to file an opposition. If no opposition is filed after the 10-day period, the LCRO proceeds to issue the marriage license.
Can we skip the pre-marriage counseling?
No, the pre-marriage counseling is mandatory under the Family Code of the Philippines. Both parties must attend the seminar before a marriage license can be issued. The counseling covers topics such as the rights and obligations of spouses, responsible parenthood, and family planning. The only exception is for marriages in articulo mortis (at the point of death), where the requirement may be waived due to the urgency of the situation.
What if one of us was previously married?
If either party was previously married, you must present proof that the previous marriage has been legally dissolved. This includes: the PSA-issued death certificate of the former spouse (if widowed), or the court decree of annulment or declaration of nullity with a Certificate of Finality and PSA annotation (if the previous marriage was annulled). For Filipinos who obtained a divorce abroad, a Philippine court recognition of the foreign divorce decree is required. Without these documents, the LCRO will not issue a marriage license.
Important Reminders
- Both parties must personally appear at the LCRO: The marriage license application cannot be filed by proxy or by only one party. Both the bride and groom must be present at the LCRO to sign the application.
- Apply at the LCRO where either party resides: The marriage license must be obtained from the LCRO of the city or municipality where either the bride or groom habitually resides. You cannot apply at any random LCRO.
- The 10-day posting period cannot be waived: This is a mandatory requirement under the Family Code. Plan your wedding date with this posting period in mind to avoid delays.
- Use the marriage license within 120 days: The license expires after 120 days. If you do not get married within this period, you must start the application process all over again.
- Attend all required seminars before applying: Some LCROs require the pre-marriage counseling and family planning seminar certificates before they will accept your application. Complete these seminars early to avoid delays.
- Ensure all names and details on documents are consistent: Discrepancies in names, dates of birth, or other details between your documents may cause the LCRO to delay or reject your application. Resolve any discrepancies beforehand.
- Keep all receipts and copies of submitted documents: Retain copies of the application form, official receipts, and all documents submitted. You may need these for the wedding ceremony or future reference.
- Foreign nationals have additional requirements: If one party is a foreigner, they must obtain a Certificate of Legal Capacity from their embassy. Processing times for this document vary by embassy, so start early.
Need Help?
Contact Your Local Civil Registry
- Visit: The LCRO of your city or municipality (usually located at City Hall or Municipal Hall)
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (no noon break in most offices)
- PSA Helpline: (02) 8737-1111
- PSA Website: www.psa.gov.ph
- PSAHelpline Online: psahelpline.ph
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the Local Civil Registrar you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest Local Civil Registrar first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.