How to Register a Marriage
Marriage registration is mandatory under Philippine law. The solemnizing officer (priest, judge, mayor, or other authorized person) is responsible for submitting the Certificate of Marriage to the LCRO within 15 days after the ceremony. This guide covers how marriage registration works, what couples need to know, and how to ensure your marriage is properly recorded.
Marriage Registration at a Glance
Cost
FREE registration at the LCRO. The marriage license fee is approximately P300-500 (obtained prior to the wedding).
Timeline
The solemnizing officer has 15 days to submit the Certificate of Marriage to the LCRO. Processing at the LCRO is typically same-day upon receipt.
Key Fact
The solemnizing officer is responsible for filing the Certificate of Marriage with the LCRO, not the couple. The couple should follow up to confirm registration.
Warning: Unregistered Marriages
If the solemnizing officer fails to register the marriage within the prescribed period, the couple should immediately follow up with the solemnizing officer and the LCRO. If the marriage remains unregistered, the couple may need to file a delayed or late registration of marriage at the LCRO, which requires additional documents and a longer processing time. An unregistered marriage can cause serious problems when applying for passports, visas, government benefits, and other legal transactions.
Who Registers the Marriage?
Under Philippine law, the primary duty to register the marriage falls on the solemnizing officer. The couple can and should follow up with the LCRO to ensure that the registration has been completed.
Solemnizing Officer
Primary Duty to Register
The solemnizing officer is legally required to submit the Certificate of Marriage to the LCRO of the place where the marriage was solemnized within 15 days after the ceremony.
- Must submit within 15 days
- Submits to LCRO where marriage was held
- Includes all signed documents
- Failure to file is punishable by law
Types of Solemnizing Officers
Authorized Under the Family Code
The following persons are authorized by law to solemnize marriages in the Philippines and are therefore responsible for filing the registration:
- Judge (Municipal, Regional, or Appellate Court)
- Mayor (City or Municipal Mayor)
- Priest, Pastor, or Imam (religious authority)
- Ship Captain (marriages at sea)
- Military Commander (in articulo mortis)
- Consul General (marriages abroad)
Note: While the solemnizing officer has the legal obligation to register the marriage, the couple should always follow up with the LCRO within 30 days to confirm that the Certificate of Marriage has been properly filed and recorded.
Requirements for Marriage Registration
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Marriage | The official marriage certificate form, duly signed by both parties (bride and groom), the two witnesses, and the solemnizing officer. This is the primary document submitted to the LCRO for registration. |
| Marriage License | Obtained prior to the wedding from the LCRO of the city or municipality where either the bride or groom habitually resides. Valid for 120 days from date of issuance. Requires a 10-day posting period. |
| Valid IDs of Both Parties | At least one valid government-issued ID with photo and signature for each party (e.g., passport, PhilSys/National ID, driver's license, UMID, SSS ID, PRC ID, postal ID). Bring originals and photocopies. |
| CENOMAR from PSA | Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) from the Philippine Statistics Authority, obtained during the marriage license application process. This certifies that neither party has a prior existing marriage on record. Cost: P210 from PSA. |
| Birth Certificates of Both Parties | PSA-issued birth certificates of both the bride and groom. These are required during the marriage license application to verify identity, age, and civil status. Cost: P155 per copy from PSA. |
| Pre-Marriage Counseling Certificate | Certificate of completion of the Pre-Marriage Counseling or Family Planning Seminar from the DSWD, the local population office, or an accredited organization. This is a mandatory requirement before a marriage license can be issued. |
| Parental Consent / Parental Advice | Parental Consent is required if either party is 18 to 20 years old (signed by parent or legal guardian). Parental Advice is required if either party is 21 to 24 years old. Both must be in writing and sworn before a notary public or the local civil registrar. |
| Marriage Fee | Registration of the marriage at the LCRO is FREE. The marriage license fee is approximately P300-500, paid during the license application process. Civil wedding ceremony fees vary by LGU (P300-500 for judge or mayor officiated ceremonies). |
Step-by-Step: Marriage Registration Process
The following steps outline the complete process from obtaining a marriage license to having your marriage fully registered with both the LCRO and PSA. While the couple initiates most steps, the actual registration filing is done by the solemnizing officer.
Obtain a Marriage License from the LCRO
Both parties must personally appear at the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) of the city or municipality where either the bride or groom habitually resides. Submit all required documents including birth certificates, CENOMAR, valid IDs, and the application form. The marriage license application is subject to a 10-day posting period, during which the notice of the intended marriage is posted publicly at the LCRO to allow any objections.
Tip: Apply for your marriage license at least 3-4 weeks before your planned wedding date to allow time for the 10-day posting period and processing. The marriage license is valid for 120 days from the date of issuance.
Complete Pre-Marriage Counseling
Both parties must attend a Pre-Marriage Counseling session, also known as the Family Planning Seminar. This is conducted by the DSWD, the local population office, or an accredited organization. The seminar covers family planning, responsible parenthood, and marriage preparation topics. Upon completion, a certificate will be issued which must be submitted as part of the marriage license requirements.
Important: The Pre-Marriage Counseling Certificate is a mandatory requirement. Without it, the LCRO will not issue the marriage license. Some religious organizations also require their own pre-marriage seminars (e.g., Pre-Cana for Catholic weddings).
Wedding Ceremony Performed by Authorized Solemnizing Officer
The marriage ceremony is performed by an authorized solemnizing officer -- a judge, mayor, priest, pastor, imam, or other authorized person. The ceremony must be held in the presence of at least two witnesses of legal age. The solemnizing officer must have the valid marriage license in hand before performing the ceremony.
Note: A marriage solemnized without a valid marriage license is void from the beginning, except for marriages in articulo mortis (at the point of death), marriages among Muslims and indigenous peoples, and other exceptions under the Family Code.
Signing of the Certificate of Marriage
Immediately after the ceremony, the Certificate of Marriage must be signed by the following parties:
- The contracting parties (bride and groom)
- The two witnesses (must be of legal age)
- The solemnizing officer who performed the ceremony
The Certificate of Marriage is prepared in multiple copies. One copy is retained by the solemnizing officer, one copy is given to the couple, and one copy is submitted to the LCRO for registration.
Solemnizing Officer Submits Certificate of Marriage to LCRO Within 15 Days
The solemnizing officer is legally required to transmit the signed Certificate of Marriage to the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) of the city or municipality where the marriage was solemnized within 15 days after the wedding ceremony. This is the solemnizing officer's legal obligation under the Family Code of the Philippines.
Tip: As a couple, politely follow up with the solemnizing officer after the wedding to confirm that the Certificate of Marriage has been submitted to the LCRO. Then, visit the LCRO after 2-3 weeks to verify that your marriage has been registered.
LCRO Registers the Marriage and Forwards to PSA
Upon receiving the Certificate of Marriage, the LCRO registers the marriage in their local civil registry. Processing is typically done on the same day of receipt. The LCRO then forwards a copy of the registered Certificate of Marriage to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for inclusion in the national civil registry database.
Timeline: The PSA copy of the marriage certificate is typically available 1 to 3 months after the LCRO forwards the documents. You can request a PSA-issued marriage certificate through PSA Serbilis outlets, online via PSAHelpline.ph, or at PSA Civil Registry Service offices.
Complete Example: Juan and Maria's Marriage Registration
Juan and Maria decided to get married. They applied for their marriage license at the Manila LCRO, attended pre-marriage counseling, and got married in a church ceremony. Here is how their entire marriage registration process went:
Applied for Marriage License
Juan and Maria went to the Manila LCRO together to apply for a marriage license. They submitted their PSA birth certificates, CENOMAR (P210 each), valid IDs, and the application form. They paid the P500 marriage license fee. The LCRO posted the notice of their intended marriage for the mandatory 10-day posting period. After the posting period, the marriage license was released.
Completed Pre-Marriage Counseling
While waiting for the marriage license, Juan and Maria attended the Family Planning Seminar at the local population office. The seminar lasted one day and covered family planning, responsible parenthood, and financial planning for couples. They received their Pre-Marriage Counseling Certificate and paid P300 for the seminar fee.
Church Wedding Ceremony
Juan and Maria got married in a church ceremony. Their parish priest served as the solemnizing officer. After the ceremony, the Certificate of Marriage was signed by Juan, Maria, their two witnesses, and the parish priest. The priest retained a copy and gave one copy to the couple.
Parish Priest Submitted to LCRO
The parish priest submitted the Certificate of Marriage to the Manila LCRO within 10 days after the ceremony. The LCRO received the document and registered the marriage on the same day. Juan and Maria visited the LCRO the following week and confirmed that their marriage was properly registered. They obtained a local copy of the marriage certificate for P100.
PSA Marriage Certificate Available
Approximately 2 months after the LCRO forwarded the documents, the PSA copy of their marriage certificate became available. Juan requested a PSA-issued marriage certificate through PSAHelpline.ph for P155. The PSA copy confirmed that their marriage was officially recorded in the national civil registry.
Cost Summary for Juan and Maria's Marriage
Marriage registration at the LCRO is FREE. The costs above cover the marriage license, counseling, and certificate copies. Actual costs may vary by locality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the solemnizing officer didn't register the marriage?
If the solemnizing officer fails to submit the Certificate of Marriage to the LCRO within the prescribed 15-day period, the couple should first contact the solemnizing officer and request immediate submission. If the officer is unresponsive or unable to comply, the couple should go directly to the LCRO and report the situation. The LCRO can coordinate with the solemnizing officer. If a significant amount of time has passed (more than 30 days), the couple may need to file a delayed or late registration of marriage, which requires additional supporting documents such as an affidavit explaining the delay, a joint affidavit from two witnesses, and other proof of the marriage ceremony.
Can we register a marriage performed abroad?
Yes. A marriage between Filipino citizens performed abroad is valid in the Philippines, provided it was solemnized in accordance with the laws of the country where it took place. To register the foreign marriage in the Philippines, the couple must report the marriage to the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate, which will forward the report to the PSA. Alternatively, the couple can file a Petition for Late Registration of Marriage at the LCRO of the city or municipality where either spouse resides in the Philippines. Required documents typically include the authenticated foreign marriage certificate, a Report of Marriage form, and valid IDs.
What about marriages between a Filipino and a foreigner?
Marriages between a Filipino citizen and a foreign national are allowed under Philippine law. In addition to the standard requirements, the foreign national must obtain a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage from their country's embassy or consulate in the Philippines. This document certifies that the foreigner is legally free to marry under the laws of their home country. The certificate must be authenticated by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The marriage registration process at the LCRO remains the same -- the solemnizing officer submits the Certificate of Marriage to the LCRO within 15 days.
How do we get the PSA marriage certificate?
After the LCRO registers your marriage and forwards the documents to PSA, the PSA-issued marriage certificate becomes available in approximately 1 to 3 months. You can request a PSA marriage certificate through the following channels: (1) Online via PSAHelpline.ph -- the most convenient option, with delivery to your address; (2) PSA Serbilis outlets located in SM malls and other locations nationwide; (3) PSA Civil Registry Service office at PSA Complex, East Avenue, Quezon City. The fee is P155 per copy plus delivery fee if ordered online.
What if we lost our marriage certificate?
If you lost your copy of the marriage certificate, you can easily obtain a replacement. Request a certified copy from the LCRO where the marriage was registered (fees vary by locality, typically P100-200), or request a PSA-issued copy through PSAHelpline.ph, PSA Serbilis outlets, or the PSA office (P155 per copy). The PSA copy is the most widely accepted version for legal and government transactions. If the marriage was never registered with the LCRO or PSA, you will need to file for late registration first before a certified copy can be issued.
Can a common-law partner register as married?
No. Under Philippine law, common-law or live-in relationships are not recognized as marriages. Only marriages solemnized by an authorized solemnizing officer with a valid marriage license (or under recognized exceptions) can be registered. Common-law partners who wish to be legally married must go through the full marriage process: apply for a marriage license, attend pre-marriage counseling, and have their marriage solemnized by an authorized officer. There is no provision in Philippine law for registering a common-law relationship as a marriage retroactively. However, under Article 147 and 148 of the Family Code, common-law partners may have certain property rights.
Important Reminders
- Follow up with the solemnizing officer after the wedding: Do not assume that the solemnizing officer has filed the Certificate of Marriage. Contact them within a week after the ceremony to confirm submission to the LCRO.
- Verify registration at the LCRO: Visit the LCRO 2-3 weeks after the wedding to verify that your marriage has been properly registered. Request a certified local copy of the marriage certificate for your records.
- Keep your marriage license valid: A marriage license is valid for 120 days from the date of issuance. If the wedding does not take place within this period, you will need to apply for a new marriage license.
- Ensure all signatures are complete: The Certificate of Marriage must bear the signatures of both parties, two witnesses, and the solemnizing officer. Missing signatures may delay or prevent registration.
- Request the PSA copy after 1-3 months: The PSA-issued marriage certificate is the most important document for legal transactions. Request a copy through PSAHelpline.ph or PSA Serbilis outlets once it becomes available.
- Update your government records after marriage: After obtaining your PSA marriage certificate, update your records with SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, BIR, employer, bank accounts, passport (DFA), and driver's license (LTO) to reflect your new civil status and, if applicable, your new surname.
- Special marriages have different requirements: Marriages among Muslims are governed by the Code of Muslim Personal Laws (PD 1083). Marriages among indigenous peoples may follow their customary laws. Consult the appropriate authority for specific requirements.
- Annulment is the only way to dissolve a marriage: The Philippines does not recognize divorce (except for Muslims). A marriage can only be dissolved through annulment or declaration of nullity by a court. This is a separate legal process that requires a lawyer and court proceedings.
Need Help?
Contact Your Local Civil Registry
- Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO): Visit the LCRO of your city or municipality for marriage registration inquiries.
- PSA Helpline: (02) 8737-1111
- PSA Email: info@psa.gov.ph
- PSA Website: www.psa.gov.ph
- PSAHelpline Online: psahelpline.ph
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (no noon break)
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.