Getting a Marriage License in the Philippines

I remembered in one of our T.H.E/H.E.L.E (home economics) classes, the teacher discussed about marriage and its pre-requisites, which I did not really pay much attention to. Besides, who KNEW that one day it would come in handy?

But seriously, who would still remember any topic in elementary, especially those of no relevance at that point? I do remember though, that Mrs. Garrido and Mrs. Santos were the ones giving out the lessons in class.

Now, I realize its worth. There are not a lot of people who know the process. So hopefully this somehow helps.

One of the essentials, or rather THE essential, is the marriage license. This official piece of paper is your ticket to marry anyone, whether you opt to marry in church or the court.

Sample specimen (from http://linmarrdavao.com/images/Tribute/Philippine%20Marriage%20License%20Specimen.jpg):

I wasn't able to get a pic of the license, but this was indeed the same form we used. This form will be obtained from the Office of the Local Civil Registry (OLCR)

To get a marriage license, you need the following:

1. NSO Birth Certificates
2. Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR), also called Cert. of Singleness -- also from NSO
3. Parental consent -- ages 18-21; Parental Advice 22-25
4. Passport-size photos
5. Residence Certificate (CEDULA) -- of the person who lives in the municipality/city.
6. Pre-marriage seminar -- for more info on schedules, etc, click here.
7. Barangay Clearance
   
8. Marriage License Application form

Quick facts:

1. NSO Serbilis Centers release birth certificates on the same day, if requested on mornings. Otherwise, it is released the following business day.
2. It would take approximately 2 weeks to get the CENOMAR from NSO Serbilis Center.
3. Personal Appearance is required when submitting requirements, but claiming can be done by either one of the persons who applied.
4. Prepare PhP170 for the fees: marriage registration fee (PhP10) and filing fee (PhP50). This will be paid at the municipal cashier (ground floor of the new city hall building). The remaining PhP110 will be for the notarial services at the OLCR.
   
5. Seminars are conducted by the City hall's health department. A certificate will be given after. There is no fee, but donations will be appreciated.
   
6. Marriage License will only be released after you have submitted the certificate for the pre-marriage seminar, usually after 7-10 business days from date of application.

Since I married a foreign national, additional requirements are needed before getting the marriage license. You can find more information here.