A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Marriage License

Author: Atty. Angeli Andan

Introduction

A marriage license is considered valid if issued and appearing in records of the Local Civil Registry, even if there was irregularity in issuance. As such, the marriage license must not be fake or spurious, and not expired.

Who may obtain a marriage license?

• Unmarried individuals, male and female, eighteen years old and above

What are the Requirements?

1. One of the parties should be a resident of the City
2. Certificate of Live Birth
3. CRS Form 4 – Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) from Philippine Statistics Office (PSA)
4. Attendance to Responsible Parenthood Seminar
5. For previously married applicant – Registered Annulment Decree or Death Certificate of deceased spouse
6. For foreign applicant – Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry issued by the embassy or Divorce Decree whichever is applicable
7. If the applicant is aged 18-20 years old:
   1. Parental Consent
   2. Attendance to Pre-Marriage Counseling
8. If the applicant is aged 21-24 years old:
   1. Parental Advice
   2. Attendance to Pre-Marriage Counseling

How to Avail of the Service

1. STEP 1: Submit the above-mentioned requirements
2. STEP 2: Proceed to the City Treasurer’s Office for the payment of the fee to the Local Revenue Collection Officers
3. STEP 3: Present the Official Receipt to the Receiving Clerk or Registration Officer
4. STEP 4: Wait for the Posting Period of 10 Days
5. STEP 5: Return after 10 days, present the Certificates/s of Attendance to the Releasing Clerk and receive the license

Marriage which do not require marriage license

1. Articulo Mortis Marriages. Solemnizing Officer is required to make a sworn statement to the effect that the marriage is celebrated in articulo mortis and that the solemnizing officer exerted efforts to determine the absence of legal impediment. 
2. Parties residing in remote places where there is no means of transportation to go to the Local Civil Registry to apply for Marriage License. Solemnizing Officer is required to make a sworn statement to the effect that parties are residing in remote places and that solemnizing officer exerted efforts to determine the absence of legal impediment. 
3. Muslims and members of ethnic cultural communities and marriage was celebrated in accordance with their rights and rituals
4. Legal ratification of marital cohabitation under Article 34 of the Family Code, the requirements being:
   1. minimum period of cohabitation: 5 continuous years reckoned from the date of celebration of the marriage
   2. absence of legal impediment during the 5 year period

Need help in obtaining a marriage license? Contact us today at info@baisandanlaw.com. You can also reach us via cellphone number at 0915 968 2503 or at our telephone number (045) 281 0164.