Getting married in Manila

[jhonster 23]

Hello all. I had a question for those familiar with the Philippines.

I'm getting married in the month of March, so I'm leaving Los Angeles March 2nd to do this and will be there till March 31st. I plan on filing for the CR1 visa for my wife, once we secure the marriage license.

Can someone tell me specifically what it would take to get married in the Philippines? What I need to do, where to go, etc? I managed to get a long term stay at a condo near Manila bay. Which should be close to all the agencies I need to visit. I also have someone (an agency) that is going to take care of the filing for her CR1 Visa when I get back.

I've read things about CENOMAR's (which my fiance' has already), physicals, appointments at the U.S. Embassy, etc. Does anybody have any information on who could do our civil wedding, where to go, who to call, etc.? I know nothing about the process.

2ndly, my fiance' has a daughter who's birth certificate has her Fathers last name instead of fiance's. Do you think that would pose a problem come time to bring her and her daughter into the U.S.? Is there a way to have his name taken off the birth certificate and have just hers put there? He hasn't been part of the daughters life since she was born....since he basically abandoned her.

Thanks for anybodies help! John.

[MIRICK02 6]

Hello all. I had a question for those familiar with the Philippines.

I'm getting married in the month of March, so I'm leaving Los Angeles March 2nd to do this and will be there till March 31st. I plan on filing for the CR1 visa for my wife, once we secure the marriage license.

Can someone tell me specifically what it would take to get married in the Philippines? What I need to do, where to go, etc? I managed to get a long term stay at a condo near Manila bay. Which should be close to all the agencies I need to visit. I also have someone (an agency) that is going to take care of the filing for her CR1 Visa when I get back.

I've read things about CENOMAR's (which my fiance' has already), physicals, appointments at the U.S. Embassy, etc. Does anybody have any information on who could do our civil wedding, where to go, who to call, etc.? I know nothing about the process.

2ndly, my fiance' has a daughter who's birth certificate has her Fathers last name instead of fiance's. Do you think that would pose a problem come time to bring her and her daughter into the U.S.? Is there a way to have his name taken off the birth certificate and have just hers put there? He hasn't been part of the daughters life since she was born....since he basically abandoned her.

Thanks for anybodies help! John.

Hi. I am a Filipina and my husband a USC. Please follow this link.

http://manila.usembassy.gov/marriage.html

You will need a legal capacity to marry. You may book online. THis link is very helpful. If you are divorced man, please be ready with your divorce decree.

Regarding Marriage Certificate which is the number one requirement for filing a CR1 visa, soon as your wedding is done, I suggest that you immediately file at the city hall where you wife lives. It usually takes 2 months for NSO (National Statistics Office) to give you a copy of your Marriage Certificate. This is the official copy and the one USCIS requires.

If you have any other question, i am very much willing to help. Just send me an email. My interview is on March 6, we are almost done. God bless you.

[Bron Chase 1]

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Are you planning a large wedding? Has anyone started the process of getting the wedding organized (gowns, barongs, caterer, venue)? My wife and I were married at Casa Manila in Intramuros and it was the perfect venue; I would highly recommend (not to mention extremely close to where you'll be staying). Good luck!

- Bron (Makati/Utah)

[sjr09 155]

Congratulations, the process was easy and painless for me. Follow the link given above.

[jhonster 23]

Hi. I am a Filipina and my husband a USC. Please follow this link.

http://manila.usembassy.gov/marriage.html

You will need a legal capacity to marry. You may book online. THis link is very helpful. If you are divorced man, please be ready with your divorce decree.

Regarding Marriage Certificate which is the number one requirement for filing a CR1 visa, soon as your wedding is done, I suggest that you immediately file at the city hall where you wife lives. It usually takes 2 months for NSO (National Statistics Office) to give you a copy of your Marriage Certificate. This is the official copy and the one USCIS requires.

If you have any other question, i am very much willing to help. Just send me an email. My interview is on March 6, we are almost done. God bless you.

Thank you sooooo much for this information. I already made an appointment for next Tuesday 9:30am (the day after I land in Manila) at the U.S. Embassy so I can get the "legal capacity to marry" certificate. Should I go ahead and schedule the date with the office of the Philippine Civil Registrar where she lives now as well? Can that be done online as well? And does the U.S. consulate issue the Capacity to marry cert the same day as my appointment usually?

I noticed they said just bring my passport & proof of divorce decree. Do you think I should bring my birth certificate as well? My last name is different now from when I was born. Both my parents were French & came to the USA in 1959, so when my parents became U.S. citizens in 1970, they changed all our last names. So my birth certificate has my old last name, but my passport has my new last name. I also have the receipt for "change of name" that's with my birth certificate. Also, I was told that since the last election here in the U.S., that only a long form of birth certificate is accepted anymore. I checked to see how long it would take to get one of those....and they said something like 3 months because they're so backed up. So I really hope if they need my birth certificate, that they won't make a big deal out of the name change. I was born in Los Angeles, so I'm an American citizen.

I'll contact you for sure. I could use the help of someone that's recently gone through this. Thank you so very very much everyone. I really appreciate it.

God Bless,

John

[X Factor 1,112]

Congratulations, the process was easy and painless for me. Follow the link given above.

Cool

[MIRICK02 6]

Thank you sooooo much for this information. I already made an appointment for next Tuesday 9:30am (the day after I land in Manila) at the U.S. Embassy so I can get the "legal capacity to marry" certificate. Should I go ahead and schedule the date with the office of the Philippine Civil Registrar where she lives now as well? Can that be done online as well? And does the U.S. consulate issue the Capacity to marry cert the same day as my appointment usually?

I noticed they said just bring my passport & proof of divorce decree. Do you think I should bring my birth certificate as well? My last name is different now from when I was born. Both my parents were French & came to the USA in 1959, so when my parents became U.S. citizens in 1970, they changed all our last names. So my birth certificate has my old last name, but my passport has my new last name. I also have the receipt for "change of name" that's with my birth certificate. Also, I was told that since the last election here in the U.S., that only a long form of birth certificate is accepted anymore. I checked to see how long it would take to get one of those....and they said something like 3 months because they're so backed up. So I really hope if they need my birth certificate, that they won't make a big deal out of the name change. I was born in Los Angeles, so I'm an American citizen.

I'll contact you for sure. I could use the help of someone that's recently gone through this. Thank you so very very much everyone. I really appreciate it.

God Bless,

John

Hi again, you're very much welcome. You will get your "legal capacity to marry" on the same day. It will take only 2-3 hours. By the way, if your lady will accompany you, she can't go inside the embassy. She will just have to wait outside. Only those with appointment are allowed to get in.

Soon as you get your LCM certificate you may proceed to the city hall. This is where you will need your birth certificate, both yours and hers. No appointment online. Processing usually takes up to 10 days and then you can have your marriage license. If you've got enough time to wait, pls avoid paying extra (more or less $100)just so they can expedite. Although they could do that for you. It is legal, with receipt, though. We had to do it because my husband was here in Manila for only 14 days. Marriage license fee is only about $2.50. (Am computing in dollars but you will pay in peso).

Am not sure about your birth cert issue. My hubby had a name issue on his previous marriage cert. We had an affidavit to attest "one and the same person". You may ask your agency about this.

God bless your journey.

[calibob 73]

Hi again, you're very much welcome. You will get your "legal capacity to marry" on the same day. It will take only 2-3 hours. By the way, if your lady will accompany you, she can't go inside the embassy. She will just have to wait outside. Only those with appointment are allowed to get in.

Soon as you get your LCM certificate you may proceed to the city hall. This is where you will need your birth certificate, both yours and hers. No appointment online. Processing usually takes up to 10 days and then you can have your marriage license. If you've got enough time to wait, pls avoid paying extra (more or less $100)just so they can expedite. Although they could do that for you. It is legal, with receipt, though. We had to do it because my husband was here in Manila for only 14 days. Marriage license fee is only about $2.50. (Am computing in dollars but you will pay in peso).

Am not sure about your birth cert issue. My hubby had a name issue on his previous marriage cert. We had an affidavit to attest "one and the same person". You may ask your agency about this.

God bless your journey.

My fiance was allowed to enter the embassy while I got my legal capacity to marry. Unless this has recently changed in the last couple of years, then she can wait with you inside.

Bob

[sjr09 155]

My fiance was allowed to enter the embassy while I got my legal capacity to marry.

Bob

Ditto

[jhonster 23]

Ditto

Yeah Calibob and SRJ09, when I was in Manila over Thanksgiving....we went to the U.S. Embassy to check on the requirements for stuff we needed to get accomplished, and they let her in with me that time as well. I'll take a chance and see if she can come. She's got a 2 year old, so I'm not sure if her Mom will take her for a few days so we don't have to schlep her around with us while trying to get all this paperwork stuff done. Hopefully so. Because dealing with a 2 year old waiting can make them kind of cranky. But, I guess we'll see.

Any idea's for venues for a wedding party or reception? We were thinking of renting out a hall or decent sized room to have a party. Buy some premade food from a restaurant. Maybe find a place that has a karaoke machine that people can have fun singing, etc. Any idea's?

Thanks again everyone! =D

Calibob? Are you here in So Cal?

[jhonster 23]

Hi again, you're very much welcome. You will get your "legal capacity to marry" on the same day. It will take only 2-3 hours. By the way, if your lady will accompany you, she can't go inside the embassy. She will just have to wait outside. Only those with appointment are allowed to get in.

Soon as you get your LCM certificate you may proceed to the city hall. This is where you will need your birth certificate, both yours and hers. No appointment online. Processing usually takes up to 10 days and then you can have your marriage license. If you've got enough time to wait, pls avoid paying extra (more or less $100)just so they can expedite. Although they could do that for you. It is legal, with receipt, though. We had to do it because my husband was here in Manila for only 14 days. Marriage license fee is only about $2.50. (Am computing in dollars but you will pay in peso).

Am not sure about your birth cert issue. My hubby had a name issue on his previous marriage cert. We had an affidavit to attest "one and the same person". You may ask your agency about this.

God bless your journey.

Good morning =))

Just like a couple of others stated, I've already visited the U.S. Embassy and had my Fiance' come in with me. So I'm going to try and bring her with me =))

Now, when I go to city hall with LCM in hand, I'm assuming I'll need the marriage license in hand before we can have the civil wedding. Right?

And where do I get in contact with someone that can marry us? Is that also available at the City Hall? Or is there another process in the Philippines that I have to follow? Here in the states we can get married at City Hall and a "Justice of the Peace" is who usually marries you. How does it work in the Philippines?

Thanks again for all your help =))

btw.....any idea's for places to go for a honeymoon? I was looking at the white beach in Puerto Galera. Another other nice places to hit & visit while I'm there this time. I'll be there from March 4th to March 31st.

[sjr09 155]

Good morning =))

Just like a couple of others stated, I've already visited the U.S. Embassy and had my Fiance' come in with me. So I'm going to try and bring her with me =))

Now, when I go to city hall with LCM in hand, I'm assuming I'll need the marriage license in hand before we can have the civil wedding. Right?

And where do I get in contact with someone that can marry us? Is that also available at the City Hall? Or is there another process in the Philippines that I have to follow? Here in the states we can get married at City Hall and a "Justice of the Peace" is who usually marries you. How does it work in the Philippines?

Thanks again for all your help =))

btw.....any idea's for places to go for a honeymoon? I was looking at the white beach in Puerto Galera. Another other nice places to hit & visit while I'm there this time. I'll be there from March 4th to March 31st.

Yes, you can get married at city hall or, example.

My wife and I had a simple civil wedding at her home, what we did was go to the local civil register apply for the marriage lic. The lady who helped us set up the minister and all the paper work. At the wedding she and the Minster came over, had the ceremony then 10 days later we went back to civil register signed the marriage lic. done deal.

The "process in the Philippines that I have to follow?" The link given in the upper post should have answered this question.

THE MARRIAGE APPLICATION PROCESS:

Once the person has the affidavit, he/she can file the application for a marriage license at the office of the local Philippine Civil Registrar of the town or city where one of the parties is a resident. The U.S. citizen applicant will need to present the affidavit, death certificate or divorce decree as mentioned above, U.S. passport, and documentation regarding parental consent or advice if applicable. Marriage applicants who are age 18 to 21 must have parental consent in writing, those age 21 to 25 must have written parental advice (a written indication that the parents are aware of the couple's intent to marry). The revised Family Code of the Philippines, which took effect on August 4, 1988, prohibits marriage for individuals below the age of 18.

Normally there is a ten-day waiting period before the marriage license is issued by the registrar's office. In some instances the fiancée may apply in advance for the marriage license with the local civil registrar. The American citizen must then obtain the affidavit of legal capacity upon arrival in the Philippines and file it immediately with the civil registrar where the fiancée applied for the marriage license. A marriage license cannot be obtained by a fiancée without presence of the prospective spouse.

The marriage can be performed by a judge, justice of the peace, priest, or minister of religion.

[dave01 16]

Yes, you can get married at city hall or, example.

My wife and I had a simple civil wedding at her home, what we did was go to the local civil register apply for the marriage lic. The lady who helped us set up the minister and all the paper work. At the wedding she and the Minster came over, had the ceremony then 10 days later we went back to civil register signed the marriage lic. done deal.

The "process in the Philippines that I have to follow?" The link given in the upper post should have answered this question.

THE MARRIAGE APPLICATION PROCESS:

Once the person has the affidavit, he/she can file the application for a marriage license at the office of the local Philippine Civil Registrar of the town or city where one of the parties is a resident. The U.S. citizen applicant will need to present the affidavit, death certificate or divorce decree as mentioned above, U.S. passport, and documentation regarding parental consent or advice if applicable. Marriage applicants who are age 18 to 21 must have parental consent in writing, those age 21 to 25 must have written parental advice (a written indication that the parents are aware of the couple's intent to marry). The revised Family Code of the Philippines, which took effect on August 4, 1988, prohibits marriage for individuals below the age of 18.

Normally there is a ten-day waiting period before the marriage license is issued by the registrar's office. In some instances the fiancée may apply in advance for the marriage license with the local civil registrar. The American citizen must then obtain the affidavit of legal capacity upon arrival in the Philippines and file it immediately with the civil registrar where the fiancée applied for the marriage license. A marriage license cannot be obtained by a fiancée without presence of the prospective spouse.

The marriage can be performed by a judge, justice of the peace, priest, or minister of religion.

The one other thing that should be pointed out is the fact that you should apply in the city of your wife's residence and the problem you can run into in Manila is that some of the cities there will not recognize the Legal Capacity issued by the embassy and they will not get a marriage license from them.

Yes, you can get married at city hall or, example.

My wife and I had a simple civil wedding at her home, what we did was go to the local civil register apply for the marriage lic. The lady who helped us set up the minister and all the paper work. At the wedding she and the Minster came over, had the ceremony then 10 days later we went back to civil register signed the marriage lic. done deal.

The "process in the Philippines that I have to follow?" The link given in the upper post should have answered this question.

THE MARRIAGE APPLICATION PROCESS:

Once the person has the affidavit, he/she can file the application for a marriage license at the office of the local Philippine Civil Registrar of the town or city where one of the parties is a resident. The U.S. citizen applicant will need to present the affidavit, death certificate or divorce decree as mentioned above, U.S. passport, and documentation regarding parental consent or advice if applicable. Marriage applicants who are age 18 to 21 must have parental consent in writing, those age 21 to 25 must have written parental advice (a written indication that the parents are aware of the couple's intent to marry). The revised Family Code of the Philippines, which took effect on August 4, 1988, prohibits marriage for individuals below the age of 18.

Normally there is a ten-day waiting period before the marriage license is issued by the registrar's office. In some instances the fiancée may apply in advance for the marriage license with the local civil registrar. The American citizen must then obtain the affidavit of legal capacity upon arrival in the Philippines and file it immediately with the civil registrar where the fiancée applied for the marriage license. A marriage license cannot be obtained by a fiancée without presence of the prospective spouse.

The marriage can be performed by a judge, justice of the peace, priest, or minister of religion.

The one other thing that should be pointed out is the fact that you should apply in the city of your wife's residence and the problem you can run into in Manila is that some of the cities there will not recognize the Legal Capacity issued by the embassy and they will not get a marriage license from them.

[MIRICK02 6]

Good morning =))

Just like a couple of others stated, I've already visited the U.S. Embassy and had my Fiance' come in with me. So I'm going to try and bring her with me =))

Now, when I go to city hall with LCM in hand, I'm assuming I'll need the marriage license in hand before we can have the civil wedding. Right?

And where do I get in contact with someone that can marry us? Is that also available at the City Hall? Or is there another process in the Philippines that I have to follow? Here in the states we can get married at City Hall and a "Justice of the Peace" is who usually marries you. How does it work in the Philippines?

Thanks again for all your help =))

btw.....any idea's for places to go for a honeymoon? I was looking at the white beach in Puerto Galera. Another other nice places to hit & visit while I'm there this time. I'll be there from March 4th to March 31st.

Good morning. Well, that's great if she can go with you inside. Yes, of course you will need your marriage license for the civil wedding. My pastor was the one who officiated our wedding. The city mayor or a judge can perform the marriage and they hold office at the city hall. You may please ask any of the staff when you apply for marriage license.

Places for honeymoon? Please check this website www.villaescudero.com or canyonwoods.com

Congrats on your wedding.

Good morning =))

Just like a couple of others stated, I've already visited the U.S. Embassy and had my Fiance' come in with me. So I'm going to try and bring her with me =))

Now, when I go to city hall with LCM in hand, I'm assuming I'll need the marriage license in hand before we can have the civil wedding. Right?

And where do I get in contact with someone that can marry us? Is that also available at the City Hall? Or is there another process in the Philippines that I have to follow? Here in the states we can get married at City Hall and a "Justice of the Peace" is who usually marries you. How does it work in the Philippines?

Thanks again for all your help =))

btw.....any idea's for places to go for a honeymoon? I was looking at the white beach in Puerto Galera. Another other nice places to hit & visit while I'm there this time. I'll be there from March 4th to March 31st.

Good morning. Well, that's great if she can go with you inside. Yes, of course you will need your marriage license for the civil wedding. My pastor was the one who officiated our wedding. The city mayor or a judge can perform the marriage and they hold office at the city hall. You may please ask any of the staff when you apply for marriage license.

Places for honeymoon? Please check this website www.villaescudero.com or canyonwoods.com (you can book online)

Congrats on your wedding.

[sjr09 155]

The one other thing that should be pointed out is the fact that you should apply in the city of your wife's residence and the problem you can run into in Manila is that some of the cities there will not recognize the Legal Capacity issued by the embassy and they will not get a marriage license from them.

"The American citizen must then obtain the affidavit of legal capacity upon arrival in the Philippines and file it immediately with the civil registrar where the fiancée applied for the marriage license"