Civil Marriage

[RO_AH 1,667]

I was married in the Philippines last October. Every municipality has it's own procedure and requirements. The best and most important thing to do is go to the municipal building and ask in person. Don't rely on the "they said" mentality. I had my wife go there and check during our planning stages.

 

Here is what we needed:

1. Both birth certificates

2. Both CENOMAR (Certificate of no marriage) since an American cannot get a CENOMAR they need an Affidavit In Lieu of Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry. This is available only at the US Embassy in Manila and you must make appointment 30 days in advance.

3. If previously divorced or widowed you need divorce decree or death certificate.

4. Depending on age you may need Parental consent or parental advice.

5. Sedula

 

Here is the paper we got from the municipal office

 

 

[BB Family 299]

16 minutes ago, RO_AH said:

I was married in the Philippines last October. Every municipality has it's own procedure and requirements. The best and most important thing to do is go to the municipal building and ask in person. Don't rely on the "they said" mentality. I had my wife go there and check during our planning stages.

 

Here is what we needed:

1. Both birth certificates

2. Both CENOMAR (Certificate of no marriage) since an American cannot get a CENOMAR they need an Affidavit In Lieu of Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry. This is available only at the US Embassy in Manila and you must make appointment 30 days in advance.

3. If previously divorced or widowed you need divorce decree or death certificate.

4. Depending on age you may need Parental consent or parental advice.

5. Sedula

 

Here is the paper we got from the municipal office

 

 

What is Sedula? And what was the total cost and time for everything? Thanks a lot for all the info its a big help

[RO_AH 1,667]

Just now, Barker Family said:

What is Sedula? And what was the total cost and time for everything? Thanks a lot for all the info its a big help

Sedula is a local thing there. You do it at the same place that you get the Marriage License. It is very cheap and takes 5 minutes. Our trip to the municipal building to get the license took about 60-90 minutes. We went back just over 2 weeks later and had the ceremony in front of the judge. That took about an hour. We had to pay to make copies of all of out paperwork, the license, and the wedding. I don't really remember all of the prices as they were insignificant. Maybe around $20?

[Hank_ 9,174]

A foreigner can get a CENOMAR.   In Quezon City and a couple others .. they do not accept the affidavit from the embassy... the CENOMAR is required of the foreigner.

 

Requirements to get the CENOMAR are simple

https://psa.gov.ph/civilregistration/requesting-civil-registry-document/cenomar

[nelmagriffin 156]

Greetings!

This is not updated however, it will give you some guidance. I got this from FB with a date of 2012.

 

How to Get Married in the Philippines (for foreigners)

 

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES MARRIAGE IN THE PHILIPPINES

 

Any foreigner who wishes to marry in the Philippines is required by the Philippine Government to obtain from his/her Embassy a "Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage" before filing an application for a marriage license.

 

The Government also accepts an "Affidavit in lieu of a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage." The U.S. citizen must, execute this affidavit at the American Embassy in Manila by Obtaining a Legal Capacity to Marry in Embassy Manila are by appointment only.,or at the Consular Agency in Cebu Monday through Friday 9:00am – 11:00am no appointment needed.

 

The American must present his/her U.S. passport, and there is a fee of U.S. $50.00 for executing the affidavit. Philippine authorities will not accept any substitute document initiated in the United States.

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  

Execution of the affidavit is a notarial act by the U.S. consular officer and, as such, the consular officer is authorized by Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 92.9b, to refuse to perform the service if the document in connection with which the notarial act is requested will be used for a purpose patently unlawful, improper, or inimical to the best interests of the United States.

 

Entering into a marriage contract with an alien strictly for the purpose of immigration to the United States for that individual is considered an unlawful act. Section 4221 of Title 22 United States Code provides penalties for individuals who commit perjury in an affidavit taken by a consular officer.

 

THE MARRIAGE APPLICATION PROCESS

Once an American citizen has obtained from the Embassy an "Affidavit in Lieu of a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage," he/she can file an application for a marriage license at the office of the Philippine Civil Registrar in the town or city where one of the parties is a resident.

 

The U.S. Citizen applicant will need to present: (A) the affidavit, (B) divorce decrees or death certificate(s) required to verify civil status and legal capacity to contract marriage, (C) U.S. passport, and (D)documentation regarding parental consent or advice, if applicable.

 

(Marriage applicants aged 18 to 21 must have written parental consent. Those aged 22 to 24 must have received parental advice.)

 

Philippine law prohibits marriage for individuals under the age of 18. A judge, a minister or other person authorized by the Government of the Philippines can perform the marriage.

 

Marriage to a U.S. citizen confers neither citizenship nor an automatic eligibility for entry to the United States. An immigrant visa is required for a foreign spouse to live in the United States.

 

 

Questions about filing an immigrant visa petition to bring a foreign spouse to the United States should be directed to the nearest office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the State Department's Visa Office             (202) 663-1225       or, while in the Philippines, to the U.S. Embassy immigrant visa unit in Manila.

 

FilAm Immigrations resources for: Fiancee Immigration, Marriage Immigration, Spouse Immigration, I-130 Spouse, Sponsorship Immigration, Immigration Services USA, Visa Immigration, Marriage Visas, USCIS Interview, USCIS Spouse,

 

How to Get Married in the Philippines

 

Getting married in the Philippines requires some preparation. Whether you are an alien or a local, you need to meet certain requirements. After you get your marriage license, you can have either a civil wedding or a church wedding, or both. Either would be legally binding under Philippine law.

Instructions | Step-by-step process

 

• Step 1

Get a certificate of legal capacity to marry. If you are a foreigner, you can provide either a certificate of singleness or – if this isn't available in your country – an affidavit that affirms your freedom to marry. Visit your country's embassy to execute the affidavit. Do so in person (though your fiance/e doesn't have to be present). Bring your passport for identification. A fee may be required.

 

• Step 2

Get a statement of no objection from your embassy. The Philippines requires a "green light" from the foreigner's country before he or she can marry. To obtain a statement of no objection, visit your embassy and ask for one. Each embassy will have its own procedure and requirements.

 

• Step 3

Get parental consent and/or advice. Ask your parents for written advice and/or consent. If either party is between 18 to 21 years old, parental consent is required. If either party is between 21 to 25 years old, parental advice is required. This can be waived if the parents appear in person at the ceremony and give their blessing.

 

• Step 4

Get a certificate of singleness for the Filipino fiance(e). Request for a Certificate of No Marriage or CERNOMAR from either the National Statistics Office or the e-Census web site. A CERNOMAR is proof that there is no record of marriage for the Filipino citizen who intends to get married. Visit a National Statistics Office or order online. In addition, get statements from two persons not related to the Filipino citizen, stating he or she is unmarried.

 

• Step 5

Apply for a marriage license. Go to the Local Civil Registrar in the city or town where either of the contracting parties lives. When applying for the license, submit your birth certificates, your affidavit of legal capacity to contract marriage, your partner's CERNOMAR, your passport, divorce certificate (if applicable), death certificate (of previous spouse, if applicable), and letter(s) of parental consent or advice (if applicable). Wait for 10 days, during which a notice will be posted. After 10 days, get your marriage license. It should be valid for 120 days anywhere in the Philippines.

 

• Step 6

Schedule for a marriage ceremony. You can have either a religious or a civil wedding. Either would be legal under Philippine law. Show your marriage license. You may be interviewed. Schedule for an appointment date. Your marriage can be solemnized by a religious figure such as a priest or rabbi, a judge, or a mayor.

 

• Military personnel may need permission from the military.

One contracting party must be a Filipino citizen. Two foreigners cannot marry in the country. If you are both foreigners in the Philippines and you wish to marry, contact your embassy. A consul may be authorized by law to solemnize the marriage.

 

 

Instructions | Step-by-step process

The Internet, affordable travel and military service are making it easier than ever before for people from all over the world to meet, fall in love and get married. Problems arise, however, when people from two different countries want to get married. So what if you are a U.S. resident and you wish to get married in the Philippines? The requirements for getting a marriage license in the Philippines are not necessary difficult, but they can be time consuming if not properly planned for.

 

 

Things You'll Need: 

• Proof of citizenship in the United States  
• Evidence that previous marriages are terminated (if necessary)  
• Parental consent (if under the age of 18)  
• Military approval (if either member of the couple is an active member of the military)  
• Birth certificate of the individual residing in the Philippines  

1. Step 1

Visit the U.S. Embassy in Manila or the U.S. Consulate in Cebu City and request to see a consular officer.

 

1. Step 2

Complete the "Affidavit in Lieu of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage." This form states there is no reason why you cannot be married and will then be sworn by an American consular officer. The charge for notarizing this document is $10. The bride or groom residing in the United States must have this form completed.

 

1. Step 3

Visit the Local Civil Registrar in the location where the bridge or groom living in the Philippines lives.

 

1. Step 4

Apply for the marriage license at the Local Civil Registrar. The resident of the Philippines will need to bring the affidavit obtained by the U.S. resident, documentation proving any previous marriages were terminated, the birth certificate or proof of residency for the resident of the Philippines and consent from the parents if either the bride or groom is under 18 years of age.

 

1. Step 5

Observe the 10-day waiting period and then return to the Local Civil Registrar to obtain your marriage license.

 

1. Step 6

Take your marriage license to a judge, priest or other authorized party within 120 days of issuance. The license can be used anywhere in the Philippines, not only in the township where it was authorized.

•  

If a U.S. citizen marries a non-U.S. citizen the non-U.S. citizen will not be able to get a non-immigrant visitor visa in order to enter the United States because the marriage automatically defines him as an alien who intends to apply for citizenship.

[RO_AH 1,667]

17 hours ago, nelmagriffin said:

• Step 2

Get a statement of no objection from your embassy. The Philippines requires a "green light" from the foreigner's country before he or she can marry. To obtain a statement of no objection, visit your embassy and ask for one. Each embassy will have its own procedure and requirements.

I have never heard of this and I did not need it to get married.

[Hank_ 9,174]

42 minutes ago, RO_AH said:

I have never heard of this and I did not need it to get married.

That info is something like 6 years old ...    

[nelmagriffin 156]

Greetings!

As I mentioned it was not updated and it has a date of 2011. We also did not need what was required in number two as the certificate of legal capacity to marry were sufficient. However, I did not remove it as I was not the original writer for this guidance.

My best regards,

NELMA

[bellashay 14]

As RO_AH  mentioned it primarily depends on your municipality. In Las Piñas, Metro Manila where we applied for a marriage license I remember providing both of our birth certificates, both of our CENOMAR (he's a US citizen but I was still able to get one for him), Affidavit In Lieu of Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry from the US Embassy, cedula, and parental advise from my parents. I was 24 at the time and this was required in Las Piñas City. It was a document that my parents simply had to sign.

 

We also filled out an application form 4 times. Initially we wanted to have a civil wedding/ courthouse wedding, but the municipal clerk advised us that it'd be better (and quicker) to have an ordained minister officiate the ceremony as my husband is "Christian." In hindsight, I think she just wanted some commission for herself as the ordained minister's fee is considerably more expensive than getting married by a judge. But oh well.. anyway the clerk's office also processed the marriage certificate and endorsed them to NSO/ PSA for an additional fee, of course  

[j&ana 380]

Me and my wife got married in Bohol in May 2015 at her parents house. We got the marriage license in manila it was easier to get it there since my wife was living in manila at the time. The Mayor of her town married us at my wife parents house.

 

 It was a fairly easy process.. just remember you will have to wait 10 days after the marriage license is issue before you can marry. so make sure you have enough time if your fiancé is visiting you  for that purpose.

Philippine Law requires non-Filipino citizens to obtain a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry if they wish to marry in the Philippines. The U.S embassy can not issue a certificate of legal Capacity to Marry. Instead a U.S citizen is issue an Affidavit In Lieu of Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry. You can get one at the embassy in Manila or Cebu . To get one in Manila you will need to schedule an appointment online at the U. S Manila website. I

I think you can just walk in without an appointment in Cebu. After you receive the Affidavit. You  and your fiancé can apply for the marriage License. The only other Items you will need is your passport and any divorce records if you have been previously married. and  documentation regarding parental consent or advice, if applicable.

For the Pinay she will need copy of the NSO birth certificate ,  a CENOMAR.

 also she will need a Community Tax Certificate or ,Barangay Clearance .At least 2 valid IDs. Recent 1 x 1 photo (colored or black and white).

 

Also if either one is  25 or under. Either a  Affidavit of parental consent or advice is needed. The legal age for marriage in the Philippines is 18. If either of you are between the ages 18 and 21, a consent from the father, mother, surviving parent or guardian should be obtained. On the other hand, if either of you are between the age of 22 and 25, a written parental advice indicating that your parents are aware of your intent to marry will be required. You can come with your parents during application or just bring a notarized letter of consent/advice.

 

You also may be require to attend a Pre-marriage counseling from the Church (DSWD for civil marriages) and Family planning and Responsible Parenthood Seminar from your Municipal’s Office

 

Once the marriage license is approve. There is a 10 days waiting period for the license to be issue. After it is issue it is good for 120 days and good for any where in the Philippines. One thing to take note of  is that you will want to ask the Local civil registrar where you get married to expedite the marriage certificate to the NSO now know as the (PSA.)  In the Philippines all civil records are sent a central location know as PSA .You will need two copies of the marriage certificate from the PSA , not a copy from the local civil registrar office. for the visa Process. One for USCIS and one for the NVC part. Your wife will also need to bring original copy to interview

 

Getting married was not that expensive it depends on how big of a civil wedding  you want. There was a about 20 people at my wife parents house for me and my wife wedding  

good luck

 

 

Edited February 1, 2018 by j&ana

[BB Family 299]

8 hours ago, j&ana said:

Me and my wife got married in Bohol in May 2015 at her parents house. We got the marriage license in manila it was easier to get it there since my wife was living in manila at the time. The Mayor of her town married us at my wife parents house.

 

 It was a fairly easy process.. just remember you will have to wait 10 days after the marriage license is issue before you can marry. so make sure you have enough time if your fiancé is visiting you  for that purpose.

Philippine Law requires non-Filipino citizens to obtain a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry if they wish to marry in the Philippines. The U.S embassy can not issue a certificate of legal Capacity to Marry. Instead a U.S citizen is issue an Affidavit In Lieu of Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry. You can get one at the embassy in Manila or Cebu . To get one in Manila you will need to schedule an appointment online at the U. S Manila website. I

I think you can just walk in without an appointment in Cebu. After you receive the Affidavit. You  and your fiancé can apply for the marriage License. The only other Items you will need is your passport and any divorce records if you have been previously married. and  documentation regarding parental consent or advice, if applicable.

For the Pinay she will need copy of the NSO birth certificate ,  a CENOMAR.

 also she will need a Community Tax Certificate or ,Barangay Clearance .At least 2 valid IDs. Recent 1 x 1 photo (colored or black and white).

 

Also if either one is  25 or under. Either a  Affidavit of parental consent or advice is needed. The legal age for marriage in the Philippines is 18. If either of you are between the ages 18 and 21, a consent from the father, mother, surviving parent or guardian should be obtained. On the other hand, if either of you are between the age of 22 and 25, a written parental advice indicating that your parents are aware of your intent to marry will be required. You can come with your parents during application or just bring a notarized letter of consent/advice.

 

You also may be require to attend a Pre-marriage counseling from the Church (DSWD for civil marriages) and Family planning and Responsible Parenthood Seminar from your Municipal’s Office

 

Once the marriage license is approve. There is a 10 days waiting period for the license to be issue. After it is issue it is good for 120 days and good for any where in the Philippines. One thing to take note of  is that you will want to ask the Local civil registrar where you get married to expedite the marriage certificate to the NSO now know as the (PSA.)  In the Philippines all civil records are sent a central location know as PSA .You will need two copies of the marriage certificate from the PSA , not a copy from the local civil registrar office. for the visa Process. One for USCIS and one for the NVC part. Your wife will also need to bring original copy to interview

 

Getting married was not that expensive it depends on how big of a civil wedding  you want. There was a about 20 people at my wife parents house for me and my wife wedding  

good luck

 

 

I have no problem bringing my divorce paperwork, but I'm just wondering, what proof does anyone have at the embassy or other wise that you were ever married? And for people with more than one divorce, would they need to take all their divorce decrees or just the most recent?

You also mentioned the wedding taking place at your wifes house, if its civil wedding, how can you do it outside of the court? Sorry if that's dumb question. I just assumed civil was by a judge in the Municipals office. Thanks again for your reply, it was a great help.

[jskibo 588]

6 hours ago, Barker Family said:

I have no problem bringing my divorce paperwork, but I'm just wondering, what proof does anyone have at the embassy or other wise that you were ever married? And for people with more than one divorce, would they need to take all their divorce decrees or just the most recent?

You also mentioned the wedding taking place at your wifes house, if its civil wedding, how can you do it outside of the court? Sorry if that's dumb question. I just assumed civil was by a judge in the Municipals office. Thanks again for your reply, it was a great help.

I brought all my multiple divorce documents to the embassy, they looked at none.  Only had me fill out the form, pay and swear that what I wrote was true.

 

As for civil weddings, the vice mayor married us at a neighborhood pavilion.  

I guess he thought it was a campaign speech as he talked forever.......

[Hank_ 9,174]

42 minutes ago, jskibo said:

I brought all my multiple divorce documents to the embassy, they looked at none.  Only had me fill out the form, pay and swear that what I wrote was true.

 

As for civil weddings, the vice mayor married us at a neighborhood pavilion.  

I guess he thought it was a campaign speech as he talked forever.......

I can believe that, the embassy isn't verifying anything... they are simply acknowledging your signature on an affidavit... sort of like a notary.   And I am sure that is why a few city refuse to accept the affidavit and require a CENOMAR from the USC.

[j&ana 380]

Quote

 

I am not sure who will show the divorce papers to when you are getting marry, or If they will know  But if you are planning on getting a  CR-1 visa for your wife I am pretty sure  USCIS and NVC will know

Me and my wife got married in Pres Garcia Bohol  at her parents house  by the mayor. Her parents ask  him if he could marry us, and invited him to our wedding celebration.

You do not have to get married only in the courthouse for a civil wedding it can take place anywhere as long as the person who is marrying you is authorize to

[BB Family 299]

16 hours ago, j&ana said:

I am not sure who will show the divorce papers to when you are getting marry, or If they will know  But if you are planning on getting a  CR-1 visa for your wife I am pretty sure  USCIS and NVC will know

Me and my wife got married in Pres Garcia Bohol  at her parents house  by the mayor. Her parents ask  him if he could marry us, and invited him to our wedding celebration.

You do not have to get married only in the courthouse for a civil wedding it can take place anywhere as long as the person who is marrying you is authorize to

Yes, ill definitely have that evidence ready for USCIS and NVC. Just wasn't sure about having all of it in the Philippines. But ill take it just in case. Better to have it and not need it than need it an not have it. We will probably do something similar just using an official like that. Did any one use a Priest or Preacher? I'm not catholic so I'm confident a priest wont do it.. but any one experience getting a pastor? Thanks again for all the good reply's I appreciate all the information.