How to Get Married in the Philippines — Civil & Church Wedding (2026 Guide)
Paano Magpakasal sa Pilipinas — Civil at Church Wedding (2026 Gabay)
Quick Summary
Mabilis na Buod
Table of Contents
- Civil vs Church Wedding — What's the Difference?
- What You Need (Marriage License Requirements)
- Step-by-Step: Getting Your Marriage License
- Civil Wedding Process
- Church Wedding Process
- Wedding Budget & Common Suppliers
- After the Wedding: PSA Certificate & Name Change
- Pro Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
Talaan ng Nilalaman
- Civil vs Church Wedding — Ano ang Pagkakaiba?
- Mga Kakailanganin Mo (Mga Kinakailangan sa Marriage License)
- Hakbang-Hakbang: Pagkuha ng Marriage License
- Proseso ng Civil Wedding
- Proseso ng Church Wedding
- Wedding Budget at Karaniwang mga Supplier
- Pagkatapos ng Kasal: PSA Certificate at Pagpapalit ng Pangalan
- Mga Payo
- Mga Madalas Itanong
Civil vs Church Wedding — What's the Difference?
Civil vs Church Wedding — Ano ang Pagkakaiba?
In the Philippines, there are two main types of wedding ceremonies, and both are legally recognized:
- Civil Wedding — Performed by a judge, mayor, or any authorized solemnizing officer at a court, city hall, or municipal hall. It's simpler, faster, and more affordable. The marriage license is the primary document needed.
- Church Wedding (Religious Ceremony) — Performed by a priest, pastor, imam, or other religious official in a church, chapel, or place of worship. Requires additional church-specific documents and pre-marriage seminars. Most Filipino couples choose a church wedding.
Both types require a marriage license issued by the local civil registrar. The key difference is that a church wedding has additional requirements from the parish or religious organization on top of the civil requirements.
Important: A marriage license is valid for 120 days from the date of issuance. The wedding ceremony must take place within this period, or you'll need to apply for a new license.
Sa Pilipinas, may dalawang pangunahing uri ng seremonya ng kasal, at parehong legal na kinikilala:
- Civil Wedding — Isinasagawa ng judge, mayor, o kahit sinong authorized na solemnizing officer sa korte, city hall, o municipal hall. Ito ay mas simple, mabilis, at mas abot-kaya. Ang marriage license ang pangunahing dokumentong kailangan.
- Church Wedding (Relihiyosong Seremonya) — Isinasagawa ng pari, pastor, imam, o ibang opisyal ng relihiyon sa simbahan, chapel, o lugar ng pagsamba. Nangangailangan ng karagdagang mga dokumentong partikular sa simbahan at pre-marriage seminars. Karamihan ng mga Pilipinong mag-asawa ang pumipili ng church wedding.
Parehong uri ang nangangailangan ng marriage license na inilabas ng local civil registrar. Ang pangunahing pagkakaiba ay ang church wedding ay may mga karagdagang kinakailangan mula sa parokya o relihiyosong organisasyon bukod pa sa mga civil requirements.
Mahalaga: Ang marriage license ay valid sa loob ng 120 araw mula sa petsa ng pag-isyu. Ang seremonya ng kasal ay dapat maganap sa loob ng panahong ito, o kailangan mong mag-apply ulit para sa bagong lisensya.
What You Need (Marriage License Requirements)
- PSA Birth Certificate — Original copy for both the bride and groom. Must be issued by PSA (not local civil registrar copy). See our PSA Birth Certificate guide
- Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) — Also called "Certificate of No Record of Marriage," issued by PSA. Proves you are currently single and legally free to marry. Valid for 6 months from date of issuance
- Valid government-issued IDs — At least 1 valid ID each (Philippine National ID, passport, driver's license, UMID, etc.). See our National ID guide
- Community Tax Certificate (Cedula) — Obtainable from your city or municipal hall. Costs around P5-P50
- Pre-Marriage Counseling Certificate — Must attend a marriage counseling seminar conducted by an LGU-accredited provider. Usually a half-day to full-day session
- Marriage License Application Form — Filled out at the local civil registrar's office where either the bride or groom resides
- Parental Consent (if 18-20 years old) — Written consent from parents or legal guardian, signed in person at the civil registrar
- Parental Advice (if 21-25 years old) — Written advice from parents or guardian. Not a requirement to proceed, but must be on file
- 2x2 or 1x1 ID Photos — Recent photos of both parties (requirements vary by LGU)
Mga Kakailanganin Mo (Mga Kinakailangan sa Marriage License)
- PSA Birth Certificate — Original na kopya para sa parehong bride at groom. Dapat inilabas ng PSA (hindi local civil registrar copy). Tingnan ang aming gabay sa PSA Birth Certificate
- Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) — Tinatawag ding "Certificate of No Record of Marriage," inilalabas ng PSA. Nagpapatunay na single ka at legal na malayang magpakasal. Valid sa loob ng 6 na buwan mula sa petsa ng pag-isyu
- Valid na government-issued IDs — Hindi bababa sa 1 valid ID bawat isa (Philippine National ID, passport, driver's license, UMID, atbp.). Tingnan ang aming gabay sa National ID
- Community Tax Certificate (Cedula) — Maaaring makuha sa iyong city o municipal hall. Nagkakahalaga ng mga P5-P50
- Pre-Marriage Counseling Certificate — Kailangang dumalo sa marriage counseling seminar na isinasagawa ng LGU-accredited provider. Karaniwang kalahating araw hanggang buong araw na session
- Marriage License Application Form — Pupunuin sa local civil registrar's office kung saan naninirahan ang bride o groom
- Parental Consent (kung 18-20 taong gulang) — Nakasulat na pahintulot mula sa mga magulang o legal guardian, na pipirmahan nang personal sa civil registrar
- Parental Advice (kung 21-25 taong gulang) — Nakasulat na payo mula sa mga magulang o guardian. Hindi kinakailangan para magpatuloy, pero dapat nasa file
- 2x2 o 1x1 ID Photos — Mga kamakailang litrato ng parehong partido (iba-iba ang kinakailangan sa bawat LGU)
Step-by-Step: Getting Your Marriage License
Hakbang-Hakbang: Pagkuha ng Marriage License
-
Get Your PSA Birth Certificate and CENOMAR
Order your PSA Birth Certificate and CENOMAR online through PSAHelpline.ph or visit a PSA Serbilis Center. The CENOMAR takes about 5-8 business days for delivery. Both the bride and groom need their own copies.
The CENOMAR costs around P210-P420 depending on delivery option. Make sure to order early as it has a 6-month validity period. If you were previously married and your spouse passed away, you'll need a Death Certificate instead of a CENOMAR. If you had a marriage annulled, bring the Court Order of Annulment and annotated marriage certificate.
-
Attend Pre-Marriage Counseling Seminar
Both the bride and groom must attend a Pre-Marriage Counseling (PMC) seminar together. This is required by law under the Family Code of the Philippines (Article 16). The seminar covers:
- Responsible parenthood and family planning
- Financial management for married couples
- Rights and obligations under Philippine marriage law
- Conflict resolution and communication in marriage
The seminar is usually conducted by the local population office or social welfare office and costs around P100-P300 per couple. Sessions are typically held on specific days (usually weekdays), so schedule in advance. After completing the seminar, you'll receive a Pre-Marriage Counseling Certificate.
-
Go to the Local Civil Registrar's Office
Visit the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) office in the city or municipality where either the bride or groom resides. Bring all your documents:
- PSA Birth Certificates (both)
- CENOMAR (both)
- Valid IDs (both)
- Community Tax Certificate / Cedula (both)
- Pre-Marriage Counseling Certificate
- ID photos
- Parental Consent or Advice (if applicable)
Both the bride and groom should appear in person together. Fill out the Marriage License Application Form at the office. You'll be asked to provide details about your parents, your place of birth, and your intended wedding date and venue.
-
Kunin ang Iyong PSA Birth Certificate at CENOMAR
Umorder ng PSA Birth Certificate at CENOMAR online sa PSAHelpline.ph o bumisita sa PSA Serbilis Center. Ang CENOMAR ay tumatagal ng mga 5-8 business days para sa delivery. Pareho ang bride at groom na kailangan ng kanya-kanyang kopya.
Ang CENOMAR ay nagkakahalaga ng mga P210-P420 depende sa delivery option. Siguraduhing mag-order nang maaga dahil may 6 na buwang validity period ito. Kung dati kang kasal at namatay ang iyong asawa, kailangan mo ng Death Certificate sa halip na CENOMAR. Kung na-annul ang kasal mo, dalhin ang Court Order of Annulment at annotated marriage certificate.
-
Dumalo sa Pre-Marriage Counseling Seminar
Pareho ang bride at groom na kailangang dumalo sa Pre-Marriage Counseling (PMC) seminar nang magkasama. Ito ay kinakailangan ng batas sa ilalim ng Family Code of the Philippines (Article 16). Saklaw ng seminar ang:
- Responsableng pagiging magulang at family planning
- Financial management para sa mga mag-asawa
- Mga karapatan at obligasyon sa ilalim ng Philippine marriage law
- Conflict resolution at komunikasyon sa kasal
Ang seminar ay karaniwang isinasagawa ng local population office o social welfare office at nagkakahalaga ng mga P100-P300 bawat mag-asawa. Ang mga session ay karaniwang ginaganap sa mga partikular na araw (karaniwang weekdays), kaya mag-schedule nang maaga. Pagkatapos makumpleto ang seminar, makakatanggap kayo ng Pre-Marriage Counseling Certificate.
-
Pumunta sa Local Civil Registrar's Office
Bisitahin ang Local Civil Registrar (LCR) office sa lungsod o munisipalidad kung saan naninirahan ang bride o groom. Dalhin ang lahat ng iyong mga dokumento:
- PSA Birth Certificates (pareho)
- CENOMAR (pareho)
- Valid IDs (pareho)
- Community Tax Certificate / Cedula (pareho)
- Pre-Marriage Counseling Certificate
- ID photos
- Parental Consent o Advice (kung naaangkop)
Pareho ang bride at groom na dapat magpakita nang personal nang magkasama. Punan ang Marriage License Application Form sa opisina. Hihilingin sa inyo na ibigay ang mga detalye tungkol sa inyong mga magulang, lugar ng kapanganakan, at nilalayong petsa at lugar ng kasal.
-
Pay the Marriage License Fees
Pay the required fees at the LCR's cashier window. Fees vary by LGU but typically include:
- Marriage License fee: P200-P500
- Application form: P50-P100
- Posting/publication fee: P100-P200
- Other miscellaneous fees: P50-P200
Total cost is usually between P500 and P1,500 depending on the LGU. Keep all your official receipts as you'll need them when claiming your marriage license.
-
Wait for the 10-Day Posting Period
After your application is filed, the local civil registrar will post your marriage license application in a conspicuous place (usually the LCR bulletin board) for 10 consecutive days. This is a legal requirement under the Family Code to allow anyone with a legal impediment to object to the marriage.
During this posting period, your application is reviewed and processed. There's nothing you need to do during this time — just wait. After the 10 days, if no objections are filed, your marriage license will be released and ready for pickup.
-
Claim Your Marriage License
Return to the LCR office after the posting period to pick up your marriage license. Both the bride and groom may need to be present (varies by LGU). Bring your official receipts and a valid ID.
Your marriage license is valid for 120 days from the date of issuance. The wedding ceremony must be performed within this period. If the license expires before the wedding, you'll need to reapply and pay the fees again.
-
Bayaran ang Mga Bayarin sa Marriage License
Bayaran ang mga kinakailangang bayarin sa cashier window ng LCR. Iba-iba ang bayarin sa bawat LGU pero karaniwang kasama ang:
- Marriage License fee: P200-P500
- Application form: P50-P100
- Posting/publication fee: P100-P200
- Iba pang miscellaneous fees: P50-P200
Ang kabuuang gastos ay karaniwang nasa pagitan ng P500 at P1,500 depende sa LGU. Itabi ang lahat ng opisyal na resibo dahil kakailanganin mo ang mga ito kapag kinu-claim ang marriage license mo.
-
Hintayin ang 10-Araw na Posting Period
Pagkatapos mai-file ang iyong application, ipo-post ng local civil registrar ang iyong marriage license application sa isang kapansin-pansing lugar (karaniwang LCR bulletin board) sa loob ng 10 magkakasunod na araw. Ito ay isang legal na kinakailangan sa ilalim ng Family Code upang payagan ang sinumang may legal na impediment na tumutol sa kasal.
Sa panahon ng posting period na ito, sinusuri at pinoproseso ang iyong application. Wala kang kailangang gawin sa panahong ito — maghintay lang. Pagkatapos ng 10 araw, kung walang pagtutol na inihain, ang marriage license mo ay ire-release at handa nang kunin.
-
Kunin ang Iyong Marriage License
Bumalik sa LCR office pagkatapos ng posting period para kunin ang iyong marriage license. Pareho ang bride at groom na maaaring kailanganing magpakita (iba-iba sa bawat LGU). Dalhin ang mga opisyal na resibo at valid ID.
Ang marriage license mo ay valid sa loob ng 120 araw mula sa petsa ng pag-isyu. Ang seremonya ng kasal ay dapat isagawa sa loob ng panahong ito. Kung mag-expire ang lisensya bago ang kasal, kailangan mong mag-apply ulit at bayarang muli ang mga bayarin.
Civil Wedding Process
Proseso ng Civil Wedding
A civil wedding is the most straightforward way to get legally married in the Philippines. Here's what to expect:
Where It's Held
Civil weddings are typically performed at the municipal or city hall, in the judge's chambers, or at an authorized location. Some LGUs have a dedicated wedding room. A judge, mayor, or any person authorized by law can officiate.
What to Bring
- Marriage License (original)
- Valid IDs for both bride and groom
- Two witnesses (must be of legal age, with valid IDs)
- Payment for the solemnizing officer's fee (P300-P1,000)
The Ceremony
The civil ceremony is simple and typically takes 15-30 minutes. The judge or mayor reads the marriage vows, both parties say "I do," exchange rings (optional but common), and sign the marriage certificate together with the witnesses. No religious elements are included unless requested.
Cost
A civil wedding typically costs P300-P2,000 for the ceremony itself (solemnizing officer's fee). Some LGUs offer free mass weddings during special events like Valentine's Day, Kasalan ng Bayan, or during the city's founding anniversary. Check with your LGU for upcoming schedules.
Ang civil wedding ang pinaka-diretso na paraan para legal na magpakasal sa Pilipinas. Ito ang maaasahan mo:
Kung Saan Ginaganap
Ang mga civil wedding ay karaniwang isinasagawa sa municipal o city hall, sa chambers ng judge, o sa isang authorized na lokasyon. May mga LGU na may dedicated na wedding room. Ang judge, mayor, o sinumang taong awtorisado ng batas ay maaaring mag-officiate.
Ano ang Dapat Dalhin
- Marriage License (original)
- Valid IDs para sa parehong bride at groom
- Dalawang saksi (dapat nasa legal age, may valid IDs)
- Bayad para sa solemnizing officer's fee (P300-P1,000)
Ang Seremonya
Ang civil ceremony ay simple at karaniwang tumatagal ng 15-30 minuto. Binabasa ng judge o mayor ang marriage vows, parehong sinasabi ng mga partido ang "I do," nagpapalitan ng singsing (opsyonal pero karaniwan), at pinipirmahan ang marriage certificate kasama ang mga saksi. Walang kasamang relihiyosong elemento maliban kung hiniling.
Gastos
Ang civil wedding ay karaniwang nagkakahalaga ng P300-P2,000 para sa mismong seremonya (solemnizing officer's fee). May mga LGU na nag-o-offer ng libreng mass wedding sa mga espesyal na okasyon tulad ng Valentine's Day, Kasalan ng Bayan, o sa anibersaryo ng pagkakatatag ng lungsod. I-check sa inyong LGU ang mga paparating na schedule.
Church Wedding Process
Proseso ng Church Wedding
Most Filipino couples choose a church wedding (Catholic or Christian). In addition to the civil requirements, here's what you'll need and what to expect:
Additional Church Requirements
- Baptismal Certificate — Recent copy (issued within the last 6 months) from your parish of baptism. Must have a notation "for marriage purposes"
- Confirmation Certificate — Proof that you've received the Sacrament of Confirmation. If you haven't been confirmed, some parishes allow confirmation before the wedding
- Pre-Cana Seminar Certificate — A church-run marriage preparation program separate from the government PMC. Covers Catholic teachings on marriage, family planning (NFP), communication, and sacramental preparation. Usually 1-2 days
- Canonical Interview — The parish priest will interview both parties separately and together to ensure there are no impediments to marriage
- Publication of Banns — The church will announce your upcoming wedding during three consecutive Sunday masses. If the bride and groom are from different parishes, banns are published in both
- Marriage License — The same license from the LCR (civil requirement)
- Permit to Marry (if from another parish) — If you're getting married in a parish other than your own, you'll need a permit from your parish priest
Timeline
Start your church preparation at least 4-6 months before the wedding date. Many popular churches require booking 6-12 months in advance, especially for Saturday ceremonies. The parish will provide a timeline of all requirements and deadlines.
Church Wedding Costs
- Church fee (stipend/donation): P5,000-P30,000+ depending on the church and package
- Pre-Cana seminar: P500-P2,000 per couple
- Flower arrangements (church): P5,000-P20,000+
- Musicians/choir: P3,000-P15,000
Karamihan ng mga Pilipinong mag-asawa ang pumipili ng church wedding (Katoliko o Kristiyano). Bukod sa mga civil requirements, ito ang mga kakailanganin at maaasahan mo:
Karagdagang Mga Kinakailangan ng Simbahan
- Baptismal Certificate — Kamakailang kopya (inilabas sa loob ng nakaraang 6 na buwan) mula sa parokya ng iyong binyag. Dapat may anotasyon na "for marriage purposes"
- Confirmation Certificate — Patunay na nakatanggap ka ng Sakramento ng Kumpil. Kung hindi ka pa naku-kumpil, pinapayagan ng ilang parokya ang kumpil bago ang kasal
- Pre-Cana Seminar Certificate — Isang church-run na programa sa paghahanda sa kasal na hiwalay sa government PMC. Saklaw ang mga turo ng Katoliko sa kasal, family planning (NFP), komunikasyon, at sakramental na paghahanda. Karaniwang 1-2 araw
- Canonical Interview — Iinterbiyuhin ng parish priest ang parehong partido nang hiwalay at magkasama upang matiyak na walang impediment sa kasal
- Publication of Banns — Iaanunsyo ng simbahan ang paparating ninyong kasal sa tatlong magkakasunod na Linggong misa. Kung magkaiba ang parokya ng bride at groom, ipapaskil ang banns sa dalawa
- Marriage License — Ang parehong lisensya mula sa LCR (civil requirement)
- Permit to Marry (kung mula sa ibang parokya) — Kung magpapakasal ka sa parokyang hindi sa iyo, kakailanganin mo ng permit mula sa iyong parish priest
Timeline
Simulan ang iyong church preparation hindi bababa sa 4-6 na buwan bago ang petsa ng kasal. Maraming sikat na simbahan ang nangangailangan ng pag-book 6-12 buwan nang maaga, lalo na para sa mga Sabadong seremonya. Magbibigay ang parokya ng timeline ng lahat ng requirements at deadlines.
Mga Gastos sa Church Wedding
- Church fee (stipend/donasyon): P5,000-P30,000+ depende sa simbahan at package
- Pre-Cana seminar: P500-P2,000 bawat mag-asawa
- Flower arrangements (simbahan): P5,000-P20,000+
- Musicians/choir: P3,000-P15,000
Wedding Budget & Common Suppliers
Wedding Budget at Karaniwang mga Supplier
Whether it's a civil or church wedding, here are the common wedding expenses and suppliers to budget for:
Typical Wedding Budget Ranges (2026)
- Venue (reception): P30,000-P300,000+ — Restaurants, function halls, garden venues, or hotel ballrooms
- Catering: P500-P2,500 per head — Buffet is most common. Budget P800-P1,200/head for mid-range
- Photography & Videography: P25,000-P150,000+ — Includes prenup shoot, same-day edit, and albums
- Flowers & Decorations: P10,000-P80,000+ — Bridal bouquet, church arrangements, reception centerpieces
- Wedding Coordinator: P15,000-P80,000+ — "Day-of" coordinators start around P15,000. Full planning is P50,000+
- Bridal Gown & Suit: P5,000-P100,000+ — Rental (P3,000-P15,000) or custom-made
- Hair & Makeup: P5,000-P30,000 — Includes trials and entourage makeup
- Invitations: P3,000-P15,000 — Digital invitations are a popular budget-friendly option
- Wedding Cake: P3,000-P25,000
- Entertainment/DJ: P8,000-P30,000
Budget-friendly tip: An intimate civil wedding with a restaurant reception can be done for under P50,000-P100,000 total. A mid-range church wedding with 100-150 guests typically costs P200,000-P500,000. Grand weddings with 200+ guests can exceed P1 million.
Civil man o church wedding, ito ang mga karaniwang gastos at supplier na dapat i-budget:
Karaniwang Wedding Budget Ranges (2026)
- Venue (reception): P30,000-P300,000+ — Mga restaurant, function hall, garden venue, o hotel ballroom
- Catering: P500-P2,500 bawat tao — Buffet ang pinakakaraniwan. Mag-budget ng P800-P1,200/tao para sa mid-range
- Photography at Videography: P25,000-P150,000+ — Kasama ang prenup shoot, same-day edit, at albums
- Flowers at Decorations: P10,000-P80,000+ — Bridal bouquet, church arrangements, reception centerpieces
- Wedding Coordinator: P15,000-P80,000+ — Ang mga "day-of" coordinator ay nagsisimula sa mga P15,000. Ang full planning ay P50,000+
- Bridal Gown at Suit: P5,000-P100,000+ — Paupa (P3,000-P15,000) o custom-made
- Hair at Makeup: P5,000-P30,000 — Kasama ang mga trial at entourage makeup
- Invitations: P3,000-P15,000 — Ang mga digital invitation ay sikat na budget-friendly na opsyon
- Wedding Cake: P3,000-P25,000
- Entertainment/DJ: P8,000-P30,000
Budget-friendly tip: Ang intimate na civil wedding na may restaurant reception ay maaaring magawa sa ilalim ng P50,000-P100,000 kabuuan. Ang mid-range na church wedding na may 100-150 guests ay karaniwang nagkakahalaga ng P200,000-P500,000. Ang mga grand wedding na may 200+ guests ay maaaring lumampas sa P1 milyon.
After the Wedding: PSA Certificate & Name Change
Pagkatapos ng Kasal: PSA Certificate at Pagpapalit ng Pangalan
PSA Marriage Certificate
After the wedding, the solemnizing officer submits the signed Marriage Certificate to the local civil registrar, who then forwards it to PSA. Your PSA-authenticated marriage certificate becomes available approximately 2-3 months after the wedding.
You can request a copy from PSAHelpline.ph or visit a PSA Serbilis Center. The PSA marriage certificate is the official document you'll need for all post-wedding transactions.
Name Change After Marriage (for the Spouse Taking a New Surname)
If you're adopting your spouse's surname, you'll need to update your records with the following agencies. The PSA marriage certificate is your primary supporting document for all of these:
- SSS — Visit any SSS branch or update online via My.SSS portal. Bring PSA marriage certificate + valid ID. See our SSS guide
- PhilHealth — Visit a PhilHealth office or update via the PhilHealth Member Portal. Bring PSA marriage certificate + PhilHealth ID/MDR. See our PhilHealth guide
- Pag-IBIG — Visit a Pag-IBIG branch or update via the Virtual Pag-IBIG portal. Bring PSA marriage certificate + Pag-IBIG MID number. See our Pag-IBIG guide
- Passport — Apply for a new passport at DFA with your married name. This is essentially a new application. Bring PSA marriage certificate + PSA birth certificate + old passport. See our Passport guide
- Driver's License — Visit any LTO branch for a change of name/status. Bring PSA marriage certificate + current driver's license + valid ID. See our Driver's License guide
- BIR / TIN — Update your TIN record at your RDO (Revenue District Office). File BIR Form 1905 with PSA marriage certificate. See our TIN guide
- Employer / Company HR — Submit PSA marriage certificate to update payroll records, tax status (change to "married"), and benefits
- Bank accounts — Visit your bank branch with PSA marriage certificate and valid ID to update your name on accounts
- Voter's Registration — Update at COMELEC during registration periods
Tip: Start with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG first since these can mostly be done online. The passport and driver's license updates require in-person visits and take the longest.
PSA Marriage Certificate
Pagkatapos ng kasal, isinusumite ng solemnizing officer ang nilagdaang Marriage Certificate sa local civil registrar, na siya namang nagpapadala nito sa PSA. Ang iyong PSA-authenticated na marriage certificate ay magiging available mga 2-3 buwan pagkatapos ng kasal.
Maaari kang humiling ng kopya sa PSAHelpline.ph o bumisita sa PSA Serbilis Center. Ang PSA marriage certificate ang opisyal na dokumento na kakailanganin mo para sa lahat ng post-wedding transactions.
Pagpapalit ng Pangalan Pagkatapos ng Kasal (para sa Asawang Gagamit ng Bagong Apelyido)
Kung gagamitin mo ang apelyido ng asawa mo, kailangan mong i-update ang iyong mga record sa mga sumusunod na ahensya. Ang PSA marriage certificate ang pangunahing supporting document mo para sa lahat ng ito:
- SSS — Bumisita sa kahit anong SSS branch o mag-update online sa My.SSS portal. Dalhin ang PSA marriage certificate + valid ID. Tingnan ang aming gabay sa SSS
- PhilHealth — Bumisita sa PhilHealth office o mag-update sa PhilHealth Member Portal. Dalhin ang PSA marriage certificate + PhilHealth ID/MDR. Tingnan ang aming gabay sa PhilHealth
- Pag-IBIG — Bumisita sa Pag-IBIG branch o mag-update sa Virtual Pag-IBIG portal. Dalhin ang PSA marriage certificate + Pag-IBIG MID number. Tingnan ang aming gabay sa Pag-IBIG
- Passport — Mag-apply para sa bagong passport sa DFA gamit ang married name mo. Ito ay essentially isang bagong application. Dalhin ang PSA marriage certificate + PSA birth certificate + lumang passport. Tingnan ang aming gabay sa Passport
- Driver's License — Bumisita sa kahit anong LTO branch para sa change of name/status. Dalhin ang PSA marriage certificate + kasalukuyang driver's license + valid ID. Tingnan ang aming gabay sa Driver's License
- BIR / TIN — I-update ang iyong TIN record sa iyong RDO (Revenue District Office). I-file ang BIR Form 1905 kasama ang PSA marriage certificate. Tingnan ang aming gabay sa TIN
- Employer / Company HR — Isumite ang PSA marriage certificate para i-update ang payroll records, tax status (palitan sa "married"), at benefits
- Bank accounts — Bumisita sa iyong bank branch na may PSA marriage certificate at valid ID para i-update ang pangalan mo sa mga account
- Voter's Registration — I-update sa COMELEC sa mga registration period
Tip: Simulan sa SSS, PhilHealth, at Pag-IBIG muna dahil karamihan sa mga ito ay maaaring gawin online. Ang passport at driver's license updates ay nangangailangan ng personal na pagpunta at tumatagal nang pinakamahaba.
Pro Tips
Mga Payo
- Order your CENOMAR early — It has a 6-month validity, so order it at the start of your planning. Don't wait until you're ready to apply for the marriage license.
- Book your church and venue first — Popular churches and venues get booked 6-12 months in advance, especially for peak wedding months (December, January, February, June).
- Attend the PMC and Pre-Cana early — These seminars have limited slots and specific schedules. Don't leave them to the last minute.
- Consider a weekday wedding — Many churches and venues offer lower rates on weekdays (Monday-Friday). Some even have 30-50% discounts.
- Check for LGU free mass weddings — Many cities hold "Kasalan ng Bayan" events (especially on Valentine's Day and city anniversaries) where the civil ceremony is completely free.
- Keep certified copies of everything — Have at least 3 certified copies of your PSA marriage certificate for post-wedding name changes. You'll need to submit original copies to SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, DFA, and LTO.
- Budget a "buffer" of 10-15% on top of your planned wedding budget for unexpected costs and last-minute changes.
- Umorder ng CENOMAR nang maaga — May 6 na buwang validity ito, kaya umorder sa simula ng pagpaplano mo. Huwag hintaying handa ka nang mag-apply para sa marriage license.
- I-book ang simbahan at venue muna — Ang mga sikat na simbahan at venue ay nai-bo-book 6-12 buwan nang maaga, lalo na sa mga peak wedding months (Disyembre, Enero, Pebrero, Hunyo).
- Dumalo sa PMC at Pre-Cana nang maaga — Ang mga seminar na ito ay may limitadong slot at partikular na schedule. Huwag ipagpabukas.
- Isaalang-alang ang weekday wedding — Maraming simbahan at venue ang nag-o-offer ng mas mababang rates sa mga weekday (Lunes-Biyernes). May ilan pang nag-o-offer ng 30-50% na diskwento.
- I-check ang mga libreng mass wedding ng LGU — Maraming lungsod ang nagsasagawa ng "Kasalan ng Bayan" events (lalo na sa Valentine's Day at anibersaryo ng lungsod) kung saan ang civil ceremony ay ganap na libre.
- Mag-keep ng mga certified copies ng lahat — Magkaroon ng hindi bababa sa 3 certified copies ng PSA marriage certificate mo para sa post-wedding name changes. Kailangan mong magsumite ng original copies sa SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, DFA, at LTO.
- Mag-budget ng "buffer" na 10-15% sa ibabaw ng planado mong wedding budget para sa mga hindi inaasahang gastos at mga last-minute na pagbabago.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mga Madalas Itanong
How long does it take to get a marriage license?
The total process takes approximately 2-3 weeks. This includes gathering your documents (PSA birth certificate, CENOMAR), attending the pre-marriage counseling seminar (1 day), filing your application at the LCR (1 day), and the mandatory 10-day posting period. You can pick up the license on the 11th day after filing. Plan to start at least a month before your target wedding date to account for any delays in document processing.
Gaano katagal bago makuha ang marriage license?
Ang kabuuang proseso ay tumatagal ng mga 2-3 linggo. Kasama dito ang pagtitipon ng mga dokumento mo (PSA birth certificate, CENOMAR), pagdalo sa pre-marriage counseling seminar (1 araw), pag-file ng application sa LCR (1 araw), at ang mandatoryong 10-araw na posting period. Maaari mong kunin ang lisensya sa ika-11 araw pagkatapos mag-file. Planuhing magsimula nang hindi bababa sa isang buwan bago ang target na petsa ng kasal para sa anumang pagkaantala sa pagproseso ng dokumento.
Can I get married without a marriage license?
There are very limited exceptions where a marriage license is not required under Philippine law:
- Marriage in articulo mortis (deathbed marriage) — When one party is at the point of death
- Marriage among Muslims and Indigenous Peoples — If solemnized under their customary laws and practices
- Marriage between people who have lived together as husband and wife for at least 5 years — Both must be legally capable of marrying, with no legal impediment. An affidavit of cohabitation must be executed instead
For the vast majority of couples, a marriage license is required. Getting married without one when not falling under these exceptions makes the marriage void from the beginning.
Maaari ba akong magpakasal nang walang marriage license?
May napakakaunting eksepsyon kung saan hindi kinakailangan ang marriage license sa ilalim ng batas ng Pilipinas:
- Marriage in articulo mortis (deathbed marriage) — Kapag ang isang partido ay nasa bingit na ng kamatayan
- Kasal sa pagitan ng mga Muslim at Indigenous Peoples — Kung isinagawa sa ilalim ng kanilang mga tradisyonal na batas at kaugalian
- Kasal sa pagitan ng mga taong nagsama bilang mag-asawa sa loob ng hindi bababa sa 5 taon — Pareho dapat na legal na may kakayahang magpakasal, na walang legal na impediment. Isang affidavit of cohabitation ang dapat isagawa sa halip
Para sa karamihan ng mga mag-asawa, ang marriage license ay kinakailangan. Ang pagpapakasal nang wala nito kapag hindi kasama sa mga eksepsyong ito ay ginagawang void ang kasal mula sa simula.
How long is a marriage license valid?
A marriage license is valid for 120 days (approximately 4 months) from the date of issuance. The wedding ceremony must take place within this period. If the license expires before the wedding, you'll need to reapply and pay the fees again. There is no option to extend or renew an expired marriage license. Plan your wedding date accordingly — apply for the license 1-2 months before the ceremony, not too far in advance.
Gaano katagal valid ang marriage license?
Ang marriage license ay valid sa loob ng 120 araw (humigit-kumulang 4 na buwan) mula sa petsa ng pag-isyu. Ang seremonya ng kasal ay dapat maganap sa loob ng panahong ito. Kung mag-expire ang lisensya bago ang kasal, kailangan mong mag-apply ulit at bayarang muli ang mga bayarin. Walang opsyon na i-extend o i-renew ang isang expired na marriage license. Planuhin nang naaayon ang petsa ng kasal mo — mag-apply para sa lisensya 1-2 buwan bago ang seremonya, hindi masyadong maaga.
Is a civil wedding enough, or do I also need a church wedding?
A civil wedding is fully legal and sufficient — you do not need a church wedding to be legally married in the Philippines. Both civil and church weddings have the same legal effect under Philippine law. A church wedding is a personal or religious choice, not a legal requirement. Many couples choose to have a civil wedding first and then a church wedding later (sometimes years later), which is perfectly acceptable. The church wedding is often called a "convalidation" or "blessing" of the marriage in these cases.
Sapat na ba ang civil wedding, o kailangan ko rin ng church wedding?
Ang civil wedding ay ganap na legal at sapat na — hindi mo kailangan ng church wedding para maging legal na kasal sa Pilipinas. Parehong civil at church wedding ang may parehong legal na epekto sa ilalim ng batas ng Pilipinas. Ang church wedding ay isang personal o relihiyosong pagpipilian, hindi isang legal na kinakailangan. Maraming mag-asawa ang pumipiling magkaroon muna ng civil wedding at saka ng church wedding pagkatapos (minsan ilang taon pagkatapos), na ganap na katanggap-tanggap. Ang church wedding ay madalas tawaging "convalidation" o "blessing" ng kasal sa mga ganitong kaso.
Do I have to change my surname after marriage?
No, it is not required by law. Under Philippine law, a married woman may choose to:
- Keep her maiden name
- Use her husband's surname
- Hyphenate both surnames (e.g., Dela Cruz-Santos)
- Add her husband's surname to her maiden name (e.g., Maria Dela Cruz Santos)
It's entirely a personal choice. If you do choose to change your surname, you'll need to update it across all government records (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, BIR, DFA, LTO, etc.) using your PSA marriage certificate as supporting document.
Kailangan ko bang palitan ang apelyido ko pagkatapos ng kasal?
Hindi, hindi ito kinakailangan ng batas. Sa ilalim ng batas ng Pilipinas, ang isang babaeng kasal ay maaaring pumili na:
- Panatilihin ang kanyang maiden name
- Gamitin ang apelyido ng kanyang asawa
- I-hyphenate ang dalawang apelyido (hal., Dela Cruz-Santos)
- Idagdag ang apelyido ng asawa sa kanyang maiden name (hal., Maria Dela Cruz Santos)
Ito ay ganap na personal na pagpipilian. Kung pipiliin mong palitan ang apelyido mo, kailangan mo itong i-update sa lahat ng government records (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, BIR, DFA, LTO, atbp.) gamit ang PSA marriage certificate mo bilang supporting document.