How to Get Married in the Philippines – Requirements and Procedures
When planning destination weddings in the Philippines, a couple needs to know the procedures and requirements before their big day arrives. Whether you choose to have a civil or a church wedding there are steps and documents you need to have ready. The procedure for getting married in this country includes an application for a marriage license, attending the obligatory counseling and seminars, celebrating your wedding and then getting your official marriage certificate. Here are pointers when planning destination weddings in this country.
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Apply For a Marriage License Or Contract
The most important requirement is applying for a marriage license, a document needed for you to hold your civil and church wedding. This document is necessary as it often used to verify the couple's eligibility to get married. When applying for the license there are documents you need to submit, therefore prepare all the originals and do consider making copies of each of the documents. The couple is to visit the Local Civil Registrar's office in the region you will have your wedding and fill in the form of application.
The application form is also known as the marriage contract form and it contains sections for the bride and groom to each fill their information. Ensure to double check the information filled in the form before submitting. You will then be required to attend necessary seminars before your big day.
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Marriage Counselling and Seminar
At present, a couple is required to attend two seminars whether they plan for a civil or a church wedding. For the bride and groom to be issued with attendance certificates, they need to have taken part in the seminars. These certificates are necessary to allow for the issuance of the couple’s marriage license to allow for the destination weddings.
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Civil and Church Wedding
Church weddings are highly regarded in this country which is made up many devoted Catholics and it has no divorces. Marriage is regarded as a bond blessed by God thus a lifetime commitment. This makes a marriage celebration the most unforgettable and important event in a Filipino’s life.
However, there are occasions and when a couple opts for a Civil wedding ceremony above anything else. This is also an officially recognized form of marriage and does not require major preparations like church wedding does. The couple doesn’t need nuptial parties, big reception locations, and the big entourage. What a couple needs to do is make an appointment with the authorized official presiding over their civil wedding. Different from the church weddings, a civil wedding can be performed by either a mayor, judge, or any city hall court authorized official. You will, however, need at least two adult to act as a witness to the ceremony. When one of the spouses is aged below 18 years, the attendance of a parent or guardian is essential.
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Claim your Marriage License
A couple can claim their marriage contract or license after the requirements have been fulfilled. It is also advisable to file your registration 15 days from the day you celebrate your wedding. The license is often released 10 days from the application date. This license is valid for 4 months from the date it was issued and is recognized in any part of the country.
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