Some couples are content to tie the knot at the courthouse down the road. But for those who are more adventurous, a destination wedding -- and an international marriage -- are a must. The Huffington Post's guide to international marriages will tell you everything you need to know to get legally married in the Philippines. Read on to ensure all of your paperwork is in order before booking your ticket. --Joan Bahr
Residency Requirement And Waiting Period
U.S. citizens wishing to marry in the Philippines must file an application for a marriage license in the office of Philippine Civil Registrar. If one partner is a resident, he or she should apply at the office in the town or city where he or she lives. There is a 10-day waiting period between filing the application and getting the license.
Intent To Marry
If the wedding is to be a Catholic ceremony in a church, the couple must post the announcement of their wedding at their respective parish(es) for three Sundays. Some parishes may require that a photo of the bride and groom accompany the posting.
The Ceremony
A couple can have a
in the Philippines or a civil ceremony before a judge or mayor. Weddings in a Catholic church require a marriage license, a canonical interview with the parish priest, a premarriage seminar, permission from the parish, posting of banns and at least two sponsors. If the couple will be married in a civil ceremony, they will need a marriage license before a judge or mayor can solemnize the marriage.
The Marriage Certificate
The Philippines marriage license is issued at the office of the Philippine Civil Registrar in a town or city. The U.S. citizen must appear at the office to file an application for the license.
Legal Documentation
U.S. citizens wishing to marry in the Philippines must present an Affidavit in Lieu of Legal Capacity to Marry. They can apply for this and have it notarized at the American Embassy in Manila or the U.S. Consular Agency in Cebu. A U.S. passport is also required, as well as documentation of paternal consent, divorce decree and/or death certificate of a prior spouse, if necessary.
Same-Sex Marriage
Same-sex marriage is not recognized in the Philippines, nor are civil unions or domestic partnerships. In early 2011, a bill was filed to
to disallow same-sex marriages that are entered into outside the Philippines.
Additional Information
Individuals under the age of 18 are not allowed to marry in the Philippines. Couples who are between 18 and 21 must present written parental consent, and applicants ages 22 to 24 must prove they have received parental advice.
View the full set of laws and regulations regarding marriage in Philippines.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.