Steps to Get a Marriage Certificate in Cebu

Planning to get married in Cebu? Congratulations! Cebu is a wonderful place to tie the knot. If you’re a tourist in Cebu and planning to get married, you’ll need to get a marriage certificate. This blog post will guide you through the steps to acquire your marriage certificate in Cebu with simple and easy-to-understand instructions.

Step 1: Prepare Your Requirements

Before heading to the local civil registrar, make sure you have all the necessary documents. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Birth Certificates: Both parties must provide their birth certificates, authenticated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). You can get this from the PSA Serbilis website.
• Marriage License Application Form: This can be obtained from the local civil registrar’s office.
• Valid IDs: Government-issued IDs such as passports, driver’s licenses, or any other valid identification.
• Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR): This is a certificate issued by the PSA stating that you have not been married before. You can request this from the PSA Serbilis website.
• Community Tax Certificates (Cedula): You can get this from the city or municipal hall.
• Parental Consent or Advice: If either party is aged 18-24, parental consent (for ages 18-21) or parental advice (for ages 22-24) is required.
• Pre-Marriage Counseling Certificate: This certificate is obtained after attending a pre-marriage counseling session, usually conducted by the local government.

Step 2: Submit Your Documents

Once you have all the requirements, visit the local civil registrar’s office in Cebu. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Go to the Local Civil Registrar: Head to the local civil registrar’s office in the city or municipality where you plan to get married. The staff there will provide you with the necessary forms.
2. Fill Out the Forms: Complete the marriage license application form and other necessary documents.
3. Submit Your Documents: Submit all your documents to the civil registrar. They will review your papers to ensure everything is in order.

Step 3: Pay the Fees

There are fees associated with applying for a marriage certificate. These fees can vary depending on the municipality. As of my last update, the fee is typically around PHP 100 to PHP 200. Be sure to check with the local civil registrar for the exact amount.

Step 4: Attend Pre-Marriage Counseling

Both parties must attend a pre-marriage counseling session. This session is designed to prepare couples for married life and is often conducted by the local government or religious institutions. After completing the session, you will receive a pre-marriage counseling certificate, which is required for the marriage license application.

Step 5: Wait for the Issuance of the Marriage License

After submitting your documents and attending the pre-marriage counseling, there is a mandatory 10-day waiting period before your marriage license is issued. This waiting period is a requirement by law to allow for any objections to the marriage.

Step 6: Get Married!

Once you have your marriage license, you can proceed with your wedding ceremony. Make sure to choose an officiant who is authorized to solemnize marriages in the Philippines. This can be a judge, a mayor, a priest, or any other authorized individual.

Step 7: Register Your Marriage

After the wedding, the officiant will provide you with a marriage contract. This contract needs to be submitted to the local civil registrar’s office within 15 days after the wedding. The local civil registrar will then forward the documents to the PSA for registration.

Step 8: Obtain Your Marriage Certificate

Once your marriage is registered with the PSA, you can request a copy of your marriage certificate. You can get this from the PSA Serbilis website or visit the nearest PSA office.

Getting married in Cebu is a beautiful experience, and the process of obtaining a marriage certificate is straightforward if you follow these steps. Remember to gather all the necessary documents, attend the required counseling, and be patient during the waiting period.

As a Cebuano, I can say that getting married in Cebu is not just about the paperwork; it’s about embracing the culture and traditions that make our island so special. Whether you choose a beach wedding or a church ceremony, Cebu offers a unique and memorable backdrop for your special day.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to visit the local civil registrar’s office or check the Philippine Statistics Authority for more information.

Good luck, and may you have a wonderful wedding and a happy married life here in Cebu!