A Foreigner’s Guide to Planning a Wedding in the Philippines
You’re engaged and have decided to celebrate your wedding in your fiancée’s beautiful home country. This is an excellent choice. A wedding in the Philippines can be a magical experience, filled with vibrant traditions and incredible hospitality.
However, for a foreigner, the process involves some unique legal requirements. You also need to understand the local cultural etiquette. This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know to ensure your wedding is as joyous and stress-free as possible.
Step 1: The Legal Requirements for Foreigners
This first step is the most critical and time-sensitive part of your planning. You cannot get married in the Philippines without securing the correct documents. The most important document you will need is a “Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage.”
How to Get Your Certificate
- Contact Your Embassy: As a foreigner, you must get this certificate from your country’s embassy or consulate in the Philippines.
- Check the Requirements: Each embassy has slightly different rules, so you must check their website well in advance. You will likely need your passport and proof that you are free to marry (like a divorce decree).
- Allow Enough Time: This process can take several days or even weeks. You should plan to do this as soon as you arrive in the Philippines for the wedding preparations.
Do Not Skip This Step!
A Philippine local civil registrar will not issue you a marriage license without this specific certificate from your embassy. Start the process early to avoid any last-minute panic.
Applying for the Marriage License
After you have your certificate, you and your fiancée can apply for the marriage license. You will do this at the local civil registrar’s office where she resides.
- Key Documents: You will both need your birth certificates, your Certificate of Legal Capacity, and valid IDs.
- Waiting Period: Once you apply, there is a mandatory 10-day waiting period. Your application will be posted for public notice during this time.
- License Validity: After the waiting period, you can pick up the license. It is valid for 120 days from the date it is issued.
Step 2: Choosing Your Ceremony Style
You have several wonderful options for your wedding ceremony in the Philippines.
The Traditional Church Wedding
The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic nation. Because of this, a church wedding is often the dream for many Filipinas and their families. These ceremonies include many beautiful and symbolic traditions:
- Sponsors (Ninongs and Ninangs): These are your marriage “godparents.” They serve as witnesses to your vows and act as mentors throughout your life together.
- Cord and Veil Ceremony: During the ceremony, a cord is looped around you both in a figure-eight shape. This symbolizes your eternal bond. A veil is also draped over your shoulders to show you are “clothed as one.”
- Arrhae (Wedding Coins): The groom presents the bride with 13 wedding coins. This is his pledge to support her and their future family.
The Civil or Beach Wedding
If you prefer a non-religious or more intimate event, a civil wedding is a great option. A judge can officiate the ceremony. Alternatively, a scenic beach wedding can be incredibly romantic and flexible in terms of schedule and attire.
Step 3: Budgeting for Your Wedding
A wedding in the Philippines is generally more affordable than in a Western country. However, the costs can add up quickly. Your guest list will be the biggest factor in your budget, as Filipino families are large and celebrations are very communal.
Key Budget Items:
- The Reception: This is your biggest expense. It includes the venue, catering for a large buffet, and decorations.
- The Guest List: A “small” wedding can easily have 100 to 150 guests. It is important to discuss this with your fiancée and her family.
- Wedding Attire: This includes the bride’s gown and the groom’s “Barong Tagalog,” the traditional formal shirt for men.
- Other Suppliers: Remember to budget for the photographer, videographer, hair and makeup artists, and a wedding planner.
Step 4: Involving the Family
In the Philippines, a marriage unites two families, not just two people. Therefore, showing respect and including your fiancée’s family in the planning is crucial.
The Tradition of “Pamamanhikan”
“Pamamanhikan” is when the groom and his parents formally visit the bride’s parents to ask for her hand in marriage. As a foreigner, this may be difficult to arrange with your own parents. However, making a special, respectful visit to her parents yourself to formally state your intentions will be deeply appreciated.
You should consult with your fiancée and her parents on important decisions like the guest list and the choice of sponsors. Their inclusion and guidance will help ensure a harmonious and happy start to your married life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What extra documents do I need if I am divorced?
You will need a judicially recognized final decree of your divorce. It is highly recommended to have this document authenticated (e.g., with an apostille) in your home country before you travel. Your embassy in the Philippines will require this to issue your Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage.
2. How long does the legal paperwork take in the Philippines?
You should plan to be in the Philippines for at least 3 to 4 weeks before your wedding date to handle the legal requirements without stress. This accounts for getting your Certificate of Legal Capacity from the embassy, applying for the marriage license, and waiting for the mandatory 10-day public notice period to pass.
3. Who can legally marry us in the Philippines?
For a marriage to be legally binding, it must be solemnized by an authorized official. This includes any priest, minister, or rabbi of any religion, as well as judges, mayors, or other specific public officials authorized by the government to perform marriages. This means a civil wedding at a courthouse or a beach wedding officiated by a judge are both legally valid options.
4. In Filipino culture, who usually pays for the wedding?
Traditionally, the groom and his family shoulder the majority of the wedding expenses. However, this custom is becoming more flexible in modern times. Many couples now share the costs or get contributions from both families. The most important thing is to have an open and respectful conversation about the budget with your fiancée and her family early in the planning process.
5. What is the role of sponsors (Ninongs & Ninangs) after the wedding?
Beyond being the primary witnesses on your marriage contract, sponsors are chosen to be respected mentors and role models for you throughout your married life. They are typically older, established couples with strong marriages. You are expected to show them respect, and they are expected to offer guidance and support when needed.
6. Is it possible to have a small, private wedding?
Yes, it is possible, but it may require delicate conversations. Filipino celebrations are traditionally large and communal. A small guest list could be misinterpreted by the family. If you desire a more intimate wedding, it’s crucial to discuss your reasons with your fiancée and her parents respectfully, perhaps by framing it as a personal preference or a budget consideration.
7. As a foreigner, should I hire a local wedding planner?
It is **highly recommended**. A local wedding planner is invaluable for a foreigner. They can navigate local suppliers, negotiate prices, handle logistics you can’t manage from abroad, and overcome any language or cultural barriers. The cost of a planner often saves you money and an immense amount of stress in the long run.
