Article 75 of the Family Code of the Philippines provides that “marriages between Filipino citizens abroad may be solemnized by consuls and vice-consults of the Republic of the Philippines. The duties of the local civil registrar and of a local civil registrar and of a judge or justice of the peace or mayor with regard to the celebration of marriage shall be performed by such consuls and vice-consuls”.
Basic Requirements for the Solemnization of Marriage
The Marriage License form must be accomplished and brought to the embassy together with the other documents after first making an appointment at the Consular Section & Labor Office Appointments page.
- Duly accomplished Marriage License form in four (4) originals
- Original and four (4) photocopies of birth certificate issued by the PSA and authenticated by the DFA
- Original and four (4) photocopies of certificate of “no record of previous marriage” issued by the PSA and authenticated by the DFA
- Four (4) photocopies of Philippine passports of contracting parties
- Names of two (2) witnesses above 21 years of age
- Four (4) photocopies of witnesses’ identification cards (passport, residence permit, etc.)
- Six (6) photos, passport size with white background
- Personal appearance for interview with the solemnizing officer
- Cash payment for processing (refer to Consular Fees)
Additional Requirements
For a contracting party whose previous marriage was annulled by court:
- Original and four (4) photocopies of court decision declaring the annulment of marriage, authenticated by the DFA
- Original and four (4) photocopies of PSA-issued marriage certificate with the annotation that the marriage has been annulled authenticated by the DFA
For a contracting party who is a widow:
- Original and four (4) photocopies of the former spouse’s PSA-issued death certificate authenticated by the DFA
For a contracting party who is between 18 to 21 years old:
- Affidavit of Consent executed by the parents of the contracting parties
For a contracting party who is between 22 to 25 years old:
- Affidavit of Parental Advice. In the event that parental / guardian advice is not given, there is a waiting period of three (3) months after the bonds are posted. If executed in the Philippines, the Affidavit should be authenticated by the DFA.
An “Intent to Marry” will be posted in the Embassy for ten (10) days after the contracting parties submit the required documents. If there are no objections, the Solemnization of Marriage will be performed by the Consul General or Vice Consul on a scheduled date, usually on a Friday between 12:00 and 1:00 pm within the Embassy premises. Contracting Parties as well as their guests are requested to be in semi-formal attire.
If one contracting party is a FOREIGNER, the marriage cannot be solemnized at the Embassy. Please contact the Spanish Civil Registry for the requirements.