Are you newly engaged? Congratulations! Now it’s time to plan the wedding. Beyond the wedding gowns, venues, and rings, there are other things to note: paperwork. These wedding documents are the technical things you need to prepare to make the marriage legal. It ranges from birth certificates to marriage licenses and other wedding papers to prepare. And these don’t come free. Each wedding paper comes at a cost, but fret not. We’re here to help you get ready for church or civil wedding costs in the Philippines.
In this article, we’ll list down how much wedding papers are and some tips for managing the costs.
What Wedding Documents Do You Need?
Before you walk down the aisle, you’ll need to secure several wedding requirements in the Philippines to ensure your marriage is valid. Here are the essentials:
Essential Documents
● PSA Birth Certificate
This is a certified copy of your birth certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to verify your identity and age. You can request this document online or in person at a PSA office. The copy costs P155 when you walk in at the branch and P365 for an online request.
● Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR)
Also issued by the PSA, this document legally proves that you have never been married before. If you were previously married, you’ll need an Annulment or Divorce Certificate instead. A CENOMAR costs P420 when requesting online and P210 when you get your copy in person. Remember, this document is needed to get a marriage license, so ensure you have one before applying.
● Marriage License
Whether you’re having a church wedding or a civil wedding, this is the most crucial document. It officially permits you to get married. So, how much is a marriage license in the Philippines? It typically ranges from P250 to P500. The local civil registrar issues it in the city or municipality where you or your partner resides.
● Barangay Clearance
A barangay clearance is a formal document granted by the barangay hall in your community. It certifies that you are a resident of the barangay and that you are a person of high moral standards. In essence, it serves as your barangay’s seal of approval, confirming that you are in good standing and that there are no outstanding disagreements within the community.
Your local registrar might need these to confirm your residency and marital capacity. The barangay clearance usually costs between P20 and P50.
● Community Tax Certificate (Cedula)
A cedula, or Community Tax Certificate (CTC), is a document issued to individuals or business entities. It acts as identification proof for job applications, business registrations, or tax filing returns. This document can be a requirement when getting a marriage license. A cedula costs P5, and any additional fees are based on income, with an extra P1.00 for every P1,000 income.
Required Church Wedding Documents
Church wedding requirements differ from civil wedding requirements. There are extra papers you need to prepare if you want to have a church ceremony.
● Baptismal and Confirmation Certificates
These are official church wedding papers proving that an individual has received the sacraments of baptism and confirmation. These are often required for Catholic weddings to confirm the couple’s religious standing. They can be obtained from the parish where the sacraments were received and may need an annotation stating they are “for marriage purposes.” The fee differs depending on the church and typically ranges between P50 and P300.
● Marriage Banns
Marriage banns are public announcements made in a couple’s church for three consecutive Sundays (or weeks) before their wedding. This tradition allows the community to raise any valid objections to the marriage. The marriage banns fee required for Catholic weddings varies by parish, typically costing anywhere from free to P500. Couples must secure these from their respective churches and submit them as part of their wedding documents.
● Canonical Interview and Pre-Cana Seminar
A canonical interview is a formal discussion conducted by a priest to assess the couple’s readiness for marriage. Topics include faith, commitment, and responsibilities. It typically takes place at least a month before the wedding and may have a fee ranging from P500 to P2,000, depending on the church.
On the other hand, a pre-Cana seminar is a marriage preparation program that provides guidance on relationships, faith, and family life. Some churches offer it for free, while others charge around P500 to P1,500. Completion is required before receiving a marriage license.
How to Save Time and Money on Wedding Documents
With all these fees and requirements, you might be wondering how to make the process easier. Here are some smart tips:
● Request PSA documents online to save time and avoid long lines.
● Bundle your document requests if you need multiple PSA certificates—you’ll save on shipping fees!
● Apply for your marriage license early (valid for 120 days) so you don’t run into last-minute stress.
● Bring exact cash when paying for documents since some government offices don’t accept cards.
● Check for discounts, as some LGUs offer fee reductions for indigent couples.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Handling legal documents might not be the most romantic part of your wedding, but it’s one of the most important. A little planning and budgeting will ensure that nothing gets in the way of your big day.
Again, here’s a breakdown of the estimated church or civil wedding expenses to help you budget:
| Document | Purpose | Cost |
| PSA Birth Certificate | Verifies identity and age | P155 (walk-in) / P365 (online) |
| Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) | Confirms single status or records previous marriages | P210 (walk-in) / P420 (online) |
| Marriage License | Official permit to marry | P250 – P500 |
| Barangay Clearance | Confirms residency and good moral standing | P20 – P50 |
| Community Tax Certificate (Cedula) | Identification proof, sometimes required for a marriage license | P5 + P1 per P1,000 income |
| Baptismal & Confirmation Certificates | Proof of receiving Catholic sacraments | P50 – P300 |
| Marriage Banns | Public announcement of the wedding | Free – P500 |
| Canonical Interview | Assessment of couple’s readiness for marriage | P500 – P2,000 |
| Pre-Cana Seminar | Marriage preparation seminar | Free – P1,500 |
By preparing ahead, you can avoid delays and unexpected expenses. Once the paperwork is done, you can fully focus on celebrating your love and creating unforgettable memories with your partner.
So, take a deep breath, tick these items off your checklist, and get ready to say “I do!”
Author: Aldaia Auman
Aldaia brings ideas to life through writing. Her love for writing began when she finished the pentalogy novel Percy Jackson and the Olympians. When she isn't writing, most of her time is spent watching movies and TV series, playing video games on consoles like Valorant, Horizon, The Sims, and GTA V, hanging out with friends, and sleeping.
