Marriage Certificate Services at Philippine Embassies

Philippine embassies and consulates provide marriage-related services including consular marriage ceremonies, registration of foreign marriages, and assistance with PSA marriage certificate applications for Filipinos abroad.

Consular Marriage

Filipino citizens abroad can marry at a Philippine embassy or consulate. The consul acts as the solemnizing officer under Philippine law. Requirements:

• Both parties must appear in person
• At least one party must be a Filipino citizen
• PSA birth certificates of both parties
• Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) from PSA for the Filipino party
• Valid IDs and passports
• Marriage licence application (10-day posting period applies)
• If previously married: PSA-annotated marriage certificate showing annulment/death of spouse
• Two witnesses (legal age, with valid IDs)

Fee: Approximately USD 100-150 for the marriage ceremony (varies by embassy).

Reporting a Foreign Marriage

If you married abroad under the laws of the host country, you must report the marriage to the nearest Philippine embassy for it to be recognized under Philippine law. This is called a Report of Marriage.

Obtaining PSA Marriage Certificate

After your marriage is reported and registered with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), you can request a PSA-authenticated marriage certificate. This is the official document recognized by all Philippine government agencies.

• Processing: The embassy forwards the Report of Marriage to PSA Manila. Registration takes 3-6 months.
• Once registered: Order a PSA copy through PSAHelpline.ph or at the embassy
• Uses: Passport name change, visa applications, inheritance claims, property transactions

Important Notes

• Bigamy warning: Philippine law does not recognize divorce (except for Muslim Filipinos). A Filipino who divorced abroad and remarried may face bigamy charges in the Philippines unless the foreign divorce is judicially recognized.
• Marriage age: Minimum marriage age under Philippine law is 18. Persons aged 18-20 require parental consent. Persons aged 21-24 require parental advice.
• Same-sex marriages: Not recognized under Philippine law, even if legally performed abroad.

Marriage Certificate for Passport Renewal

If you are changing your name on your passport due to marriage, you need a PSA-authenticated marriage certificate. Present this when you renew your passport abroad. The embassy will update your passport to reflect your married name.