Are you dreaming of tying the knot in the Philippines, the land of beautiful islands, friendly people, and rich culture? Whether you are a Filipino citizen or a foreigner, you need to know the legal requirements and procedures for getting married in this country. One of the most important things that you need to know is the legal age for marriage in the Philippines, which is 18 years old for both men and women. This means that you and your partner must be at least 18 years old to be able to marry legally, without any exceptions.
Short Answer: The legal age for marriage in the Philippines is 18 years old.
Legal Age for Marriage in the Philippines
If you are planning to get married in the Philippines, you should know that the legal age for marriage in this country is 18 years old. This means that you and your partner must be at least 18 years old to be able to marry legally, without any exceptions. However, there are other requirements and procedures that you need to follow, depending on your age, marital status, and nationality.
Reasons Behind the Legal Age Requirement
The legal age requirement for marriage serves several important purposes:
- Maturity and Readiness: Marriage requires emotional and psychological maturity to handle the responsibilities and challenges that come with it. The legal age requirement aims to ensure that individuals entering marriage are emotionally prepared.
- Protecting Minors: Setting a minimum age for marriage protects minors from being coerced into marriage or making hasty decisions that they might regret later.
- Preventing Forced Marriages: The legal age requirement helps prevent forced marriages, where individuals might be compelled to marry against their will.
- Promoting Education: Encouraging individuals to marry at a later age supports their educational pursuits and personal development.
Marriage with Parental Consent
If you are 18 years old or older, you do not need parental consent to get married in the Philippines. However, if you are between 18 and 21 years old, you need to obtain an affidavit of parental consent from your parents or legal guardians. This document should state that they allow you to marry and that they are aware of the consequences of the marriage. It is best if your parents can accompany you to the local civil registrar’s office to apply for the marriage license. If they cannot, you need to have two witnesses who can attest to the authenticity of the affidavit.
If you are between 21 and 25 years old, you need to ask your parents or legal guardians for advice regarding the marriage. This means that you need to inform them of your intention to marry and seek their opinion or approval. You need to submit a sworn statement by you and your partner confirming that you have sought parental advice, along with the written advice given, if any. If your parents did not give any advice, you need to state that in the sworn statement. If you do not ask for parental advice, or if the advice is unfavorable, you need to wait for three months after the publication of the application for the marriage license.
Step 2: Apply for a Marriage License
A marriage license is a document that authorizes you and your partner to get married in the Philippines. You need to apply for a marriage license at the local civil registrar’s office where either of you habitually resides. You need to submit the following documents:
- The latest certified true copy of your and your partner’s PSA birth certificates (original and photocopy)
- The latest certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR) or certificate of singleness (original and photocopy)
- Certificate of attendance in pre-marriage counseling, family planning, and responsible parenthood seminars
- At least two valid IDs of the couple (original and photocopy)
- Marriage license application form (issued by the LCR office)
- Barangay certification (original and photocopy)
- Community tax certificates or cedula (original and photocopy)
- Two pieces of recent ID picture with white background
You also need to pay a fee for the marriage license, which may vary depending on the local civil registrar. The marriage license will be posted on a bulletin board outside the LCR office for 10 days. After the 10 days, you can claim your marriage license, which is valid for 120 days from the date of issue. You can use the marriage license to get married anywhere in the Philippines.
Step 3: Submit Additional Requirements
Depending on your situation, you may need to submit additional requirements for the marriage license. For example, if you are widowed, you need to present the death certificate of your deceased spouse. If you are annulled, you need to present the court decree of annulment. If you are a Filipino who got divorced abroad, you need to present the judicial recognition of a foreign divorce. If you are a foreigner, you need to present the certificate of legal capacity to contract marriage issued by your embassy or consulate in the Philippines. You may also need to obtain clearance from the Commission on Filipino Overseas if you are marrying a Filipino citizen.
Step 4: Proceed with the Civil Wedding Ceremony
Once you have obtained your marriage license and all the necessary documents, you can proceed with the civil wedding ceremony. You can choose where and how the ceremony will take place, as long as it is solemnized by a person who is authorized by law to do so. Some of the authorized persons are:
- The mayor of the city or municipality where either of you habitually resides
- The judge of the court of the city or municipality where either of you habitually resides
- A consul-general, consul, or vice-consul of the Republic of the Philippines
- Any priest, rabbi, imam, or minister of any church or religious sect registered with the Philippine government
You need to have at least two witnesses of legal age who can attest to the validity of the marriage. You also need to pay a fee for the solemnization of the marriage, which may vary depending on the person who will officiate the ceremony. After the ceremony, you and your partner, along with the solemnizing officer and the witnesses, need to sign the marriage certificate. The solemnizing officer will then register the marriage with the local civil registrar within 15 days after the ceremony. You can then request a copy of your marriage contract from the PSA.
Congratulations, you are now legally married in the Philippines! We hope that this guide has helped you understand the legal age for marriage in the Philippines and the steps that you need to take to get married in this country. We wish you all the best in your married life!
Conclusion
Understanding the legal age for marriage in the Philippines is essential for anyone considering marriage. The legal age is 18 years old without parental consent, with additional considerations for those aged 18 to 21. The regulations are in place to ensure that individuals enter marriage with the necessary emotional maturity and genuine consent, promoting healthy and responsible unions.
(FAQs)
What is the legal age for marriage in the Philippines?
The legal age for marriage in the Philippines without parental consent is 18 years old.
What are the reasons behind the legal age requirement for marriage?
The legal age requirement aims to ensure maturity, protect minors, prevent forced marriages, and promote educational pursuits.
Is parental consent required for marriage in the Philippines?
For individuals aged 18 to 21, parental consent is required for marriage.
What is the significance of consent in marriage?
Consent is crucial for marriage, ensuring that both parties willingly and freely choose to enter the marital union.
Why is understanding the legal age for marriage important?
Understanding the legal age for marriage helps individuals make informed decisions and ensures that marriages are entered into responsibly and voluntarily.