After saying I do, and while relishing in the bliss of being newlyweds, don’t forget that there are a few post-wedding tasks that you need to accomplish. Among them is obtaining your marriage certificate so you can officially, and legally, change your status from single to married. What exactly is the marriage certificate? How do you get one? You probably have all these questions in mind, and we’re here to help! We list down everything you need to know about marriage certificates below. Read on.
According to the website of the Philippine Statistics Authority, “A marriage certificate is a legal document that shows social union or a legal contract between people who generally go through a wedding ceremony.” Basically, you can go anywhere in the country and your record in the PSA system will show that you are married! The document contains the couple’s names, date and place of marriage, and the witnesses’ names. It only becomes valid after the couple, officiant, and witnesses sign it.
Your marriage will officially be registered once your officiant presents it to your Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO). It should be submitted within 15 days, otherwise it will be tagged as delayed. You may request a registered copy of marriage certificate at your local municipality. However, this is not yet PSA-certified as it takes time before it gets endorsed.
Any of the spouses or authorized representatives can request a copy of the marriage certificate.
You can obtain your marriage certificate at your Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) or you can apply for it online. You will also be asked to provide the following information upon your request:
- Complete name of the husband
- Complete name of the wife
- Date of marriage
- Place of marriage
- Complete name and address of the requesting party
- Number of copies needed
- Purpose of the certification
The marriage license is something you acquire before your wedding. To apply for a marriage license, you need to submit all the requirements such as your and your soon-to-be spouse’s PSA birth certificates, CENOMARs, seminars, and fees. Simply put, the marriage license is a document that allows you to marry in the country. On the other hand, a marriage certificate is issued after you get married. It is a document that certifies your union.
You can get a copy of your PSA marriage certificate three to six months after your marriage as your Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) forwards it by batch. A Php365 fee will be charged for one copy of the certificate.