We’ve made a survey and this came up as one of the most requested topics to blog! Apparently, every couple is confused on where to start or what to do when it comes to wedding requirements by the Church. The list can be endless and time is crucial.
If you prefer having a Catholic church wedding, we got you covered!
We list down below the requirements you will need to give you a heads up on the documents that you need to have on hand 🙂
New Baptismal and Confirmation Certificates
Before getting married in a Catholic church in the Philippines, you need to receive sacraments of baptism and confirmation. The certificates can be obtained from the parish where you received the sacraments.
You will submit the original copies with a notation “for marriage purposes only” and validity of six months. You may be required to submit these two to three months before your wedding date, depending on the church.
Marriage License
This can be secured from the Civil Registry of the city or town of either couple. The document must be valid for 120 days or four months. For civilly married couples, don’t forget to bring an NSO copy of the Marriage Contract.
New PSA Birth Certificate and Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR)
It’s now easy to request these documents [online](https://www.psaserbilis.com.ph/#!) or you can also go to one of their outlets.
List of Names and Addresses of Principal Sponsors
The church requires names and addresses of at least two sponsors/witnesses. You may ask them for any restrictions, requirements or fees before submitting the list. Some parishes have a maximum number of sponsors. Make sure that you provide the full names, as they will be printed in your marriage certificates.
Canonical Interview
This is an initial interview with the parish priest or his assistant. You can request to have the meeting at least one to two months before the wedding. This is required by the church for them to assess if you are both ready to take the sacrament of marriage. Every parish has their own interview process but usually they will provide a questionnaire for you to prepare for.
Pre-Cana/Marriage Preparation Seminar
After the interview, you will have to attend this marriage preparation course or seminar. Most parish churches conduct this every month. If you can’t attend the pre-cana seminars of your parish, there are also other churches and recognized organizations that provide seminars or retreats for couples. There are also seminars offered online.
Wedding/Marriage Permit
This document, also known as Certificate of Freedom to Marry, may only be required for those who are living abroad. You can secure this from your parish abroad.
Wedding/Marriage Banns
This church notice is the public announcement of your coming marriage. You will bring them to your respective parishes, to be posted for three consecutive Sundays prior to your wedding. Some parishes would require your ID pictures alongside. A copy of the published banns and signed permission will be returned to your wedding church thereafter.
Confession
Some churches advise couples to go to confession before their wedding in preparation for receiving the Sacraments of Matrimony and the Eucharist. This may be done a week before your wedding or in some cases, before the ceremony starts.
Aside from these common requirements, some parishes may also ask for additional documents. The process may vary so best to confirm; but those listed above are the essentials.
Please take extra note of the releasing period of documents and validity too!
This could be one of the most tedious thing to process (and probably boring and hassle lol!) but hope this blog was of great help!!
Cheers to you! 🙂
