How to Get a Marriage License at the Quezon City Hall

Preparing for your wedding can be overwhelming, especially if you are doing it all on your own and without the high-priced services of a wedding coordinator. You can get so preoccupied with the celebration details such as food tasting, gown fitting, and designing the wedding venue that there is a huge chance you might overlook the paperwork involved in getting married, such as securing a marriage license from your city or municipal hall.

A marriage license is a document that essentially “allows” you to marry anywhere in the country. It is obtained after you have satisfied all the requirements such as a copy of your and your fiancé/e’s PSA birth certificates, your PSA CENOMARs, attendance at a pre-marital seminar, and payment of minimal fees. Without a marriage license, you are essentially “not authorized” to get married.

There are, however, other situations and types of marriages that are exempted from the marriage license requirement. These marriages are:

• When one of the couple or both are on the verge of dying (marriage in articulo mortis).
• When the couple live in a remote area and it is physically impossible (or very difficult) for them to personally appear at the LCR. This shall be corroborated by the solemnizing officer who must execute an affidavit stating that the couple’s residence is in a barangay or barrio that does not have means of public transportation.
• When the marriage is between Muslims or members of ethnic-cultural communities.
• When the couple has cohabitated for at least five years. They can instead write an affidavit stating the circumstances of their relationship.

This blog shall focus on the processes and fees involved when applying for a marriage license at the Quezon City Hall. The forms, fees, and photos featured in this article were taken on July 2021 during an actual marriage license application. The processes and fees may be a bit different if you apply at a different city or municipal hall so it is best that you call them first to check on their cut-off hours and other requirements you may need to prepare.

Marriage License Application Requirements:

1. Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate or Baptismal Certificate of both applicants.
• Bring the original copy and photocopies of your PSA Birth Certificates as some city halls prefer the original copy to be left with them. Others ask to see the original copy for verification.
2. Community Tax Certificates of both applicants. As shared by some couples, you may present a government-issued ID in lieu of a Community Tax Certificate. Have your IDs photocopied as well
3. 2x2 colored photos of the couple.
4. PSA CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage). Prepare photocopies of your PSA CENOMAR too and bring the original copy in case they ask to see it for verification.
• Here’s a tip when getting copies of your PSA certificates: Order PSA birth certificates and PSA CENOMARs online and have these delivered to you because it’s faster and more economical that way. Online application takes less than 20 minutes, including paying online using your credit card, PayMaya, or GCash. If you are from Metro Manila, you will receive your ordered documents in 3 working days. It is convenient and it will help you save on time and travel expenses.
5. Accomplished Marriage Application Form. You can download a copy of the form here, print it and accomplish prior to your visit to save on time. Otherwise, you will be given to you upon entry to the Civic Center building and you can fill it out on-site.
6. If any or both applicants were previously married but are now widowed, bring a copy of the deceased spouse’s PSA death certificate.
7. If any or both applicants were previously married but are now allowed/divorced, bring a copy of the Court Decision and Absolute Decree of Finality from the Court.

Procedure:

1. Marriage license applications are received and processed at the Civic Center building inside the Quezon City Hall compound. Proceed to that building and advise the guard that you are there to apply for a marriage license. To check their schedule and cut-off time for applications, you may call or email their office.

2. Once inside the building, proceed to the information desk and ask for a queue number for marriage license application. Marriage license applications are attended to at Counter 11.
3. If you have not yet filled out a Marriage License Application form, you will be given a blank form at Counter 11. There are two columns on the form – one for the groom and one for the bride. Both columns must be accomplished and signed by both applicants.
• Referring to the photo of the form below, pay close attention to numbers 8, 9, 10, and 11. These items shall only be filled out if any or both of the parties have had previous marriages dissolved through legal means (annulment, divorce).
• Numbers 18, 19, 20, and 21 are for applicants who still need their parents’ consent to get married. If you are over the age limit, you no longer need to fill this out.

4. After filling out the form, proceed to the second floor of the building and have the document notarized. The notary fee is Php 50 for each document.
5. After notarization, attach your photos on the marriage application forms and have the documents photocopied. Submit the following to Counter 11:
• Photocopy of notarized marriage application form with ID photos.
• Photocopies of PSA birth certificates and PSA CENOMAR.
• Payment of Php 150 for marriage license form and filing fees.
6. If you are 25 years old and above, you need to attend the Family Planning Seminar as part of the process for marriage license application. If you are 24 years old and below, you need to attend a Family Counseling seminar apart from the Family Planning seminar. Get an appointment for the seminar you are required to attend – this must be completed before the date of release of your marriage license.

Other Reminders:

• The marriage license is valid and will be honored any where in the country.
• It will be released on the 11th day after a 10-day posting period.
• The marriage license is valid for 120 days. This means you must be married within 120 days from the date the license was issued, otherwise, you will have to apply for a new one again.
• Payment for the Marriage License Fee (Php 100) can be made upon claiming of the Marriage License.
• One of the applicants must be a resident of Quezon City (or of the city where you are applying for the marriage license).
• Keep the receipt and original copies of your marriage application forms as these will be asked of your when you claim your marriage license.
• As always, bring your own pen, alcohol, or hand sanitizers, and wear your face mask properly while inside the building.
• Keep a safe distance from others while waiting for your turn.
• Make sure you have all the requirements needed to avoid delays in your transaction.

If you would like to know how to get a PSA certificate online, just visit PSAHelpline.ph and click on the Order Now button – their site is so easy to use, and they have various payment options to choose from. Metro Manila orders are delivered within 3 working days and up to 8 working days for other locations. They deliver nationwide too. For me, it is a safe, easy, and economical way of getting copies of PSA birth, marriage, death certificates, and CENOMAR. It is as convenient as having your food and groceries delivered to you.