June 15, 2025|Genie.ph

How to Get a Marriage License in Metro Cebu: A Complete Guide for Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu & Talisay (2025)

Planning to tie the knot in Metro Cebu? Congratulations! Before you start picking out flowers and venues, there's one essential piece of paperwork you need to secure first — your marriage license.

The process is largely the same across the Philippines (governed by the Family Code), but each city has its own local civil registrar office, seminars, fees, and small quirks. In this guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process for getting your marriage license in Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Talisay City — so you know exactly what to expect no matter where in Metro Cebu you're filing.

Before Anything Else: What You Need to Know

Here are the universal rules that apply regardless of which Metro Cebu city you're filing in:

Who can apply: Both parties must be at least 18 years old, male and female, and at least one must be a resident of the city where you're applying.
Personal appearance is required. Both applicants must show up together at the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) office.
10-day posting period. After you submit your documents, there is a mandatory 10 consecutive days of public posting before your license is released. This is required by law to allow any objections.
Marriage license validity. Once issued, your marriage license is valid for 120 days and can be used anywhere in the Philippines.
Parental consent/advice rules:

- 18–21 years old — Parental Consent is required (parents must sign before the Civil Registrar)

- 22–25 years old — Parental Advice is required (written acknowledgment from parents)

- 26 and above — No parental consent/advice needed

Common Requirements for All Metro Cebu Cities

While each LCR may have slight variations, here is the standard list of documentary requirements you'll need to prepare:

For Filipino Applicants (Both First-Time)

PSA Birth Certificate — Must be a recent copy issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (original + 2–3 photocopies). You can order online via PSAHelpline.ph or visit the nearest PSA outlet.

PSA CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage) — This certifies you have no existing marriage on record. Must be recent (typically within 3–6 months). Also available online via PSAHelpline.ph.

Valid Government-Issued IDs — At least two (2) valid IDs per applicant (e.g., passport, driver's license, UMID, PhilID, voter's ID).

Community Tax Certificate (Cedula) — Obtain from the City Treasurer's Office or your barangay.

Barangay Certificate/Certificate of Residency — From the barangay where you reside, certifying you are a resident.

Pre-Marriage Counseling Certificate — Issued after attending the required seminars (more details per city below).

Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning Seminar Certificate — Required under R.A. 10354. Usually handled by the City Health Office or DSWD.

Marriage License Application Form — Filled out at the LCR office (both must be present).

Additional Requirements for Special Cases

Widowed applicants: PSA Death Certificate of the deceased spouse + CENOMAR
Annulled applicants: Certified True Copy of Annulment Decision & Certificate of Finality + annotated PSA Marriage Certificate + Certificate of Registration from the LCR where the annulment was registered
Applicants aged 18–21: Parental Consent (parents must personally appear with valid IDs)
Applicants aged 22–25: Parental Advice (parents personally appear or submit notarized advice)

For Foreign Nationals (Marrying a Filipino)

Valid Passport (with stamped/printed date of arrival in the Philippines) — original + photocopies
Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage (CLCCM) — issued by their embassy or consulate in the Philippines
PSA CENOMAR (if they've stayed in the Philippines)
Birth Certificate (English version) — original + photocopies
Divorce Decree (if previously married, must be in English) — original + photocopies
NBI Clearance (if residing in the Philippines for 6+ months)

Tip for Americans: The U.S. Embassy/Consular Agency in Cebu (located at Waterfront Hotel, Lahug) does not issue a CLCCM. Instead, they provide an Affidavit in Lieu of Certificate of Legal Capacity for $50. This is accepted by Metro Cebu LCRs.

Step-by-Step Process Per City

CEBU CITY

Where to go: Office of the City Civil Registrar (OCCR), Cebu City Hall, Osmena Blvd., Cebu City

Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Step 1: Get Your Barangay Certificate for Marriage

Visit your barangay hall and request a Barangay Certificate or Certificate of Residency for marriage purposes. Bring a valid ID and your cedula. Fee is usually minimal (P50–P100).

Step 2: Attend the Pre-Marriage Seminars

Cebu City requires two seminars:

Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning Seminar — Go to the Cebu City Health Department (CHD) or the designated Population Office. Bring your barangay certificate and IDs. This is usually a half-day session covering family planning, reproductive health, and responsible parenthood.

Pre-Marriage Counseling Seminar — Conducted by the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) office. Topics include rights and responsibilities of married couples, domestic violence awareness, financial planning, and more. You'll receive a Certificate of Attendance after completing the seminar.

Tip: Schedule your seminars early. Some sessions fill up fast, especially during wedding season (December–May). Ask for the schedule as soon as you visit the office.

Step 3: Prepare Your PSA Documents

Make sure you have your PSA Birth Certificate and PSA CENOMAR ready. Both must be originals with receipts. If you don't have them yet, you can order online or process them at the PSA outlet (Ground Floor, Gaisano Capital South Building, Colon Street, Cebu City).

Step 4: Go to the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) Office

With all your documents ready, both of you must personally appear at the OCCR in Cebu City Hall. Here's what happens:

Present all your documents to the Marriage Division staff.
The staff will review and verify your documents.
Fill out the Marriage License Application Form.
Pay the application and processing fees at the City Treasurer's Office (typically P200–P500 total including license fee, seminar fee, and documentary stamp).
Your application will be posted publicly for 10 consecutive days.

Step 5: Claim Your Marriage License

After the 10-day posting period (and assuming no objections are filed), return to the LCR to claim your marriage license. Bring a valid ID.

Estimated total fees: P300–P600 (varies based on documentary stamps, certified copies, etc.)

Total processing time: Approximately 2–3 weeks from seminar to license release.

MANDAUE CITY

Where to go: Local Civil Registrar's Office, Mandaue City Hall, A.C. Cortes Avenue, Mandaue City

Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Step 1: Get Your Barangay Certificate for Marriage

Visit your respective barangay office in Mandaue City. Request a Barangay Certificate for Marriage — make sure to keep the attached receipt as you'll need it for the next step.

Step 2: Attend the Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning Seminar

Bring your Barangay Certificate for Marriage (with receipt) to the Mandaue City Health Office. There's a short seminar covering family planning basics and responsible parenthood. After the session, you'll receive your certificate.

Step 3: Attend the Pre-Marriage Counseling Seminar

With your Family Planning Certificate in hand, proceed to the City Social Welfare Services (CSWS) Office in Mandaue City Hall for the Pre-Marriage Counseling session. This covers the obligations and responsibilities of marriage. You'll get a Pre-Marriage Counseling Certificate upon completion.

Mandaue-specific note: The CSWS handles the counseling seminar, while the City Health Office handles the family planning seminar. These are two separate offices, so plan accordingly.

Step 4: Secure Your PSA Documents

Get your PSA Birth Certificate and PSA CENOMAR — either online through PSAHelpline.ph or from the Mandaue City LCR office (local processing takes about a week or more but is cheaper than online with delivery).

Step 5: File at the Local Civil Registrar's Office

Once all requirements are complete:

Both applicants must personally appear at the Mandaue City LCR.
Submit all original documents with photocopies.
Fill out the Marriage License Application Form together.
Pay the required fees.
The LCR staff will review your documents. If everything is technically correct (matching names, no discrepancies), they will process your application and schedule the 10-day posting.

Step 6: Claim Your Marriage License

Return on the date given by the LCR (after the 10-day posting period) to pick up your marriage license. Then submit it to your parish or solemnizing officer.

Estimated total fees: P300–P500

Total processing time: 2–3 weeks (including seminar scheduling and posting period)

Important reminders from Mandaue LCR: All documents have validity periods and deadlines for submission. Make sure the information on all your government documents matches your Baptismal and Confirmation Certificates (especially if you're having a church wedding). Always keep official receipts attached to your documents.

LAPU-LAPU CITY

Where to go: Local Civil Registrar's Office, Lapu-Lapu City Hall, Pusok Road, Barangay Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City

Contact: (032) 341-0659

Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Step 1: Attend the Pre-Marriage Counseling Seminar

In Lapu-Lapu City, your first stop is the DSWD office at Lapu-Lapu City Hall. Inquire about the schedule for the Pre-Marriage Counseling Seminar. Both applicants must attend. You'll receive a Certificate of Marriage Counseling Seminar after completion.

Step 2: Get Your Barangay Certificate of Residency

At least one of the applicants must be a resident of Lapu-Lapu City. Visit your barangay hall and request a Certificate of Residency — it must state the number of months or years of residency (minimum 6 months). The address on this certificate must match the address on your marriage counseling certificate and cedula.

Step 3: Prepare All Required Documents

Gather the following (all must be originals + 3 photocopies):

Certificate of Marriage Counseling Seminar
PSA Birth Certificate (Certificate of Live Birth)
PSA CENOMAR (must be within 3 months validity)
Certificate of Residency from your barangay
Valid IDs and Cedula
Parental Consent/Advice (if applicable based on age)

Step 4: File at the Lapu-Lapu City LCR

Both applicants must personally appear at the LCR office. Submit all documents and fill out the application form.

Application fee: P150.00

Step 5: Wait for the 10-Day Posting Period

Your application will be posted publicly for 10 consecutive days at the LCR bulletin board.

Step 6: Claim Your Marriage License

Pick up your marriage license after the posting period. Release schedule is from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM only. Your license is valid for 120 days.

Estimated total fees: P150 (application fee) + seminar fees + document fees

Total processing time: About 2–3 weeks

Lapu-Lapu dress code reminder: Applicants must wear casual clothes — no sleeveless shirts, shorts, or slippers when visiting the LCR office.

TALISAY CITY

Where to go: Local Civil Registrar's Office, Talisay City Hall, National Highway, Mohon, Talisay City, Cebu

Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Step 1: Schedule Your Pre-Marriage Counseling Seminar

Your first stop in Talisay is the DSWD office at Talisay City Hall (located in Mohon). Go there to book your preferred date for the Pre-Marriage Counseling Seminar. You'll need to write your details (names, age, address, signature) on a log sheet, and the DSWD In-Charge will give you a slip of paper to present on seminar day.

Step 2: Attend the Pre-Marriage Counseling Seminar

Show up on your scheduled date with your slip. Both applicants must attend. After the seminar, you'll receive your Pre-Marriage Counseling Certificate.

Step 3: Attend the Family Planning Seminar

Visit the Talisay City Health Office for the Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning session. Bring your barangay certificate and seminar slip/receipt.

Step 4: Get Your Barangay Certification

At least one of the applicants must be a resident of a barangay in Talisay City. Get a Barangay Certification confirming your residency.

Step 5: Prepare All Your Documents

Compile the following:

Pre-Marriage Counseling Certificate
Family Planning Seminar Certificate
PSA Birth Certificate (original + photocopies)
PSA CENOMAR (original + photocopies)
Barangay Certification (from a Talisay City barangay)
Valid IDs and Cedula
Parental Consent/Advice (if applicable)

Step 6: File at the Talisay City LCR

Both applicants personally appear at the Local Civil Registrar's Office in Talisay City Hall. Submit all documents and fill out the Marriage License Application Form.

Step 7: Wait for the 10-Day Posting and Claim Your License

After the mandatory posting period, return to the LCR to claim your marriage license. It's valid for 120 days.

Estimated total fees: P200–P500

Total processing time: 2–3 weeks

Talisay civil wedding tip: If you're planning a civil wedding at Talisay City Hall, it's generally free for residents. Otherwise, you can also have your civil wedding at the Minglanilla Trial Court (nearby) for a small fee.

Quick Comparison Table

Detail	Cebu City	Mandaue City	Lapu-Lapu City	Talisay City
LCR Location	Cebu City Hall, Osmena Blvd.	Mandaue City Hall, A.C. Cortes Ave.	Lapu-Lapu City Hall, Pusok Rd.	Talisay City Hall, Mohon
Pre-Marriage Seminar	CSWD Office	CSWS Office	DSWD Office	DSWD Office
Family Planning Seminar	City Health Dept. (CHD)	City Health Office	Included/Inquire at DSWD	City Health Office
Application Fee	~P200–P500	~P300–P500	P150.00	~P200–P500
Posting Period	10 consecutive days	10 consecutive days	10 consecutive days	10 consecutive days
License Validity	120 days	120 days	120 days	120 days
License Release	After posting period	After posting period	1 PM–4 PM only after posting	After posting period
Dress Code	Smart casual	Smart casual	No sleeveless/shorts/slippers	Smart casual

Pro Tips for a Smooth Marriage License Application

Start early — at least 1–2 months before your target wedding date. Between scheduling seminars, waiting for PSA documents, and the 10-day posting period, things add up fast.

Order your PSA Birth Certificate and CENOMAR online first. Go to PSAHelpline.ph and order them before doing anything else. Delivery takes about 3–7 business days within Cebu.

Bring extra photocopies of everything. At least 3 photocopies per document. You'd rather have extras than make a last-minute trip to a photocopying shop.

Keep all official receipts. Attach them to the corresponding document. LCR staff will ask for them.

Double-check your documents for consistency. Your name, birthdate, and other details must match across your birth certificate, CENOMAR, IDs, and (if applicable) baptismal/confirmation certificates. Discrepancies will cause delays.

Bring cash. Most city halls only accept cash payments. No GCash or credit cards at the LCR.

Both applicants must appear together at every step that requires personal appearance (LCR filing, seminars). Don't assume one person can process everything alone.

Ask questions. LCR staff in Metro Cebu are generally helpful. If you're unsure about anything, ask before you leave the office.

For church weddings, your marriage license is just the start. You'll also need baptismal certificates, confirmation certificates, pre-Cana seminar, canonical interview, and more depending on your parish.

Keep a folder or clear book to organize all your documents safely. You'll be carrying these around for several weeks.

After You Get Your Marriage License

Once your marriage license is in hand, here's what comes next:

For civil weddings: Coordinate with the judge, mayor, or authorized solemnizing officer. Bring your marriage license, IDs, and at least two witnesses of legal age.

For church weddings: Submit the marriage license to your parish along with the other church requirements. Coordinate the wedding date with the parish office well in advance.

After the wedding: Your officiant must submit the signed Marriage Contract (Certificate of Marriage) to the LCR within 15 days. The LCR forwards it to the PSA for national registration. You can request your PSA Marriage Certificate about 2–3 months after the wedding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a marriage license in a city where neither of us lives?

No. At least one of the applicants must be a habitual resident of the city where you're filing.

Can I use my marriage license from Cebu City to get married in Lapu-Lapu?

Yes! Once issued, your marriage license is valid anywhere in the Philippines for 120 days.

What if my PSA Birth Certificate has errors?

You'll need to have it corrected first through the LCR (under R.A. 9048 for clerical errors) before you can use it for your marriage license application. This can take additional time, so check your documents early.

Is there a way to skip the 10-day posting period?

Generally, no. The 10-day posting period is mandated by the Family Code. The only exception is under Article 34 — if you and your partner have lived together as husband and wife for at least 5 years with no legal impediment, you may execute an Affidavit of Cohabitation in lieu of a marriage license.

How much does the entire process cost?

Budget around P1,000–P3,000 total per couple, covering PSA documents (P155 each for birth certificate + P210 for CENOMAR via online), seminar fees, application fees, cedula, barangay certificates, and photocopies.

Can foreigners get married in Metro Cebu?

Yes, as long as they secure a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage (CLCCM) from their embassy and comply with all LCR requirements.

Final Thoughts

Getting a marriage license in Metro Cebu is a straightforward process — it just requires patience, organization, and a few trips to government offices. Whether you're filing in Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, or Talisay, the core steps are the same: attend the seminars, gather your documents, file at the LCR, wait 10 days, and claim your license.

The key is to start early, stay organized, and enjoy the process. After all, this paperwork is just the beginning of a beautiful journey together.

Disclaimer: This guide is based on publicly available information and research as of 2025. Requirements, fees, and processes may change. Always verify the latest requirements directly with your Local Civil Registrar's office before proceeding.

Sources: Philippine Family Code (E.O. 209), R.A. 10354 (Responsible Parenthood & Reproductive Health Act), R.A. 11596 (Prohibition of Child Marriage), Local Civil Registrar offices of Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Talisay City, PSAHelpline.ph