EJ and I are getting married in 125 days! Wohoooo! Can't wait!

We will be on a short vacation in the Philippines this coming weekend and we are checking our documents to keep us on the track. Because every time, we are asking each other, what are the documents, how many pieces, is now the best time to get those, is there other requirements or anything else. And each time, I needed to check my folder to pull out the list of documents. And so I decided to put it here on the blog to make it more accessible for us two.

Below is the list of basic requirements for our Catholic wedding. This is not a complete list. Each diocese also has its own wedding rules and regulation. Moreover, you will need to check with your parish for details about any of these additional requirements.

Church Requirements
All the required documents should be original and up-to-date until the day of the wedding.

1. Baptismal Certificate - need a copy dated within six months before the wedding date, obtainable from the parish where you were baptized and annotated "For Marriage Purposes Only".
2. Kumpil or Confirmation Certificate - Sacrament of Confirmation need to be secured no more than 3 months before the wedding date and annotated "For Marriage Purposes Only".
   
   We are planning to have our Kumpil near Malacañang.
   
   

   Confirmation (Thursday and Sunday) 8:00AM Registration 9:30AM Catechesis 10:00AM Confirmation National Shrine of St. Michael and the Archangels 1000 J.P. Laurel corner General Solano St. San Miguel, Manila Tel: 734-1271

   Reminders: PHP 600 Original and photocopy of Baptismal certificate with indication for Marriage Purposes Copy of Birth certificate Sponsors/Witness (Ninong/Ninang) - at least one witness Prepare for half day Proper attire, Sunday dress

3. Canonical Investigation - The couple shall personally see the Parish Priest. The schedule of the interview will be given upon signing of the application form.
4. Pre-marriage seminar or pre-cana - Both groom and bride has to attend this seminar. A Certification of attendance in the Pre-Cana Seminar or Marriage Preparation Program or other programs related tomarriage. If based abroad, a Parish certification that youattended a Pre-Cana seminar in your own parish abroad.
5. Permission and banns - Banns have to be immediately brought to the respective parishes of the bride and groom for posting. They have to be returned to the Parish Office after three consecutive Sundays.
6. Confession - The couple will have their sacrament of penance at least 1 day before the date of matrimony.

Civil Requirements

1. ID Picture - 2 sets of 2x2 pictures both groom and bride
2. Marriage License/CTC of Civil Contract - Marriage License can be secured from the bride or the groom's municipality.
3. CENOMAR-  Certificate of No Marriage to be secure from the NSO
4. Birth Certificate - Valid 6 months, to be secure from the NSO
5. Principal Sponsors - The list of names and addresses of the principal sponsors a minimum of 1 pair and a maximum of 6 pairs are only allowed. If there are more than 6 pairs, all sponsors will occupy first pew. It has to be summited two weeks before the wedding date.
6. Certificate of Freedom to Marry - Optional but this is also a requirement for those who are working abroad.

General regulation on our wedding requirements

• Reservations are accepted at least 2 months before the planned date of wedding. They will be best served if done in person by visiting parish office. The reservation becomes official when a deposit of PHP 5,000 is duly paid and receipted by the office. The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• All the required documents are to be submitted to the office two weeks before the wedding date. The remaining balances of the wedding fees are to be paid in full two weeks before the wedding date. Checks are not accepted.
• Punctuality is a must.The ceremony starts exactly at the scheduled time. The parties concerned and the entourage must arrive in advance. Bride will march on time, five minutes before the mass starts with bridal entourage, complete or incomplete. Time limit is 45 minutes only for the ceremony and the 15 minutes for picture taking.
• Wedding Music - only the liturgical songs are allowed during the mass. Non-liturgical song maybe sung during processional and after the mass. Guest singers and organist have to coordinate with the Sacristans on duty at least thirty minutes before the wedding.
• Wedding decoration - the church will provide the decorations, fresh flowers for the aisle and altar and red carpet. If the couple has their own florist they are required to get the lowest package since the church florist will still.

We're done with Canonical Interview and Pre-Cana, more to go!

xoxo,