After having been dreamily proposed to by Mr. Right, it would be beyond anti-climactic to plan a church wedding on a shoe-string budget. On the other hand, if you’re the type of person who has to have the wedding of her dreams, equally disheartening are the staggering expenses connected with walking down the aisle as a one-day princess-bride, which can mean living the first years of married life scrimping on basic necessities. There is, however, an alternative to the inevitably more expensive church weddings that most brides would never consider taking, i.e., the practical, cost-efficient, legally binding and expeditious civil wedding.
A civil wedding before a judge can be just as romantic and memorable as a church wedding for a fraction of the cost. Unlike a church wedding, you don’t have to book your venue at least a year in advance. Simply submit your marriage license, Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR), and barangay clearance to the Office of the Clerk of Court (OCC) of the Hall of Justice of the jurisdiction of your choice and pay the fee of PhP300.00. Upon submission of your documentary requirements, the OCC will raffle your wedding to the different courts within its jurisdiction. Within days, you will know which sala your wedding has been raffled to. Once you know the sala assigned to you, visit the Clerk of Court and check if the judge is available on your chosen date. Be flexible about the date you choose to avoid scheduling your wedding during hectic hearing dates. Nothing puts a downer on your wedding day than having to wait your turn while watching arraignments of detainees and oral arguments from badly attired lawyers.
'Submit your marriage license, Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR), and barangay clearance to the Office of the Clerk of Court (OCC) of the Hall of Justice, and pay PhP300.00'
On your wedding day, coordinate with the Clerk of Court on brightening the somber appearance of the court room by adding flowers and wedding décor. Be considerate of the court and don’t go overboard. Always remember to clean up after the wedding and offer the flowers to the court staff. Photographers/videographers are allowed during the ceremony and guests of about 15 to 30 people can be accommodated. The judge does not charge a fee for his/her wedding service, but a token gift to the busy judge who has gladly officiated your wedding and the clerk of court who you’ve been hassling is not a bad idea.
'A civil wedding can be beautiful, intimate and memorable. It is also practical, straightforward, legally binding, and cost-efficient'
Which courts are the prettiest? Hands down, the Makati courts win. All Makati court rooms have wooden chairs, dark wall paneling, and a view of the Makati skyline. The Pasig and Taguig courts have also been renovated and are huge improvements over other courts in Metro Manila.
A civil wedding can be beautiful, intimate and memorable. It is also practical, straightforward, legally binding, and cost-efficient. Depending on your priorities and personality, a civil ceremony performed by a wise judge in an intimate setting witnessed by your closest friends and family can be the perfect way for you and your groom to say I do.
Atty. Tetta H. Dizon is a Senior Associate at Suarez and Narvasa Law Firm, contact her at 810-9217 to 18, or 810-4880. Suarez and Narvasa Law Firm is located at 3rd Floor CSJ Building, 105 Aguirre Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City.
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