Title I — Marriage
Article 3
ELI5— what this means for you
Even if both of you are legally free and willing to marry, you still need the formal requirements: (1) a solemnizing officer authorized by law (judge, priest, mayor, etc.), (2) a valid marriage license (except in specific exempt cases), and (3) a marriage ceremony where both parties personally appear and say 'I do' before the officer and at least two witnesses.
Key point
No license, no authorized officer, or no ceremony = a marriage that may be void.
Official text — EO 209
The formal requisites of marriage are:
(1) Authority of the solemnizing officer;
(2) A valid marriage license except in the cases provided for in Chapter 2 of this Title; and
(3) A marriage ceremony which takes place with the appearance of the contracting parties before the solemnizing officer and their personal declaration that they take each other as husband and wife in the presence of not less than two witnesses of legal age. (53a, 55a)
Source: lawphil.net (EO 209 as amended)
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Legal disclaimer: BatasKo provides general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on marriage, annulment, property relations, custody, or support, consult a licensed Filipino lawyer or the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) at pao.gov.ph.