Free weddings in Metro Manila: Which cities offer them, and what to know

MANILA, Philippines – Weddings may be expensive. From venue rentals and catering to gowns and photographers, costs can easily run into tens or even hundreds of thousands of pesos.

But for couples with limited budgets, some local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila offer free civil weddings. 

These mass or sponsored weddings are usually held on special occasions such as Valentine’s Day or in the month of February.

Rappler has compiled the schedules of free weddings organized by select LGUs in Metro Manila this February, along with key requirements couples should know.

Quezon City

Quezon City will host a free “Kasalang Bayan” at the M.I.C.E. Center, Quezon City Hall Compound, on the following dates:

• February 12, 2026 (Thursday): Districts 1 and 2
• February 13, 2026 (Friday): Districts 3 and 4
• February 15, 2026 (Sunday): Districts 5 and 6
  

Pre-wedding requirements:

• Photocopy of birth certificate
• Photocopy of QCitizen ID
• Marriage license forms (to be provided by the City Civil Registry Department)
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Two witnesses (one ninong and one ninang)

The deadline for registration and submission of requirements is Friday, January 30.

For inquiries, you may contact Quezon City Civil Registry Department’s Ken Barrera (0995 286 7426) or Dhen Bonus (0915 998 5655). Interested couples may also visit Gender and Development Council Office
in the 6th Floor, High Rise Building, QC Hall Compound or contact them through this telephone number: 8988-4242 loc. 8732 / 8739

City of Manila

Manila’s mass wedding will be held on February 13. Here are the requirements:

• Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR)
• Marriage license
• Birth certificate
• Valid ID with Manila address
• Affidavit of cohabitation (for couples aged 23 and above who have lived together for at least five years and have a child)
• Child’s birth certificate (if applicable)

The Manila city government said slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested couples may visit the Manila City Registry Office at Room 117, Ground Floor, Manila City Hall.

Caloocan City

Caloocan City will hold its free mass wedding on February 14 at the Caloocan Sports Complex.

Requirements:

• Birth certificate (original and photocopy)
• Valid ID (original and photocopy)
• Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR)

Interested couples may submit their requirements at:

• North Caloocan residents: 3rd Floor, Civil Registry Department, Caloocan City Hall – North
• South Caloocan residents: 6th Floor, Civil Registry Department, Caloocan City Hall – South

Submission of requirements runs from January 19 to February 5. The Caloocan LGU said applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. – Rappler.com