What Is a Marriage License?
A marriage license is a legal document proving that a couple is eligible to marry in the Phillippines. Applicants must satisfy the requirements for age, metal capacity, and legal impedimes. It's usually issued by a state authority, such as civil registry or county court of residence where either party lives. It is the primary step to get married in the Philippines. Please nite that the license is valid for 120 days and you must marry within its validity.
What Is the Purpose of Marriage License?
The Philippine government issues the license to legally "authorize" a couple to marry in any place within the country without any legal impediments. With this license, a couple can get married with the witness of a priest or officiant and their marriage is protected by the law. It is also part of the required documents to obtain a marriage certificate in some provinces.
What Type of Pictures Are Needed for Marriage License Application?
A passport-style photo is required as part of the required documents for marriage license. Both the bride-to-be and groom-to-be must submit a personal photo complying with the following specifications and standards.
● Photo Size
The photo size vary from municipality to municipality, typically 2x2 inches (equal to 5cm, 51mm, or 600 pixelsin width and height) or 1x1 inches (about 2.54cm, 25mm, or 300 pixels in width and height). It is necessary to check the exact size with the local government online or by phone.
● Head Position
The person's head must be in the middle of the photo without tilting or turning sideways. It is supposed to take up 70%-80% of the photo.
● Background
The background color should be uniform and light-colored, like white or light gray. Make sure only the bride or the groom is visible in the photo.
● Color
The marriage license photo must be colored and sharp. Take a picture under even and natural lighting to show the true skin color.
● Photo recency
Photos taken within 6 months are acceptable as long as it is in good condition and present the applicant's current look.
● Facial Expression
A neutral expression or blank expression is required. Both eyes must be fully open and the mouth should be closed.
● Clothing
Daily clothes are suggested while uniforms, vests, and low-necked attires are not allowed. The color of the outfits should differ from the background.
● Accessories
Jewelry and hearing-aids are allowed, but they must not obscure any part of the face or create an unpleasant glare. Headphones, headbands, hats are prohibited.
● Glasses
Glasses or colored contacts should be removed unless for medical reasons. Avoid blocking the subject's eyes or casting shadows around the eyes.
● Religious Coverings
Head coverings are allowed only for the purpose of religious belief, but they must not cover the person's face or be in similar color of the background.
How to Take Photos for Marriage License Application?
More and more people choose to take a biometric photo at home. If applying for a marriage license, couples can take photos of each other which is more time- and money-saving than visiting a photo store. Here is an instruction on how to take photos for marriage license at home.
Step 1: Prepare for Photo Taking
First of all, photographic equipment is essential, including a camera, smartphone, and/or tripod. Next, find a place with sufficient and uniform lighting, ideally natural daylight. Last but not least, put on daily clothes in dark colors. Put on light makeup if you want to look better.
Step 2: Set the Camera
Selfies are not permitted, so ask your spouse to hold the camera for you. The photographer should keep a distance of 1.2-1.5m away from you. Stabilize the camera with a tripod if necessary.
Step 3: Pose Properly
Face the camera and stand upright. Look straight at the camera. Do not show any emotions on the face as it might distort the facial expressions. Do not smile, laugh, pout, or frown. Adjust your position and make sure there are no shadows on the face and background.
Step 4: Take Photos
Capture a few pictures of head and shoulders at a time, so you can pick the one that is most likely to be accepted. Use burst shooting if possible.
How to Crop the Photo to 2x2 Inch for Marriage License Application?
Here comes the final step to adjust the photo to meet marriage license photo requirements. It is advised to use AiPassportPhotos which can not only resize the photo but also replace unqualified background and ensure photo compliance. Follow the steps below to make a perfect photo.
- Visit AiPassportPhotos 2 x 2 in Photo Maker with a mobile phone, tablet, or computer.
- Click on the "Upload a photo" button and import your desired photo.
- Let the tool scan the photo. It will automatically tune the size and background upon passing the photo compliance check.
- Preview the post-edited photo and download a digital template.
Marriage License vs Marriage Certificate
A marriage license is a document of authorization for a couple to marry. It should be obtained 7-90 days before the wedding. The couple must fill out a marriage license application form and apply for the license at the local county clerk's office in person or online.
A marriage certificate, also known as a marriage contract, is legal proof of marital status indicating that two persons have officially become husband and wife. After the wedding, the priest or officiant will returned the signed marriage license to the issuing office and a marriage certificate is issued.
FAQ
Are you considered married with just a marriage license?
No. It is only a proof of eligibility to marry instead of a proof of marriage.
Can you apply for marriage license online?
It depends on where you apply from. For example, online applications are available in Quezon.
Can I use 1x1 inch pictures for marriage license application?
Yes, and it should also comply with other photo requirements.It depends on where you apply from. If your local civil of registry accepts 1x1 inches picture, you can make a qualified one with our 1x1 Picture Editor.
How many pictures are required for marriage license application?
One picture of each party of the couple.