Updated for general guidance only. This is an educational overview, not legal advice. Local Civil Registry Offices (LCROs), churches, and agencies may issue implementing guidelines that vary by city/municipality.

1) Why the seminar matters

In the Philippines, a marriage license is generally required before a civil or religious wedding may lawfully proceed. As part of the license process, most LCROs require proof that the couple completed a pre-marriage orientation and counseling program and, in many places, a responsible parenthood and family planning seminar. These requirements apply to Filipino-Filipino couples and, with limited adjustments, to Filipino-foreigner couples marrying in the Philippines.

Note: Certain marriages do not require a marriage license (e.g., long cohabitation under Article 34 of the Family Code, emergency marriages in articulo mortis, some remote-area cases, marriages governed by the Code of Muslim Personal Laws, and customary marriages in recognized indigenous communities under special laws). Where the license is exempt, LCRO seminar requirements tied to the license are typically not required—although other documentary steps still apply (e.g., registration and proof of the exemption).

2) Legal framework (high-level)

Family Code of the Philippines (E.O. 209, as amended): Establishes when a marriage license is required; empowers LCROs to require documents; provides license exemptions (Articles 27–34).
Local Government Code & LCRO practice: Cities/municipalities administer the license process and set procedural requirements (including seminar attendance) through local issuances.
Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Act of 2012 (R.A. 10354) and implementing guidelines: Institutionalized pre-marriage education on responsible parenthood, family planning, and related topics, delivered by DOH/DSWD/POPCOM and LGUs.
Code of Muslim Personal Laws (P.D. 1083) and Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (R.A. 8371): Provide distinct regimes for Muslim and recognized indigenous customary marriages.
Religious rules (e.g., Catholic Church): For church weddings, Pre-Cana (or comparable pre-marriage program) is usually obligatory, in addition to civil requirements for the marriage license (unless the marriage falls within a legal exemption to the license).

3) What the “pre-marriage seminar” typically includes

Although names vary, LGUs commonly deliver two linked components:

Pre-Marriage Orientation (PMO) – a short, foundational session covering:
- Legal essentials of marriage (capacity, consent, impediments, effects)
- Family relations, conflict resolution, gender-based violence prevention
- Government services (civil registration, social welfare, health, child protection)
Pre-Marriage Counseling (PMC) – a longer, interactive session led by social workers/health educators, often including:
- Communication and financial planning as a couple
- Parenting and child development
- Responsible parenthood and family planning (RPRH) topics (fertility awareness, maternal health, sexually transmitted infections, HIV basics)
- Mental health, substance use, and family wellness

Some LGUs deliver “PMOC” as a bundled program; others separate PMC and RPRH into distinct certificates. Churches separately conduct Pre-Cana (or its equivalent) for sacramental marriages.

4) Who must attend

Standard civil license applicants: Both parties attend the LGU-run PMO/PMC (or PMOC) and, where separate, the RPRH seminar.
Filipino + Foreigner: Both parties usually attend the LGU seminar. If the foreign fiancé(e) is abroad or cannot attend in person, some LCROs:
- allow online/virtual sessions (if offered locally), or
- permit attendance immediately prior to filing the license, or
- accept an equivalent pre-marriage course certificate from a recognized provider—but only if the LCRO explicitly authorizes it. Practices vary; confirm locally.
Church weddings: Church pre-marriage programs (e.g., Pre-Cana) do not replace LCRO seminars for the license unless your case is license-exempt under law.
License-exempt marriages (Family Code Articles 27–34; or under P.D. 1083/IP customary law): LCRO seminar tied to the license is not required, but documentary proof of the exemption and proper registration are.

5) Where and how to take the seminar

Venue: LCRO-designated hall, City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO/MSWDO), local health office, or an accredited partner facility.
Format: In-person is common; some LGUs offer scheduled group sessions or online sessions.
Scheduling: Often ½ day to a full day (PMO + PMC), with an additional block for RPRH where separate. Expect limited seating; plan ahead.
Fees: Typically minimal (or free), set by local ordinance; official receipt issued.
Language: Conducted in English and/or Filipino; interpreters are advisable for non-Filipino speakers.

6) Certificates you may receive (names vary by LGU)

Certificate of Pre-Marriage Orientation and Counseling (or separate PMO and PMC certificates)
Certificate of Attendance on Responsible Parenthood / Family Planning (RPRH)
(Church) Pre-Cana Certificate (for religious requirements; not a civil substitute)

These certificates are presented to the LCRO when applying for the marriage license. Some LGUs print the seminar details on the license application intake sheet; others require the original certificates.

7) Documentary prerequisites for the seminar (typical)

Bring photocopies (and originals for verification) of:

Valid ID(s) of both parties (passport for foreigners)
Birth certificates (PSA) and CENOMAR/Advisory on Marriages (PSA) for each party (or foreign equivalent as accepted by LCRO)
For foreigners: Passport bio page; Certificate of Legal Capacity/No Impediment to Marry from your embassy/consulate (or alternative accepted by LCRO, e.g., sworn affidavit if embassy no longer issues certificates); proof of legal stay (visa/entry stamp)
For previously married: PSA death certificate of former spouse, or court Decree of Annulment/Nullity with Certificate of Finality
For applicants 18–21: Parental consent; 21–25: Parental advice (Family Code)
Two (2) 1×1 or 2×2 photos (if required by the LCRO)
Payment receipt (if the seminar has a nominal fee)

LCROs sometimes permit seminar attendance before you have all PSA documents, but you’ll still need the complete dossier to file the marriage license.

8) Validity period of seminar certificates

Most LGUs accept seminar certificates issued near in time to the license application (e.g., within 6 months to 1 year). Some strictly require that seminar and license application occur within the same calendar year. Always align your seminar date with your planned license filing date (remember the license’s 10-day posting period and the license’s validity—commonly 120 days from issuance—when sequencing).

9) Special notes for foreigners (and mixed-nationality couples)

Attendance: Expect to attend the LGU seminar unless specifically excused by the LCRO’s written policy.
Proof of capacity to marry: Each embassy follows its own rules. If an embassy does not issue a “Legal Capacity” certificate, the LCRO may accept an affidavit plus supporting proof (e.g., divorce decree). Check the LCRO’s accepted alternatives.
Divorce/annulment recognition: A foreign divorce involving a Filipino spouse may require judicial recognition in the Philippines before that Filipino is considered free to remarry for civil registry purposes. Factor this into your timeline; seminar attendance won’t cure a legal impediment.
Language barriers: Bring an interpreter if needed; some LCROs require translations of foreign documents (with apostille/consular authentication, as applicable).
Tourists/time-constrained: Ask if the LGU offers expedited seminar schedules or consolidated sessions; availability varies.

10) Church-specific programs (if marrying in church)

Catholic (Pre-Cana / CMFP, etc.): Usually 1–2 days or several evenings; may include natural family planning instruction and pastoral interviews.
Other denominations: Comparable pre-marriage instruction is common.
Important: Church clearance does not replace the civil seminar for the license unless the marriage is legally license-exempt.

11) Exemptions and edge cases

Article 34 (Five-year cohabitation) marriages: No license required if parties are of legal capacity and have cohabited as husband and wife for at least five years with no legal impediment during that time; marriage may proceed without license before an authorized solemnizing officer, followed by registration. LCRO seminars tied to the license are typically not required.
Muslim marriages (P.D. 1083): Governed by Muslim personal law; license practices differ; registration with Shari’a authorities and the civil registrar remains essential.
Recognized indigenous customary marriages: Follow customary law and special registration rules; the civil registrar records the marriage upon proper proof.
In articulo mortis and remote-area cases (Family Code Articles 27–29): License exemptions may apply; seminar not required, but documentary proof and registration rules still govern.

12) Typical timeline (civil wedding; non-exempt)

Gather documents (PSA birth/CENOMAR; passport/IDs; embassy capacity certificate or equivalent; prior-marriage documents if any).
Book and complete seminars (PMO/PMC and, if separate, RPRH).
File marriage license at LCRO with seminar certificates (start of 10-day posting).
Receive license (observe validity window, commonly 120 days).
Wedding ceremony (civil or religious) within license validity; register marriage.

13) Practical tips and common pitfalls

Book early. Seminar slots fill quickly, especially in larger cities or during peak months.
Names and dates must match. Ensure all IDs, PSA documents, and certificates carry consistent names, birthdates, and passport numbers.
Bring originals and photocopies. Many LCROs keep photocopies and sight the originals.
Dress modestly; be punctual. Some venues enforce dress codes and cut-off times.
Keep receipts and certificates flat and legible. Faded or crumpled documents can delay intake.
Coordinate church and civil timelines. Don’t schedule a church wedding until your civil license path is clear (unless license-exempt).
Foreign divorce recognition (for a Filipino party). This is the most common source of unexpected delay; consult counsel early if applicable.
Check local rules. LGU practice (fees, schedules, certificate names, acceptance of online seminars) varies.

14) Quick compliance checklist

For the LCRO seminar(s):

Seminar appointment/slot confirmation
Government IDs (passport for foreigner)
PSA Birth Certificate(s) (or foreign equivalent for the foreigner, if accepted)
PSA CENOMAR(s) / Advisory on Marriages (or foreign equivalent)
Embassy Legal Capacity/No Impediment (or LCRO-accepted alternative) for the foreigner
Prior-marriage documents (death certificate; court Decree + Finality, as applicable)
Parental consent/advice documents if required by age
Photos (if requested)
Fees/official receipts
Completed PMO/PMC (PMOC) certificate and RPRH certificate (if separate)

For church weddings (in addition):

Parish interview / canonical investigation
Pre-Cana (or equivalent) certificate
Baptismal and confirmation certificates (updated copy) for Catholic parties
Dispensations or permissions (mixed marriage, disparity of cult), if applicable

15) Frequently asked questions

Q: Can we replace the LCRO seminar with a church Pre-Cana certificate? A: Generally no. Unless your marriage is legally license-exempt, the LCRO seminar(s) are part of the license process.

Q: We’re both foreigners marrying in the Philippines. Do we still need the LGU seminar? A: Usually yes, if you are applying for a Philippine marriage license. If you qualify for a legal license exemption, seminar requirements tied to the license may not apply.

Q: Is there an online option? A: Some LGUs run online PMOC/RPRH sessions. Availability and acceptance vary; obtain the LCRO’s current instructions.

Q: How long does the seminar take? A: Commonly from a half day to a full day for PMO/PMC, with RPRH sometimes scheduled separately.

Q: My embassy won’t issue a “Legal Capacity” certificate. A: Ask the LCRO what alternative they accept (e.g., sworn affidavit + proof of single status/divorce). Policies vary by locality.

16) Bottom line

If your marriage requires a Philippine marriage license, plan to complete the LCRO-recognized pre-marriage seminar(s) and present the original certificates with your license application.
If your marriage falls within a license exemption (Family Code Articles 27–34; P.D. 1083; recognized indigenous customary marriages), the seminar linked to the license is typically not required, but registration and exemption documentation remain essential.
Because local practice differs, always coordinate early with the LCRO where you intend to marry (and, for church weddings, with your parish).