Catholic Church Wedding Requirements: The Complete Checklist for Negros Dioceses. 

Getting married in the Catholic Church is a process. It is not as simple as booking the venue and showing up. The Church has its own set of laws. They are strict. They are non-negotiable.

At Tickle Tree Studios, we have seen couples scrambling to find a baptismal certificate three days before the wedding. It is stressful. And trust us. Stress shows up on camera. You want to look happy in your Dumaguete wedding video coverage, not worried about paperwork.

Here is the complete checklist for couples planning a church wedding in Negros Oriental.

1. The "For Marriage Purposes" Documents

You might have your old baptismal certificate in a drawer somewhere. That one is not good enough. You need new copies of two specific documents.

• Baptismal Certificate: It must be issued within the last six months. It must have the annotation "For Marriage Purposes" stamped on it.

• Confirmation Certificate: Same rule applies. It needs that specific "For Marriage Purposes" annotation.

Where to get them: Go to the parish where you were baptized or confirmed. If you are from outside Dumaguete, you need to contact your home parish early. Mailing these documents takes time.

2. The Civil Requirements

The Church cannot marry you without the government's permission.

• Marriage License: We wrote a separate guide on this. You need to apply for it at the Local Civil Registrar 120 days before your wedding.

• CENOMAR: The Certificate of No Marriage from the PSA. It proves you are free to marry.

3. The Canonical Steps

Once you have the papers, you have to do the work.

• The Canonical Interview: The priest will interview you and your partner. They will ask about your relationship and your understanding of marriage.

• Pre-Cana Seminar: This is the church's version of counseling. You will spend a day or half-day listening to talks about faith, family, and communication. Check with your specific parish (like St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral or Our Mother of Perpetual Help) for their schedule.

• Marriage Banns: This is a public announcement of your upcoming wedding. It is posted in your parish for three consecutive Sundays. It allows anyone with an objection to come forward. If you are from different parishes, you need to post banns in both.

4. The List of Sponsors

You need to submit a list of your principal sponsors (Ninong and Ninang).

• The Rule: They must be Catholic. Some churches require a copy of their marriage contract if they are married.

• Why it matters for video: We need to know who these people are. They play a big role in the ceremony. We make sure to get good shots of them signing the contract.

5. Confession

A few days before the wedding, you are required to go to confession. This prepares you spiritually for the sacrament.

A Note on "Church Rules" for Video

Every parish has different rules for videographers. Some allow drones outside. Some do not. Some restrict where we can stand near the altar. When you book your church, ask them about their restrictions. Let us know during our planning meeting. We adjust our equipment to respect the sanctity of the mass while still getting the cinematic wedding videographer Dumaguete shots you paid for.

Ready to walk down the aisle? Once the paperwork is done, the fun begins. [Book Tickle Tree Studios]

We capture the solemnity and the celebration of your church wedding.