Marrying in Philippines. Is it a good idea? Part Two

What’s not good about marrying in the Philippines?

Time/lots to do: You cannot get a speedy quick ‘n’ efficient wedding done here! It’s Philippines. Nothing happens in a hurry, and nothing is ever simple. Without listing all that you need to do, you will be busy li’l beavers and will need 3 – 4 weeks to get everything done by. Yes, you can get some things done and organised before you arrive here, and of course it’s feasible maybe to get it done in 2 weeks, but you will be very busy indeed, and very stressed, and you risk things going wrong and needing to get on the plane still unmarried. It happens, believe me! We've seen it!

This would be the number one reason why so many marry in Australia, because not everyone can spare 3 – 4 weeks and most could do without developing a stomach ulcer! So if you can't spare the 3 – 4 weeks, then don't do it! But if you have plenty of time and a sense of adventure? Then go for it.

And on the same topic, watch out for court clerks and wedding planners who will shift dates on documents for you. You need to give 10 days notice to get a marriage license. If this is "fixed” and you end up with a marriage certificate that says you married on a date when you were back in Australia, how well do you think the Australian Embassy will look at this? Watch out! Keep everything above board!

Clash of logic and lack of control: Not everyone has the right personality for a Philippines wedding. Spending time “falling in line” (ie queueing) for documents needed, and having to come back again several times, or attending compulsory seminars on birth control in Tagalog is not something everybody can be philosophical about. Wondering why so many bridesmaids are necessary and why all of them need to wear a particular coloured dress, or wondering why a team of gay men are plastering everyone with so much makeup that you don't recognise them (I actually didn’t recognise a photo of my own wife once!), this doesn't sit well with everyone.

And the fact that no one will ever ask you your opinion or your wishes, this doesn't sit well with everyone either. Two different Australian men could be faced with the same wedding-related scenario. One will be OK, and the other will be fuming. You really need to decide beforehand what you can tolerate and what you can’t. If you like being in control and can’t tolerate things that make little sense, then get married in Australia!

Having to leave your wife behind after the wedding: Unless you have plenty of time on your hands, your wife will NOT be returning on the same flight as you. A partner visa won’t be granted until after the Australian Embassy in Manila receives the marriage certificate from the NSO, which will be at least 30 days after the wedding. And even then, they won't rush through your partner visa grant. Their job under Australian law is to protect Australia’s borders. It’s not to ensure that couples get together as soon as possible. The visa will be processed when it’s ready. A “plus” to marrying in Australia on a Prospective Marriage Visa is that your wife is already there and you get to kick off your married life immediately.

You've seen the good points and the bad points, and of course everyone will give different weights to each point. Some people love lots of human activity, while others hate crowds. Some want to be in control of every aspect, yet others don’t care and are quite happy to be surprised. And of course some are really pressed for time, yet others have all the time in the world. Talk it over between yourselves, and make your decision. Down Under Visa are happy to help you with whatever you choose, and will make sure your visa application goes smoothly and that you end up together in the end.