Wedding traditions of Manila
A Catholic wedding city of padrinos, the cord and veil rite, the money dance and the long reception.
The Philippines is a mostly Catholic country, and its weddings follow the church with local additions. Sponsors called ninongs and ninangs are chosen from among family and friends.
A wedding here
A Catholic wedding mass includes the veil, in which a veil is pinned to the bride and groom's shoulders, and the cord, a silk cord looped in a figure eight over the couple, as a sign of union. The groom hands the bride 13 coins, the arras. Receptions have a money dance, where guests pin notes on the couple. Divorce is not available under Philippine civil law for most citizens, as of 2026, though annulment is.
Where weddings happen
Churches such as Manila Cathedral and Quiapo Church, plus hotels and gardens. Many churches also hold mass weddings on set days.
The season and the calendar
December and May are favourite, and many families avoid weddings during Lent and Holy Week.
Wedding customs of Manila
Also part of it, and being written: Arras (The thirteen coins.), Wedding sponsors (The ninongs and ninangs.), Barong Tagalog (The formal shirt of the groom.), Philippine wedding (The customs of weddings.).
A wedding trail idea for Manila
- Divisoria A bargain market for wedding favours and dresses.
- Quiapo Church A popular church.
- Manila Cathedral The church in Intramuros.
- Intramuros The walled city.
Written by the EveryShaadi desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, venues and wedding-season dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
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