Is there such a thing as a secret marriage?

Here in the Philippines. Even do such secret marriage is not valid, because the requisite of marriage provided by the family code is not follows. If your wife or husband want to separate with you in no other reasons or with reasons. You are not allow to remarry again because you are committed adultery in the parts of the wife and concubinage in the part of the husband. To avoid committing of the said crimes. You must first file from the court for declaration of nullity of marriage to be free from charges. The law always required parental consent for the marriage to be materialize. That is one of the basic requirements before the civil registrar issue a marriage license for both of the parties...

It sounds like your countries laws are similar to my countries laws. Although I am not sure that I understand you completely. Even those who are considered an adult in your country must first get the signed permission of the parents? Very interesting indeed, but I can understand why.

Before I response. Let me first greet you in participating to this discussions. Thanks so much my friend. The Family code of the Philippines, provides that before the both parties enter into marriage. They should first as parental consents from their parent before the civil registrar approve their application on marriage license. If those requirements is not present the civil registrar pending the said application until it completed. That is the authority of parents in terms of marriage relations propose of both lovers enter a marriage. They don't have the authority to stop it, but the law required their consent as public policy and good custom...

Under the supreme court records (Republic vs. C.A., and Castro, 236 SCRA 257) A secret marriage is legally non-existent phrase that ordinarily applies to a civil marriage celebrated without the knowledge of the relatives or friends of the spouses. That what the law provides my friend... thanks for participating on this discussions...

Marriage is a special social contract and at the sametime a special festival as it is celebrated openly among friends, relatives and invitees! Its festive charm is lost if the two persons have run-away-from-home-marriage or marry witout the concents of superiors! Thanks for your comments and have a good day!

Marriage is not a kind of special festivities my friend. The Law provides that: Marriage is a special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman entered into in accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal and family life. It is the foundation of the family and an inviolable social institution whose nature, consequences, and incident s are govern by law and not subject to stipulation, except that marriage settlement may fix the property relation during the marriage within the limits provided by law... Therefor, Marriage is a special contract not a special festival between man and a woman

Yup! My friend, that will be the reason. But they should understand that such a secret marriage can be difficult when times of trouble. Because the law will not accept that as legal, their children can be illegitimate and has limited protection from the government. There are many kinds of trouble can created on such a secret marriage. If the parents cannot approve on their relationship. They can legally marry, without the approval of their parents. Because if they reach the age of 25 above, no need to ask for parental consent. It only parental advice, but is not the impediment of marriage. I know in your country is not strict about the sanctity of marriage because if you file a divorce there is no need for you to present more evidence before they aprrove it. It take about 2 to 10 years before the court decide on the file case... thanks

Yes, our laws differ from yours. I have learned a lot here about other countries and cultures, which I find of great interest. Karen

Yup!We have different laws and different culture but we have the same aspect of marriage. Our laws give us more conflict about marriage, because they insert provisions that is against the will of God. Our culture make us endanger because their belief is not acceptable on our views. Marriage is a contract of mind between men and women but must be in will of God, to tie those that contract. Your laws is very open about divorce, our laws isn't but some hole.

You are right my friend. I started this discussion to help those plan to enter into a secret marriage and make them to avoid such things as illegal in my views. Thanks for your views my friend...

It is not void my friend because void marriage is existence from time of performance. The legal term use in their case is "voidable marriage". Because it is appeared that they are entered into a marriage that is not accepted by law, but their conception is within the frame works of law. Since their marriage is voidable, they cannot as easy to enter into marriage again until the law annulled the said secret marriage. That is why they apply for the "declaration of nullity of marriage". Now they are both free and can marry again.... thanks for participating on this discussions

I agree with you my friend. But we cannot deny that there are people enter into a marriage that no one of their family know about it. Thanks for your efforts to participate in this discussion, my friend.

What country my friend? The requirements of married in your country is different from us. Because the law provides that "18 to 21 years of age". To enter into a marriage, you must be of legal age. Means you already 18 if you are a girl, and you 21 if you are boy. But now, legal age define both of 18 years old can be considered by law. If that requirements is absence the marriage is declare voidable marriage...