How Much Does It Cost To Marry A Filipina? Let’s Break It Down!

Lauren Welch
Foreign wife finder
5 min readAug 1, 2024

Hey there, lovebirds! Lauren Welch back at it again, this time diving into a Filipino bride price question that’s been flooding my inbox lately: how much does it cost to marry a Filipino woman? Well, we’re about to go on a financial rollercoaster ride through the land of love and pesos! Why not compare prices in the Philippines, the US and Europe?

First, let’s drop some quick facts to set the scene:

💑 Popular Dating Sites: SakuraDate, NaomiDate

💍 Average Age of Marriage for Filipinas: 25.3 years

💸 Average Wedding Cost in the Philippines: ₱250,000-₱300,000 (roughly $5,000-$6,000 USD)

👰 Traditional Filipino Wedding: Often a full-day affair with 100–300 guests

Now, let’s break this down step by step, shall we?

Dating Costs: Wooing Your Filipina

Alright, so you’ve got your eye on a lovely Filipina. First things first, how much does a Philippine girl cost if you’re going to win her heart? Here’s where your wallet might start feeling a bit lighter:

  1. Filipino mail order brides cost: Expect to shell out about $180-$250 per month for premium features on best chat rooms.
  2. Flights to the Philippines: Round trip from the US? You’re looking at $800-$1,500, depending on where you’re flying from.
  3. Accommodation: Hotels in the Philippines can range from $30 to $200 per night. Choose wisely!
  4. Dates: Filipinos love their food, so prepare for lots of dining out. Budget about $20-$50 per date.

Pro tip: Learn to say “Magkano ito?” (How much is this?) Trust me, it’ll come in handy! If you’re interested, I also covered Chinese bride price recently.

Engagement Expenses: Putting a Ring on It

So, you’ve stolen her heart, and now you want to know how much does it cost to marry a Filipina to make it official. Time to talk engagement costs:

  1. Engagement Ring: In the Philippines, it’s all about that bling! Budget anywhere from $500 to $5,000, depending on how fancy you want to get.
  2. Pamamanhikan: This is a Filipino tradition where you formally ask her parents for her hand in marriage. It often involves bringing gifts and food. Set aside about $200-$500 for this.

Remember, in Filipino culture, it’s not just about impressing your girl, but her whole family too!

Wedding Costs: The Big Day

Alright, this is where things can get really interesting (and expensive). Filipino weddings are typically big, bold, and beautiful affairs. Here’s a breakdown of cost to marry a Filipina:

  1. Ceremony: Church weddings are popular and can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000.
  2. Reception: This is the big ticket item. For 100–300 guests, you’re looking at $3,000-$10,000.
  3. Attire: A wedding gown can run you $500-$2,000, while a barong tagalog (traditional Filipino formal wear for men) costs about $100-$500.
  4. Photography/Videography: Gotta capture those memories! Budget about $1,000-$3,000.

Fun fact: Many Filipino weddings include a “money dance” where guests pin money on the couple’s clothes. Hey, every little bit helps, right?

Wedding Costs: A Global Perspective

Now, I know what you’re thinking: Lauren, how much does it cost to marry a Filipino in other parts of the world? Well, I’m glad you asked! Let’s take a quick trip around the globe to compare:

  1. Philippines: As we mentioned, you’re looking at about $5,000-$6,000 for an average wedding here.
  2. United States: Hold onto your hats, folks! The average wedding cost in the US was a whopping $30,000 in 2022, according to The Knot. And if you’re in a big city like New York? You might be looking at closer to $50,000!
  3. Europe: It’s a mixed bag here. In the UK, the average wedding costs about £17,300 (roughly $22,000). Meanwhile, in Italy, known for its romantic destinations, you’re looking at about €20,000 ($23,500) on average.

Pro tip: If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding, combining your nuptials and honeymoon in the Philippines could save you some serious cash compared to tying the knot back home. Food for thought, right?

Legal Fees: Making It Official

Don’t forget the paperwork! Here’s what you need to budget for:

  1. Marriage License: About $25-$50
  2. Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR): Around $20
  3. Visa Costs (if bringing her to the US): $1000 for the K-1 fiancee visa.

Post-Wedding Costs: Honeymoon and Settlement

The spending doesn’t stop at “I do,” folks:

  1. Honeymoon: A nice trip within Southeast Asia could set you back $1,500-$3,000.
  2. Moving Costs (if she’s relocating): Budget about $2,000-$5,000 for flights, shipping belongings, and initial settlement expenses.

The Grand Total

Drumroll, please! When all is said and done, marrying your Filipina sweetheart could cost you anywhere from $10,000 on the budget-friendly side to $30,000 or more if you’re going all out.

But hey, can you put a price on love? (My accountant says yes, but what does he know?)

Some Final Thoughts

Now, I know those numbers might make your head spin faster than a tinikling dance (traditional Philippine folk dance), but remember:

  1. Costs can vary widely depending on your choices and circumstances.
  2. Filipino families often chip in for wedding expenses, so you might not be footing the entire bill.
  3. Many of these costs are flexible. There’s always room for negotiation and budget-friendly alternatives.

At the end of the day, marrying a Filipina isn’t about how much does a Filipina bride cost, but about the love you share. So, what do you think? Ready to take the plunge into Filipino marital bliss? Or are you frantically checking your savings account right now? Remember, love might be priceless, but weddings sure aren’t! But hey, for the right person, it’s all worth it, right?

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which could result in a small reward for me if you decide to make a purchase through one of them.

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