For generations, June was hailed as the quintessential wedding month—but times are changing. In the Philippines, February has quietly taken the lead as the most popular time to say “I do,” and it’s not hard to see why. With love in the air and hearts everywhere, couples are embracing the romance of the season.
Government Data Backs It Up
According to the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), February recorded the highest number of marriages in 2023, with 52,501 weddings—beating even the festive month of December and the once-reigning June. Valentine’s Day itself has become a favorite wedding date, holding the top spot nearly every year since 2009.
Love Blooms in the Regions
Calabarzon tops the list as the country’s wedding capital, with over 60,000 marriages last year. Metro Manila and Central Luzon followed closely behind. On the other hand, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao had the fewest weddings—a reflection of varied cultural and social norms across the country.
However, beyond numbers, the story of modern Filipino love is evolving.
Rethinking the Dream Wedding
While many still dream of church bells and long gowns, more couples today are opting for simpler, more practical setups. A recent CPD study reveals that logistical challenges—like the time and money required to secure legal documents—are prompting some to put off marriage altogether.
For others, cohabitation feels just as meaningful, and often more convenient. Mass weddings, especially on Valentine's Day, have become a popular alternative for couples who want to celebrate their love without the steep price tag.
“We uphold marriage as a sacred institution,” CPD Executive Director Lisa Grace Bersales said, “but we must also support all couples, regardless of the path they choose,” she added.
