Mind boggled - seeking advice!

[ssbib]

I think I made my appointment (online), maybe a week ahead ?
(Much of this stuff I've forgotten already... being a stupid absent-minded old bloke).

I know I managed to fit everything within a 30 day 'holiday'.

I would urge you to keep up to date by consulting the official government websites... both British and Philippines ones.

Your partner is probably best placed to collect her required documents, arrange wedding venues, etc.

Correct documents in hand... and a few pesos in the Philippines, and there should be nothing to get worried about. Just take plenty of copies of each important document (3 or 4).

Thanks for that. Hopefully I can do that on my next trip and then just aplpy for the rest of the things closer to the time.

Depending on the time of year getting an appointment might at short notice might be difficult.

If it's a decision to get married in the Philippines then you really need to make a schedule and work backwards from that. Check the British Embassy booking webpage and see how it looks.

In principle I'd suggest 21 days in the Philippines to get married. This gives time for any delays.
It's possible to get done in 14 days, but this requires a really slick project plan and some good luck to avoid any issues. Not much happens very fast here.

Your Fiancee can get a lot of preparations done and dusted before you land.

If time off work is going to be an issue then I'd suggest making 2 shorter trips. First trip to secure the marriage licence, second trip to get married. The marriage licence takes a minimum of 10 days depending.
Your Fiancee can check schedules etc to optimise and secure in 10 days with no delays.
The licence will be valid for 120 days anywhere in the Philippines.

Thank you for this information. Do we BOTH need to be present to get the marriage license or can my fiance get it before I arrive for the wedding? I don't know if I can afford multiple trips back and forth.