Question

Emma and James have been in a long-term relationship and are ready to take the next step by getting married. They are aware of the essential and formal requisites for marriage as provided in the Family Code. Discuss the following scenarios and determine whether the marriage is valid or invalid based on the given facts and relevant provisions of the Family Code.

1. Emma and James had a civil wedding ceremony presided over by a judge. However, they failed to secure a valid marriage license prior to the ceremony.
2. Emma and James, both Filipino citizens, got married in a foreign country without complying with the laws of the said country regarding marriage formalities.
3. Emma and James entered into a marriage contract, but it lacked the required government authorization and witnesses.
4. Emma and James, who are both below 18 years old, got married with the consent of their parents.
5. Emma and James, who are both of legal age, exchanged their marital vows in a public ceremony witnessed by their family and friends, but they failed to register the marriage with the local civil registrar within the prescribed period.