Marriage is a bond that carries out till you die and beyond. Only those who believe they are capable of living their entire lives in this sacred connected relationship of husband and wife should enter the bond.
Meanwhile, amidst all the happiness and planning a wedding, it’s just as significant to have the marriage legalized by our country. This will lead to a marriage certificate, which will be mandatory for any joint initiatives the couple does, such as buying a home or acquiring a marital visa to travel.
Protocol for Registering a Marriage
A marriage certificate is a legal document in India that confirms the union of two people. A Hindu Marriage Act from 1955 or the Special Marriage Act from 1954 govern marriages in India. The Indian Supreme Court ruled in 2006 that to legalize a marriage, it must be registered.
Even though most people are aware that registering for marriage in India is a legal obligation, they are unfamiliar with the procedure and end up paying more to an agent or becoming unduly concerned. Here’s how to register a marriage in India, both online and offline:
Online Registration Marriage Certificate
Marriage registration, like many other vital services in India these days, is also accessible online. Marriage registration Online is preferred since it provides convenience and avoids the need to queue, which is extremely noteworthy in this age of social isolation. It removes the requirement for numerous appointments with the marriage registry.
The procedure is as follows:
- Go to the government of the applicant’s home state’s official website
- Look for the marriage application form on the internet
- For both matrimonial bonds, fill in the relevant information provided on the form
- Submit the marriage certificate online application once you’ve done it
- After the application is completed, the wedding registrar will notify the candidate for a specific timing
- It is vital to arrive on time and with all of the documentation required in the section below at the marriage registrar’s office
- Witnesses from each side must be represented at the marriage registrar’s office at the time of the ceremony
- It’s worth noting that the marriage registrar normally gives the day and timing of the wedding 15-30 days later as per the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 form. Moreover, in the event of the Special Marriage Act of 1954, it takes almost 60 days.
Offline Marriage Certificate Registration
In India, marriages are registered through one of the two act either the Hindu Marriage Act (1955) or the Special Marriage Act (1954), as previously mentioned. It applies to all citizens of India, regardless of their religion. Only Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists are eligible to file for a marriage registration in India. The couple might even seek for registration if their marriage has previously been solemnised.
The sub-office, registrar’s within whose authority the marriage was solemnised, must be visited. It can be completed at the sub-office, registrars where one of the members has resided for more than six months. A Hindu marriage can be solemnised according to the customs and rites of either side.
Step by Step Procedure to Register a Marriage in India
- Eligibility Check:
Confirm that both parties meet legal criteria, such as age, consent, and prohibited relationships.
- Visit the Marriage Registrar’s Office:
Go to the local marriage registrar’s office where either party has resided for a minimum of 30 days.
- Get Application Form:
Obtain the prescribed marriage registration form from the registrar’s office.
- Fill the Form:
Complete the form with accurate details such as names, addresses, and relevant personal information.
- Attach Documents:
Provide necessary documents, including age and identity proofs, passport-sized photographs, and residence proof.
- Submit Application:
Submit the completed application form along with the required documents to the marriage registrar.
- Verification and Publication:
The notice of the intended marriage is published at the office, inviting objections, if any, within 30 days.
- Objection Handling:
Address any objections raised within the stipulated period. The registrar will investigate and resolve disputes.
- Declaration and Signatures:
Both parties make a solemn declaration stating their willingness to marry each other. Both sign the declaration in the presence of the marriage registrar.
- Witnesses:
The presence of two witnesses during the registration process is mandatory. Witnesses should have valid ID proof.
- Registrar’s Approval:
The marriage registrar examines the documents and, if satisfied, approves the marriage.
- Receive Marriage Certificate:
After approval, collect the marriage certificate from the registrar. It usually takes a week or two.
- Legal Validation:
Once the marriage is registered and the certificate is issued, the union is legally recognized.
Where to Register a Marriage in India?
In India, marriages are registered at the office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or the Registrar of Marriages. The specific office may vary based on the jurisdiction of the parties involved. Here’s where you can register a marriage:
- Local Registrar of Marriages:
Visit the office of the Local Registrar of Marriages in the area where either the bride or the groom has resided for at least 30 days before the marriage.
- Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s (SDM) Office:
In some states, marriages can be registered at the office of the SDM. Check with the local authorities to confirm the designated office.
- Municipal Corporation Office:
In urban areas, the Municipal Corporation office often serves as a registration point for marriages. Check with the local corporation authorities.
- Panchayat Office:
In rural areas, marriages may be registered at the Panchayat office. Confirm the specific procedure with the local Panchayat.
The Special Marriage Act
The Special Marriage Act of 1954 allows all Indian citizens, regardless of faith, to have their marriages registered. This solemnization as well as registration is provided by the marriage official. As previously stated, couples applying as per the Special Marriage Act must offer a 30-day notice to the sub-registrar in the jurisdiction of one of the members.
The registrar posts a notice on the bulletin board for 30 days, and if no objections are received during that time, the marriage is registered. The jurisdiction’s sub registrar should save a copy of the notice.
This method allows the marriage to be completed without the need for a religious ceremony.
Documents Required for Marriage Registration
To successfully register a marriage under either the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 or the Special Marriage Act, 1954, the following documents and conditions must be fulfilled:
1. Application Form
- Both the bride and groom must duly sign the marriage registration application form.
2. Age & Identity Proof
- Proof of age is mandatory:
- Accepted documents: Birth Certificate, Passport, or 10th Class Mark Sheet.
- Age criteria: Groom must be at least 21 years old, and bride must be at least 18 years old.
3. Address Proof
- Both parties must submit valid residential proof.
- Accepted documents: Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Ration Card, or Utility Bill.
4. Marriage Proof
- If the marriage was solemnized at a religious place, a certificate from the concerned institution is required as proof of marriage.
5. Photographs
- Passport-sized photographs of both the husband and wife.
- A photograph of the couple together, especially if the marriage has already been solemnized.
6. Wedding Invitation Card
- A copy of the wedding invitation card, if the ceremony has already taken place.
7. Affidavit
- A sworn affidavit detailing:
- Date and place of marriage
- Nationality and marital status of both parties
- Confirmation that the couple is not related in a prohibited degree under applicable laws.
8. Witnesses
- Two witnesses from each side are required to be present at the Registrar’s sub-office.
- If the marriage is solemnized at the sub-registrar’s office itself, two witnesses must also be present at the time of registration.
9. Fees & Receipt
- The registration fee must be paid at the district cashier’s office:
- ₹100 under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
- ₹150 under the Special Marriage Act, 1954
- Submit the official payment receipt along with the application form.
10. Special Cases
- Divorced Applicants: Must attach a certified copy of the divorce decree.
- Widow/Widower Applicants: Must attach the death certificate of the former spouse.
Conclusion
Hope, we have solved your confusion. If you have any questions regarding registration or you wish to register your marriage certificate, please reach out to our Mangal team.