Tying the knot in India’s vibrant wedding culture calls for vibrant celebrations full of color, tradition, and excitement. But once the grandeur of your dream wedding finishes, there remains one very important formality – registering your marriage legally under Indian laws.
While the memorable rituals make for a socially recognized marital union, registering your marriage with authorities is vital for making it officially valid and reaping associated legal rights. So don’t let the romance of weddings distract you from promptly completing marriage registration formalities.
This straightforward process involves presenting the right documents and getting a marriage certificate within 60 days in most cases. If you are anxious about how to get the legal stamp on your sacred matrimony, this handy guide on marriage registration breaks down key aspects like applicable laws, documentation, procedures, and fees state-wise to ease your worries.
Whether you had an extravagant multi-day wedding or a modest register office ceremony, we help demystify the marriage registration process so you can be legally wedded just as much as socially wedded to your beloved. Keep reading for insights on requirements, laws, FAQs, and tips for smooth marriage registration to officially seal your bond as per Indian law within just 2 months!
How to Register a Marriage in India?
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about marriage registration in India – from the required documents, applicable laws and acts, and registration procedures to FAQs and fees. Read on to ensure your holy matrimony gets its official stamp of approval as per Indian laws.
Documents Required for Marriage Registration in India
To legally register your marriage in India, the following key documents are required as proof:
| Document | Reason |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | It serves as proof of identity and address for both partners |
| PAN Card | It is proof of identity for tax purposes |
| Passport | It establishes the identity and citizenship of both partners |
| Voter ID | It serves as identity and address proof |
| Ration Card | It acts as address verification for both partners |
| 10th Pass Certificate | It provides date of birth proof for age verification |
| Birth Certificate | It gives authentic proof of date and place of birth |
| Driving License | It establishes identity and residential address |
| Wedding Invitation Card | It formally establishes the intent of marriage by both partners |
| 2 Passport Size Photographs | It enables visual identification and verification of applicants |
| Separate Marriage Affidavits | It allows partners to formally consent to the marriage as per legal format |
Additionally, valid PAN card and address proof documents are required for witnesses attending the wedding.
All documents need to be self-attested by the applicants.
Applicable Laws for Marriage Registration in India
The two key laws concerning marriage registration in India are:
The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
Applies to:
- Hindus
- Buddhists
- Jains
- Sikhs
- Followers of Arya Samaj, Brahmo Samaj
- Lingayats, Virashaivas
- Converts to the above faiths
The Special Marriage Act, 1954
Applies to:
- Indian citizens
- Indians living abroad
- Irrespective of faith followed (except in Jammu and Kashmir)
Procedure to Register Your Marriage in India
Follow this step-by-step process:
- Submit Application: File a signed application with your partner at the Marriage Registrar’s Office
- Public Notice: Notice is issued allowing 30 days for objection submission
- Registration: If no valid objections are received, the marriage gets registered
- Certificate: Signed marriage certificate is issued by the couple and three witnesses
Ceremonies and Rituals for Hindu Marriages
As per the Hindu Marriage Act, Hindu weddings are solemnized according to customary religious rites and rituals like:
- Varmala
- Saat Pheras
- Sindoor Daan
- Mangal Pheras
Registration Process for Hindu Marriages
- Hindu couples need to register their marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act
- Concerned state governments formulate their regulations to ease registration
- The Hindu Marriage Register serves as valid legal proof of the marriage
Key Aspects of The Special Marriage Act
Solemnization:
- Marriage can be solemnized in any form chosen by the couple
- It must be confirmed by both parties in front of the Marriage Officer
Notice of Intended Marriage:
- 30 days notice must be provided on a prescribed format
- Either person should be residing in the jurisdiction area for the 30 days preceding notice date
Marriage Declaration:
- Signed by the couple and three witnesses before solemnization
Effect on Joint Family:
- Considered separation from Hindu Undivided Family after marriage under this Act
Fees for Marriage Registration
While fees may slightly vary across states, the average fee is:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| For registration | Rs. 100 |
| For obtaining the Marriage Certificate | Rs. 50 |
The fees can be deposited online as well.
FAQs on Marriage Registration
Q: Why register marriage in India?
- It serves as legal proof of the marital union as per Indian laws
Q: When should I register my marriage?
- Ideally within 60 days from the wedding date
Q: Can marriage be registered after 1 year?
- Yes, late registration is possible after paying late fees
Q: Which documents are required for late marriage registration?
- The same documents as on-time registration along with late fee payment
Q: Can Hindu marriage be registered online?
- Yes, Hindu marriage registration is possible on vakilsearch.com
Q: How do I track my marriage registration status?
- You can track your status on the registering authority’s website using your application number
Q: Is court marriage compulsory for marriage certificate?
- No court marriage is not required. Marriages can be registered under various acts.
Q: Is marriage registration required in India?
- Yes, marriage registration is legally mandatory in India.
Q: Can I marry in India without registration?
- You can have a wedding ceremony but it won’t be legally valid without registration.
Q: Where is marriage registration done in India?
Marriage registration formalities can be completed at:
- Registrar Office
- Court Marriage Office
- Municipal Corporation Office
- Online Marriage Registration Portal
Also Check:
Conclusion:
I hope this guide covered everything you need to know about registering your marriage in India – right from the documentation, applicable laws, and detailed processes to tracking application status, and common FAQs.
While Indian weddings call for grand celebrations, obtaining the marriage certificate within 60 days makes the union legally binding as per law.
Register with ease and receive your marriage certificate promptly!
