Marriage certificate: All you need to know

Marriage is the most solemn connection between two people; it is where two people pledge to spend their entire lives together. Marriage in India is governed by statutes such as the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 and the Special Marriage Act of 1954. 

You would want to protect the sanctity of your marriage in every way, even legally, once you get married. The verbal assertion will not serve as evidence. You need proof to back your argument. For this, you need a marriage certificate, which serves as proof of the marriage and as a public announcement of the union. 

The legal system of any nation will approve it. In India, it signifies that your marriage has received legal sanction. Before 2006, this form of registration was optional if you requested it. Now, every couple that marries is required to obtain a marriage licence.

Due to the lack of clarity surrounding the procedure and records of marriage registration, couples frequently need to make many trips to the administration office. Additionally, many couples approach registration agents that could be more trustworthy and financially smart. During this period of conjugal pleasure, wouldn’t it be preferable to spend your time with your spouse instead of visiting government offices to register your marriage?

Following is a rundown of what is required and who to contact for a quick, simple, and efficient marriage registration:

 

Marriage certificate: Objectives

A marriage certificate is an official document confirming a couple’s conjugal/marital status. In addition to giving the pair legal married status, it is also useful for obtaining a passport, opening a bank account, changing one’s maiden name, and filing for a salary certificate. A marriage certificate is the legal evidence of marriage.

A marriage in India can be registered under either the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 or the Special Marriage Act of 1954. The Hindu Marriage Act applies only to Hindus, whereas the Special Marriage Act applies to all Indian citizens regardless of faith. 

The Hindu Marriage Act allows for the registration of already solemnised marriages but not the solemnisation of marriages by a Marriage Registrar. Regardless, the Special Marriage Act permits the solemnisation of a marriage by a Marriage Officer in the same manner as registration. Males must be at least 21 years old, and ladies must be at least 18 to be eligible for marriage in India.

 

Marriage certificate: Benefits

To apply for a passport or open a bank account following a wedding, a marriage certificate is required. It is also quite helpful in obtaining visas for the couple. 

The marriage certificate (marriage certificate download) is required for the couple to travel overseas with a companion visa when government offices in India and countries outside of India do not recognise conventional marriages. 

Additionally, it enables the spouse to obtain life insurance and access to the deceased partner’s bank accounts if no nominee has been designated.

 

Marriage certificate: Whom to approach for marriage registration?

For marriage registration, you must visit the office of the Sub Divisional Magistrate in whose jurisdiction the marriage occurred or where both parties resided for about six months before the wedding.

Appointment

By the Hindu Marriage Act, the appointment must be scheduled within 15 days following the request, although the Special Marriage Act allows up to 60 days.

Witness

Any individual who attended the couple’s marriage registration and possesses a valid PAN card and proof of residence is eligible to serve as a witness.

 

Marriage certificate: Documents required

You must bring specific documentation to your scheduled registration appointment. These include:

• Filled application format, with both partners’ initials, Voter ID/Ration Card/Passport and Driving License as Proof of Address
• Date of Birth documentation for the couple
• Two photos of passport proportions
• 1 wedding photograph
• Separate Marriage Affidavits from husband and wife and an Aadhaar Card in the endorsed category.
• Invitation to the wedding

You and your spouse must correctly self-attest (i.e., sign) all reports.

 

Marriage certificate: Tatkal registration of marriage

The procedure of obtaining a marriage certificate could be time-consuming, causing people to experience delays in their marriage registration in the United States or abroad. If you are in a rush and need your marriage certificate urgently, for instance, due to a visa need or a legal claim, you can also register your marriage in Tatkal, similar to how people book trains. 

In 2014, the Delhi government’s Revenue Department became a competent authority to provide the certificate in an emergency. Single-day permission requires only 24 hours to complete. The registration of marriage is the main priority.

 

How much is the marriage registration fee?

• Under the Hindu Marriage Act, fees vary from location to location. Typically, it costs only Rs 100 to register a marriage.
• Under the Special Marriage Act, the municipality currently charges Rs 150 for issuing this certificate.
• The revenue department charges Rs 10,000 to give the certificate on the same day for Tatkal Marriage Registration.

 

Marriage certificate: Online

• You can also register your marriage by submitting an online application for your marriage certificate by following the instructions below.

Choose your district and proceed ->Complete the husband’s information and select “Registration of Marriage Certificate”->Complete the Marriage Certificate form and select an appointment date->Click the “Submit Application” button.

• Following registration, you would receive a number printed on an acknowledgement sheet, and the application form would be complete. Take a printout of the receipt together with the application form.

 

Marriage certificate: Registration of intercaste marriage

The Special Marriage Act of 1954 is a statute that streamlines the registration of inter-caste weddings, so if you and your spouse belong to different castes, you can acquire your marriage certificate by complying with the statute’s provisions.

Under this Act, marriages can be solemnised amongst individuals of various kinships and beliefs. Following the measures outlined below, marriages performed under other forms may also be registered within the terms of this statute.

Within 30 days of the wedding, a couple desiring to register their marriage must submit a hard copy in triplicate per Section 5 to the marriage officer of the district where the ceremony took place or where the couple resides. After receiving the notification, the marriage officer will enter a true copy, distribute the notice, and ensure that it is delivered to the office of the marriage Register in the couple’s district.

After 30 days, the Sub-Registrar will register the marriage if the groom and bride have signed a declaration in the presence of three witnesses, stating in a recognised language that the other will be their lawful spouse. The pair might choose an activity, such as exchanging the Garlands and viewing the procedure.

After this step, the marriage is considered to have been solemnised, and the marriage officer will record the couple’s and witnesses’ names in the register of marriages.

 

FAQs

What is the legal age of marriage under the Constitution?

The ages of the bridegroom and bride must be 21 and 18, respectively.

Can a marriage exist without being registered?

It does not affect the validity of the marriage if a copy of the marriage certificate has not been submitted to the local civil registration.