4 steps to apply for a Marriage Certificate in India

Marriage is a social construct that exists in almost all societies. Whether modern or traditional, marriage is the foundation of society. However, today’s life is complex and legal issues surrounding marriage are also complicated. This is why everyone needs a marriage registration certificate. Couples who enter into joint ventures, like leasing or buying a house, opening joint accounts or starting a business, need a marriage certificate to secure their rights and the rights of future generations. This certificate is very important for many reasons, so the process is fairly technical and can take some time to complete. This step is taken to ensure accuracy and avoid fraud in the process.

What Are the Legal Requirements for Getting a Marriage Certificate?

Marriages in India come under personal law or civil law. They can be registered under the Hindu marriages act of 1955 or the special marriage act of 1954. Since marriage is registered under state jurisdiction, there are usually state-specific rules or laws which also govern the registration of the marriage. The Supreme court mandated in 2006 that all marriages in India must be accredited with a certificate.

How to Apply for a Marriage Certificate in India: A 4-Step Guide

A marriage certificate legally binds two people together. To acquire a marriage certificate, four steps must be followed.

Step 1: Fill in the application form for a marriage certificate online.

Since 2010, the internet-based marriage licensing system has been available in India as part of the digital revolution. The technique has been beneficial to individuals during their lives since it allows them to skip long queues. It saves time and headaches and is less difficult than previous registration methods. In most cases, the following procedures are completed during an online registration process.

• Access the home state government website of the applicant, which can be their native or residential state.
• Go to the marriage registration site by browsing the website.
• Fill in the answers requested by the form.
• Remove the documents and additional criteria listed on the page.
• After filing, submit it.

Because most papers are now kept on computers, this approach is far less time-consuming than the conventional registration method. The marriage registrar will conduct a physical check with the individuals after completing the registration via internet mode to verify there was no fraudulence in the procedure.

Step 2: Obtaining a marriage certificate after you’ve registered offline.

For distinct marriages conducted under different legislation, the procedure varies. While Hindu marriage laws of 1955 were in effect, traditional marriages in the religious ceremony had a distinct method. The one under the special weddings act has a different approach.

The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955

This law is only available to Hindu couples who get married in a temple. Both individuals must be Hindu to marry under this provision. The term “Hindu” legally encompasses other religions, such as Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, as well as adherents of Hinduism. This registration can either be done before or after the wedding ceremony.

The Special Marriage Act, 1954

Marriages conducted without religious rituals or any religious ceremonies are covered by the special marriages legislation of 1954. The individuals may be of any religion. A foreigner can marry a citizen under this law, provided they live in the sub-registrar’s district.

After registration, the marriage announcement is given 30 days before registration. A copy of the notice is kept by the sub-registrar for further study.

The third step is to submit all required documents.

A marriage license is required in all 50 states. A marriage certificate is one of the essential legal papers an individual should have. The paperwork’s criteria might differ depending on state legislation. However, the variations are minor. All documents should be submitted as photocopies instead of original documents. At the time of submission, the gazette officer must check and sign each photocopy.

The following documents are required:

• The information in this section is for your benefit. It pertains to the form you must complete and sign if you are a male seeking a wife in Iran or abroad.
• A document establishes your residency or citizenship, such as a voter ID or ration card.
• The legal age for both parties to get married is 18 years old, as prescribed by the Hindu and Special Marriages Act of 1954. Both parties must provide proof of age through a birth certificate, matriculation/SSLC certificate, or passport.
• Rs. 100, if registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, and Rs. 150 for special marriages, should be paid as a fine to the office of the marriage hall or temple. The form must include a copy of the receipt showing payment has been received.
• If you were previously married, please submit the invitation and a photo of your wedding. Even if you registered before, you might send in any relevant papers. A divorce finalization copy from the court must be submitted by anyone marrying who is a divorced person.
• The death certificate of the spouses must be submitted if either spouse is a widow or widower.
• If the marriage is celebrated, a passport-sized photo of both sides and an affidavit from the individual who attended the wedding are necessary.

Step 4: A physical examination in the sub-registrar’s office

Once you’ve gathered all the required documents, both couple members must visit the sub registrar’s office. If everything looks to the sub-registrar, they will approve and grant the certificate. You’ll need at least two witnesses, along with documents like no objection certificates if you’re getting married under special act provisions.

If you have any questions about the marriage certificate procedure, contact Marriage Registration.