A marriage certificate is a legal document that declares a man and a woman as husband and wife in legal terms. In India, marriage registration is done under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 or under the Special Marriage Act, 1954.

The Honourable Supreme Court of India, in 2006, made it compulsory for couples to register their marriage in order to make it legally valid.

Use of Marriage Certificate

A marriage certificate is crucial when a couple decides to separate. If you file for a divorce in court, you must present the marriage certificate along with other necessary documents.

It is also useful in making insurance claims in case one spouse passes away.

In India, marriage registration can be done both online and offline.

Steps for Online Marriage Registration

Today, many couples prefer online marriage registration due to the convenience and time-saving benefits it offers.

Here are the steps:

1. Visit the official government website.
2. Look for the marriage registration form.
3. Fill in the form with accurate details.
4. Submit the form.
5. After submission, the marriage registrar will schedule an appointment for you within a specific date and time. Under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, the registrar is required to provide a date within 15-30 days of submission. Under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, the waiting period is 60 days.

It is mandatory for the couple to be present on the assigned date and time at the marriage registrar’s office with all required documents.

Documents Required for Marriage Registration

The list of required documents may slightly vary between states, but here is a standard list applicable across most of India:

1. Application form, signed by both the husband and wife.
2. Proof of birth (The husband should be 21, and the wife should be 18, applicable under both Acts).
3. Proof of residence. You may submit a voter ID, PAN card, Aadhar card, ration card, electricity bill, LPG cylinder connection document, or any other document that shows your address.
4. If the marriage took place in a religious institution, you must produce a certificate from the institution.
5. Two passport-sized photographs of the husband and wife, along with a photograph from the marriage ceremony and the invitation card (if the marriage has already taken place).
6. Affirmation from both parties stating that they are not related and not in any prohibited relationship as per the decree in both Marriage Acts.
7. If either spouse is a divorcee, an attested copy of the divorce decree.
8. If either spouse is a widow or widower, an attested copy of the spouse’s death certificate.
9. An affidavit stating the place, date, and time of marriage, as well as the nationality and marital status of both parties.
10. Two witnesses from both sides must be present at the registrar’s office.
11. If the marriage has already occurred, two attendees from the wedding ceremony must be present as witnesses at the registrar’s office.
12. A payment of Rs. 100 for marriage registration under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and Rs. 150 for marriage registration under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, must be made to the district cashier, along with the receipt.

Steps for Offline Marriage Registration

Though online registration is popular for its convenience, offline registration is also an option.

Under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955:

The couple must visit the sub-registrar’s office within the jurisdiction of the area where either of the spouses has been residing for more than six months.

Under the Special Marriage Act, 1954:

Couples of all religions can register their marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. The couple must send a notice 30 days in advance to the sub-registrar in the jurisdiction where either spouse resides. The registrar will then post a notice on the board regarding the marriage. The notice will remain on display for 30 days, and if there are no objections, the marriage will be registered.