Are you looking for a marriage certificate in India? Here is a step-by-step guide to apply for a marriage certificate in India

Marriage is a divine relationship between two individuals. It is strongly associated with love, compassion, acceptance, and balance. People frequently dispute whether or not to get their marriage registered in court. In 2006, the Supreme Court of India made it compulsory to register all weddings, making it a crucial document to verify your relationship with your spouse. In today’s world, with ever-changing legislation, registering your marriage is a critical step that must be completed as soon as the wedding rituals are done. A marriage certificate is a legal document that confirms a bride and groom’s marriage relationship.

Every state government in India has the authority to issue marriage certificates. There are two ways to register your marriage in India, namely: online and offline. In this article we shall discuss how to easily apply for a marriage certificate.

Benefits Of Marriage Certificate

A marriage certificate is beneficial in multiple ways. 

• A marriage certificate is proof of marriage that can be used as an official statement.
• It ensures a minimum marriage age to prevent child marriages.  
• Widows can use this paperwork to claim their assets.
• It may be used to check for polygamy or bigamy.  
• It acts as a warning for husbands who abandon their wives.  
• Furthermore, its use continues while applying for passport services, visas, and immigration benefits.

Eligibility Criteria To Apply For A Marriage Certificate

The bride and groom must meet the following requirements to obtain a marriage certificate:

• To get a online marriage certificate registration, the groom or bride must be a permanent resident of India.
• The respondent should have a living spouse at the time of the marriage.
• The wife must be at least 18 years old, while the husband must be at least 21.

Essential Documents

• The application form must be properly approved and submitted by both husband and wife.
• Voter ID/Ration Card/Passport, Driving License as proof of address
• Proof of the birth dates of both the husband and wife
• Two passport-sized pictures and one wedding photograph
• Separate Marriage Affidavits from Husband and Wife with Aadhaar Card.
• Wedding Invitation card 

Fees

Fees are ₹100/- for the Hindu Marriage Act and ₹150/- for the Special Marriage Act. Deposit the fees with the District’s cashier and include the receipt with the application form.

Marriage Certificate Registration Act

Marriages can be registered offline in India under any of the following Acts:

• Hindu Marriage Act (1955)
• The Special Marriage Act (1954 )

Apply For A Marriage Certificate According To The Hindu Act

The Hindu Marriage Act applies when both the spouses are Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, or Sikhs or have changed to any of these religions.

• On any working day, you can apply at the department of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate whose domain the husband or wife resides. 
• Submit the form and have both the husband and wife’s signatures.
• On the application date, all documents are verified, and a date for the appointment is set and given to the spouses for registration. 
• On the specified day, both parties and a Designated Officer who witnessed their marriage must appear before the Additional District Magistrate (ADM). On the very same day, the Certificate is given.

Certain conditions must be met under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 for the marriage between the parties to be considered legal and valid. The conditions are outlined in Sections 5 and 7 of the Act. Additionally, under Section 5 of the Hindu Marriage Act, a marriage is only recognized lawful if both parties are Hindus. If one of the participants in the wedding is a Muslim or a Christian, the marriage will not be recognized as a legal Hindu marriage.

Marriage Registration Under the Special Marriage Act

The Special Marriage Act covers all Indian nationals. Court Marriages are marriages done under this Act. Furthermore, under the Special Marriage Act of 1954, any person, regardless of religion, could solemnise and declare their marriage. Persons seeking to register a wedding under this Act must also give notice. In writing, in specified forms, to the responsible marriage officer, in whose domain at least one of the parties to the marriage has stayed for not less than 30 days immediately before the date of notification.

Apply For Marriage Certificate According To The Special Marriage Act

• A copy of the notice is posted on the registration office’s notice board, and a copy is provided to the registrar in the area wherever either of the spouses has their current residence for similar publishing.
• Furthermore, if no objections are received one month after the date of circulation of the notice, the marriage may be notarized.
• In the event of an objection, the marriage officer conducts an inquiry, after which the marriage is notarized.
• Similarly, three witnesses, as well as basic identity documents, as well as basic identity documents, are necessary on the day of the ceremony for the marriage certificate to be granted.
• The couple can then apply to have the marriage registered and receive an official marriage certificate paper.

This Act states that no religious rites are required for a marriage to be valid.

Apply For A Marriage Certificate Online

• Visit the official website as per the state to apply for a marriage certificate.  https://services.india.gov.in/service/detail/online-application-of-marriage-certificate
• Start by selecting your district and continue to fill up the husband’s information and select Registration of Marriage Certificate.
• Check out the Marriage Certificate form and schedule an appointment.
• Click Submit Application. You will be assigned a temporary number, which will be written on the acknowledgement sheet, and your application form will be completed. 
• Take a copy of the acknowledgement slip as well.

The appointment would be registered within 15 days of online registration under the Hindu Marriage Act, but it may take up to 60 days under the Special Marriage Act.

Final Thoughts

A marriage certificate is an affirmation issued by the government proclaiming an individual’s marriage and marital status to his or her spouse. When a foreigner plans to marry in India, a declaration of marriage is also required. With Vakilsearch, we can help with all of the mentioned factors. Contact us for further assistance.