Marriage registrations are a vital process which you need to know about if you want to protect your family's interests and ensure that your partner will support your children financially. If you're applying for marriage registration in Kerala, here are some important things to note.
Planning a wedding in Kerala? Congratulations! This vibrant state offers stunning backdrops and rich traditions for your special day. But amidst the excitement, ensuring legal recognition for your union is crucial. Kerala’s marriage laws provide a framework for registering your marriage, safeguarding your rights, and offering peace of mind. This guide delves into the key aspects of marriage registration in Kerala, including the applicable acts, required documents, and the online and offline registration processes. So, let’s navigate the legalities and ensure a smooth start to your happily ever after!
Marriage Laws and Regulations
Marriage laws in Kerala are governed by state governments, and marriage registration kerala can be done under three Acts:
- Hindu Marriage Act
- Common Marriage Rules
- Special Marriage Act
Advantages of Marriage Registration Kerala
- Provides proof of marriage for the woman, supporting social security and self-confidence.
- Facilitates visa or passport applications for spouses.
- Aids in claiming bank deposits or life insurance benefits after the insurer’s death without a nomination.
Application for Marriage Registration Kerala
- Submit the marriage registration Kerala application within 45 days of solemnization.
- Use Form No.1, available free of charge at registrar offices.
- Include a memorandum in duplicate (related to Form No.1) and one passport-size photo each of the husband and wife.
- Both parties to the marriage, along with two witnesses, must be present during registration.
Special Marriage Act
Some essential features of the Special Marriage Act are as follows:
- Allows persons of any faith to marry.
- Applicants must apply at the local Registrar’s office and display their intent to marry on the notice board for 30 days.
- Any objections can be raised during this period, but not by parents or relatives.
- After 30 days, the non-objection certificate returns to the Registrar’s office.
- The bride and groom, with three witnesses, must approach the Registrar within 6 months for final registration, bringing photo identification cards.
- In normal cases, the marriage certificate is issued on the same day.
- The signed application for Marriage under the Special Marriage Act cannot be rejected by the Registrar under any circumstances.
Requirements for Marriage Registration Kerala
When applying for marriage under the Special Marriage Act, the bride and groom must affirm the following:
- Neither party has a living spouse on the specified date in the application.
- Neither party is considered an idiot or lunatic.
- Both have attained the age of majority specified for marriage on the date of the marriage registration kerala application.
- Both parties are not within the degree of a prohibited relationship.
How Long Does It Take to Register a Marriage Certificate
Marriage registration kerala can be done within 10 days from the Date of Marriage. If you are residing outside Kerala, it may take a little longer for the registration to get completed.
What Are the Fees Associated With Applying for a Marriage Certificate?
Generally, there is no fee for applying for a marriage certificate in Kerala. However, you will need to provide identification documents such as your passport or driver’s license to prove your identity.
Legal Age to Apply for Marriage Registration in Kerala
The legal age to apply for marriage registration kerala is 18 years for the bride and 21 years for the groom. Both individuals must have attained these respective ages at the time of marriage registration. It is essential to adhere to these age requirements to ensure the legality and validity of the marriage registration process in Kerala.
Marriage Registration Kerala Application Form
The marriage registration kerala application forms applicable in the state of Kerela are as follows:
- https://cr.lsgkerala.gov.in/docs/form%20no.%201&2%20memorandum%20of%20marriage%20solemnization.pdf
- https://cr.lsgkerala.gov.in/Docs/Hindu%20Marriage%20Rules%20Form%20I.pdf
A registration fee of Rs. 100 is payable with the submission of the memorandum for registration. Additionally, a marriage certificate fee of Rs. 20 can be paid during registration, totalling Rs. 120. |
Reasons to Register a Marriage in Kerala
There are many reasons to register a marriage in Kerala, including ensuring that your relationship is recognized by the government and protecting your rights as a married couple. Here are five reasons to register a Court Marriage in Kerala:
- Registration of a marriage is an official record of your relationship.
- It provides protection for you and your spouse in case of a legal dispute.
- It allows you to claim inheritance rights if you are married to someone who is deceased.
- Your marriage will be registered even if you move away from Kerala, so long as you inform the relevant authorities within 30 days of your relocation.
- Suppose one of you dies without having formally registered their marriage with the government. In that case, the other party may be unable to obtain a death certificate or inherit any property they may have owned jointly with their deceased partner.
Documents Required
- Attested copy of husband’s age certificate
- Attested copy of wife’s age certificate
- Copy of the marriage certificate obtained from the auditorium, marriage place, religious authority, or a declaration in Form II from an MP, MLA, Gazetted Officer, or Member of Local Self-Government Institution about the solemnization of marriages.
- Optional: Marriage invitation letter
- Form 2 certified by a Gazetted officer, elected representatives, or any proof of marriage solemnization for delayed applications.
- Proof of Age:
- Acceptable documents include SSLC book, driving license, passport, school admission register, or other records issued by the Government.
- Proof of Identity and Address for Bride and Groom:
- Memorandum signed by both parties along with two witnesses.
- Application form with a copy of the age and marriage solemnization certificates.
Kerala Marriage Registration Online
- Visit the Sevana website.
- Select “Registration of Marriages” from the Documents menu.
- Click on “Online form submission.”
- Choose the district and local body, then log in or register as a new user.
- Fill in Form 1 with communication details, local body details, marriage details, general details of the bride and groom, parents’ details, and witness details.
- Upload photos of the bride and groom.
- Submit the form and generate Form I for verification.
- After corrections, take a printout and submit it in person to the concerned local body with the required fee.
- The local body official verifies the details, issues Form III, and the husband and wife sign it.
- For delayed applications, the registration officials forward the application to the Registrar General for condoning the delay.
Download Marriage Certificate
- In the Sevana website, select “Certificate Search.”
- Choose your district, local body type, and local body.
- Select the year of marriage.
- Enter details like date of marriage, names of husband and wife, marriage place, registration number, and key number.
- After entering captcha details, click on the search result to view and download the marriage certificate.
If the certificate data is not available online, apply in person at the Panchayat/Municipality/Corporation.
Kerala Marriage Registration Offline
To apply for marriage registration in Kerala: https://cr.lsgkerala.gov.in/Content.php?id=D, you will need to gather the following documents:
- A copy of your ID card
- The original marriage certificate of both parties
- Two passport size photographs
- The application fee of ₹. 500
Once you have gathered these documents, follow these steps:
- Visit any district registrar office and present your ID card, marriage certificate and two passport size photographs. You will be generally asked to pay the application fee of ₹ 500.
- Your application will be processed based on the availability of records. You may have to wait anywhere from a few days to a few months for your application to be processed.
- When your application is processed, you will receive a notice in writing informing you that the registration has been completed and that you are now married.
For more information contact Vakilsearch today.
Conclusion
Marriage registration in Kerala offers a multitude of benefits. It serves as an official record of your union, protects your rights as a couple, simplifies inheritance claims, and facilitates visa applications. By following the outlined steps and gathering the necessary documents, you can register your marriage seamlessly. Remember, this article provides a general overview. For personalized legal guidance, Vakilsearch stands ready to assist you. With a registered marriage and expert advice, you can embark on your journey together with confidence!
FAQs on Marriage Registration Kerala
What is the rule of marriage registration Kerala?
Marriage registration isn't mandatory in Kerala, but highly recommended. It offers legal recognition and simplifies future processes like claiming inheritance or applying for visas.
What are the documents required for Marriage Registration Kerala?
Documents typically include copies of age proof (e.g., passport, driving license), marriage certificate from the ceremony, and a signed memorandum by both parties and witnesses.
What is the cost of marriage registration in Kerala?
The fees are minimal. You can expect to pay around Rs. 100 for the memorandum and Rs. 20 for the marriage certificate itself.
How many days will it take to get a marriage certificate in Kerala?
For online applications, it usually takes within 10 days. Offline applications might take longer depending on processing times.
What is the legal age to get married in Kerala?
The legal age for marriage registration in Kerala is 18 years for the bride and 21 years for the groom.