Do you want to know how much a marriage registration office will charge you to register your marriage? This information will probably answer all of your questions related to registering a marriage in India.

After you get married, it is very important to register your marriage with the government. The Special Marriage Act or Hindu Marriage Act governs the marriage registration processes in India. A marriage certificate is required in order to do any work linked to one’s marriage. For example, you’ll require a marriage certificate if you want to change your surname after marriage. You’ll also need it when getting a visa to travel to another country. Marriage should be registered as soon as possible because every married person may need a marriage certificate for some basic tasks afterwards. But it’s useful to estimate your budget before submitting an application for the registration process. Although Marriage Registration Fees is not as expensive as you may believe, one needs to be aware of the necessary information.

We have looked into all the fundamental details needed to get started in order to assist you with the marriage registration procedure. Here’s what you need to know about the requirements and marriage registration fees.

Registering a Marriage in India

According to the law of the Supreme Court, marriages in India are registered under two types of acts:

1. The Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, which regulates marriages and their registration processes involving spouses belonging to the Hindu religion.
2. The Special Marriage Act of 1954, which deals with registering marriages involving one or both non-Hindu spouses. Usually, it takes more time to register a marriage under the Special Marriage Act as compared to the Hindu Marriage Act. 

The Documentation Needed for the Registration

While the specific marriage certificate documents required in India may vary slightly by state, the core requirements remain consistent. Remember, all documents need to be signed by a gazetted officer for submission. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:

Proof of Identity and Age:

• Application Form: Both the bride and groom need to sign a joint application form.
• Age Proof: Documents like a birth certificate, matriculation certificate, or passport can verify your age. The legal age for marriage registration is 18 years for females and 21 years for males, applicable under both the Hindu Marriage Act (1955) and the Special Marriage Act (1954).

Proof of Residence:

• Residential Documents: Election ID card, PAN card, Aadhaar card, ration card, or a recent electricity bill can serve as residential proof for both parties.

Marriage Proof:

• Religious Marriage Certificate: If your wedding ceremony took place at a religious institution, you’ll need a certificate verifying its solemnization.

Fees and Receipts:

• Registration Fee: The fee varies depending on the Act under which you register. It’s Rs. 100 for the Hindu Marriage Act and Rs. 150 for the Special Marriage Act. This fee needs to be paid to the district cashier, and the receipt attached to the application form.

Photographs:

• Passport Photos: Two passport-sized photos of both the bride and groom are required.
• Wedding Photo (Optional): If you’ve already had a wedding ceremony, you can include a photo of the event.

Declaration of Relationship:

• Relationship Affidavit: Both parties need to submit an affidavit stating they are not related within the prohibited degrees outlined in the respective Marriage Act.

Previous Marital Status Proof (if applicable):

• Divorce Decree: If either party is divorced, an attested copy of the decree needs to be included.
• Death Certificate: In case of widowhood or widowerhood, a copy of the deceased spouse’s death certificate is required.

Additional Documents:

• Marriage Details Affidavit: An affidavit outlining the marriage location, date, time, marital status of both parties, and their nationalities is recommended.

Witnesses:

Witness Availability: Two witnesses from each side should be present at the sub-registrar office for the registration process. Ideally, these witnesses should have attended the wedding ceremony (if held).

Steps for Marriage Registration

A marriage certificate is a cornerstone document, solidifying your union and granting legal recognition.  Registering your marriage in India is mandatory, ensuring its validity and protecting your rights.  While the process may seem daunting, it can be surprisingly straightforward.  This guide walks you through both online and offline registration steps, empowering you to navigate this important milestone with ease.

Navigating Online Registration:

• Step 1: Begin by visiting the official website of your state government. Most states offer dedicated portals for marriage registration online.
• Step 2: Once on the website, find the marriage registration section and locate the downloadable application form.
• Step 3:  Carefully complete the application form with details for both partners, following all instructions provided. Accuracy is key here!
• Step 4: Once completed, submit the application electronically through the designated portal.
• Step 5: After submission, the marriage registrar will schedule a meeting with you.  Make sure to note the date and time for your appointment.
• Step 6: On your scheduled appointment day, both partners must be present at the marriage registrar’s office. Remember to bring all necessary documents (refer to the documentation section for details) and two witnesses from each side.

Important Note:  The timeframe for the marriage ceremony varies depending on the Act under which you register.  The Hindu Marriage Act typically allows for a ceremony within 15-30 days, while the Special Marriage Act might extend it to 60 days.

Offline Registration Process

Under the Hindu Marriage Act (1955):

• Visit the sub-registrar’s office in the jurisdiction where your marriage took place.  Alternatively, you can register at the sub-registrar’s office where either partner has resided for at least six months.
• Remember, Hindu marriages must adhere to the customs and rituals of one of the partners.

Under the Special Marriage Act (1954):

• This Act allows registration for all Indian citizens, irrespective of religion.  The marriage officer can also officiate the solemnization ceremony here.
• Couples applying under this Act must provide a 30-day notice to the sub-registrar within their jurisdiction.  The sub-registrar will then display this notice for 30 days, inviting any objections.
• If no objections are received during this period, your marriage will be registered.  The sub-registrar will retain a copy of the notice for official records.

Remember:

• • Online registration might not be entirely digital in all states, and some physical presence might be necessary.
  • Have scanned copies of all documents readily available for upload during online registration.
  • Double-check all details to avoid delays or rejections.
  • Appointment windows differ: under the Hindu Marriage Act, appointments are within 15 days, whereas the Special Marriage Act process can take up to 60 days.
  • Witnesses can be anyone present at the registration, as long as they have a valid PAN card and proof of residence.

How Long Does it Take to Register a Marriage? 

The revenue department of the Delhi government has made it possible to register your marriage within 24 hours by introducing the tatkal service. This service is a bit costly as compared to general marriage registration. 

Cost for Marriage Certificate Through the Marriage Act

The Marriage Registration Fees under the Marriage Acts in India is very low. It varies slightly for Hindu and non-Hindu marriages. In the case of the Hindu Marriage Act, the cost for marriage certificate are Rs 100, while in the case of the Special Marriage Act, it is Rs 150. This cost for marriage certificate is to be paid to the district cashier. The receipt you’ll receive must be included in the application form at the time of submission. 

There are some additional charges which can be considered part of the total marriage registration fees. For example, the cost of an affidavit (which serves as proof of marriage) is about 400 to 500 Indian rupees. But if you want your registration process to be completed in a single day, Rs 10,000 may cost for marriage certificate. This is done through the tatkal service introduced by the revenue department of the government of Delhi. 

Why Should You Register Your Marriage? 

You should register your marriage because there’s a need for a marriage certificate for various tasks after you’ve been married. Here are some examples which elaborate on why you have to register your marriage:

• A marriage certificate is necessary for some daily tasks in a person’s life. You may need it if you want to open a bank account. Applying for a passport after the wedding? Here’s where a marriage certificate will be required too. 
• When applying for visas, marriage certificates are quite useful for both the husband and wife. It saves them from having to bring a large number of documents required to prove their relationship otherwise. 
• Although traditional marriages may work on a local level, they are not recognised by foreign embassies, whether in India or any other country. A marriage certificate will be necessary for a couple wanting to travel overseas.
• If any Indian living in countries like Canada wants to sponsor his/her spouse for permanent residency over there, they need to prove that they are a married couple. Here’s where a marriage certificate comes in handy. 
• In the event that a spouse has passed away and he/she has life insurance in his name, the other spouse will be able to claim life insurance returns right away if he/she has a marriage certificate: https://services.india.gov.in/service/detail/online-application-of-marriage-certificate

Conclusion

Marriage Registration Fees are 100 to 150 Rs according to the marriage acts of India. If you want to get your marriage registered within 24 hours, you can do it through the tatkal service, but they’ll be charging you more money, about 10,000 Rs.

If you want to learn more about the marriage registration process, its requirements, and procedures, you can contact Vakilsearch at any time. We’re always here to provide you with the best legal solutions to all types of problems.

FAQs on Marriage Registration Fees

What is the average cost of marriage registration fees in my locality?

The average cost of marriage registration fees varies by locality and is subject to change. It is advisable to check with the local municipal or marriage registrar's office for the most accurate and up-to-date information on registration fees in your specific area.

Are there any additional charges or hidden fees associated with the marriage registration process?

While marriage registration fees are standard, applicants should inquire about any additional charges or documentation fees that may apply. Transparency is crucial, and registrars typically provide a breakdown of all associated costs to avoid any surprises during the registration process.

Can the marriage registration fees vary based on the type of marriage ceremony or venue chosen?

Yes, the marriage registration fees may vary based on the type of marriage ceremony or venue chosen. Some jurisdictions may have different fee structures for religious, civil, or court marriages. It is essential to clarify the specific requirements and associated fees with the relevant authorities.

Do government regulations impact the fluctuation of marriage registration fees, and if so, how?

Yes, government regulations play a significant role in determining marriage registration fees. Changes in policies, administrative costs, and legal requirements can lead to fluctuations. It is recommended to stay informed about any updates in regulations that may affect the cost of marriage registration in a particular locality.

Are there any discounts or exemptions available for specific categories or circumstances in relation to marriage registration fees?

Some jurisdictions offer discounts or exemptions on marriage registration fees for certain categories, such as economically disadvantaged individuals, specific religious groups, or couples meeting certain criteria. Applicants should inquire with the local registrar's office to explore eligibility and potential cost-saving opportunities.