A marriage certificate is one of the legal documents which should be obtained at the time of marriage. Consider this article as a comprehensive guide on how you can apply for a marriage certificate in West Bengal.

Registry marriage has been mandated by the Government of India to legally approve the marital status of a couple. In West Bengal, a marriage certificate is issued based on either the Special Marriage law (1954) or the Hindu Marriage law (1955). The Supreme Court 2006 has declared marriage registration compulsory to safeguard the interests of women. We will learn about the procedure of register your marriage in West Bengal  in this article.

Benefits of Marriage Certificate

Marriage registration goes beyond just a ceremony. It offers some practical benefits for couples:

• Solid Foundation:  A registered marriage provides a legal document that validates your union. This protects your rights regarding inheritance, property ownership, and succession, giving you peace of mind.
• Smoother Sailing:  Need a visa together or applying for joint loans? A marriage certificate simplifies these processes by acting as official proof of your marital status.
• Fair Play in Disagreements:  Unfortunately, even happy couples might face disagreements down the line. A registered marriage offers a stronger legal ground if you need to resolve disputes through the court system.

With marriage registration you are able to experience an array of advantages:

The West Bengal marriage registration has these advantages.

• The marriage gets legal validation 
• The couple receives social acceptance and the marital bond stays secured
• The marriage certificate is a mandatory inclusion among the list of documents required to apply for a new bank account or passport once the marriage is being solemnized for the concerned individual 
• Without a marriage certificate visas are not provided to both wife and husband
• A spouse visa for travelling purposes is not issued to married couples who put forward an argument based on traditional marriage rights. The marriage registration is absolutely mandated to hand over visas
• This document entitles a spouse in asserting his/her ownership over bank balance or life insurance return after the other partner, i.e., the depositor or insurer has died without declaring a nominee
• Property succession procedures also become simplified if the marriage is secured by a certificate
• Working professionals employed abroad can request to the foreign embassy on taking their spouse with them by producing a valid marriage certificate. If they are able to convince the consulate, then a work permit visa is endorsed
• A marriage dissolution executed to enter into a new marital relationship cannot be implemented if the couple does not have a well-grounded Marriage registration certificate

Documents Required for Register Your Marriage in West Bengal

As per the registry marriage rules in West Bengal, you should present the following documents to secure a marriage registration online certificate:

• Address proof of the current residential location of the couple
• Age certificate supporting the legal marriage age of both the partners
• Evidence of marriage like joint marriage photographs, invitation card and an affidavit blessed by the priest 
• Passport-sized images of each of the married individuals 

Eligibility Criteria for Marriage Registration

Marriage registration in Chennai comes with some eligibility requirements. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Age for Love: Both partners need to be above the legal age for marriage in Chennai, which is 21 years for men and 18 years for women.
• Free to Commit: Neither of you can have a living spouse at the time of registration. Bigamy is a no-go!
• Sound Mind, Sound Decision:  Both partners must be mentally fit and able to give their full consent for the marriage.
• Love Beyond Labels: Religion and caste generally don’t bar registration. Same-sex marriage isn’t legal yet, but otherwise, all faiths and non-religious ceremonies are welcome.
• Live-in Not Registered (Yet): While some states recognize live-in partnerships for registration, Tamil Nadu currently doesn’t.

Marriage Registration Procedure in West Bengal

Marriages can be registered online by following these steps:

• Visit the official web page of the Legal Division Register General of Marriages, WB Government: https://rgmwb.gov.in/MARREG_Portal/MARREG_Home.aspx
• Navigate to the option – register your marriage. You can find this button in the midsection of the web page on the right side.
• A new tab opens. Select the option – click here for the online application. Go through the instructions carefully.
• To get the application form click on the Proceed button at the bottom of the screen.
• Choose the Marriage Registration Act under which you desire to solemnize the relationship.
• Enter the details as asked, this includes information such as personal name, guardian’s name, religion, date of birth, nationality, and Aadhar ID. Upload the necessary attachments.
• The second stage of the application begins. Here, you need to put the details of your spouse similarly as you have done for yourself.
• Select the marriage location, provide the marriage invitation card and fix a date for marriage solemnization. 
• Select the marriage registrar after deciding on any of the two options – bride’s address or groom’s address.
• Using the drop-down lists proceed to select district, marriage officer category, police station, block, work area and so on.
• In the final step, you have to provide the registration details and mention whether the registration shall take place at the marriage officer’s workplace or somewhere else that falls under the officer’s jurisdiction. 
• Select an appointment time from within the list of active office hours. You’ll get a code through SMS on your registered phone number, enter this code and press submit button.
• Before sending the application make sure to obtain a hard copy for further proceedings.

Method of Raising Objections

The individual deciding to raise a complaint must visit the marriage website of West Bengal State Government and look for the “Services” button in the home page. 

Next, you click on the “objection” button; an application form is presented to you. Fill in the following data:

• Name
• Application number
• Relation with respect to the groom/bride
• Postal address
• Contact details
• Objection reason
• Official signature
• Captcha pattern

After providing the correct information under each subhead you may submit your complaint by clicking on the appropriate option.

How to Request a New Marriage Officer

To access a request form again you need to visit the official West Bengal marriage website. Then look for the “Services” button in the home page. Here, you will find the “transfer” option. Select it. 

An application form opens on a new tab. Enter the correct application number, and age proof of both spouses and finally mention the reason why you are wishing for a change of the enforced marriage officer. Fill the captcha field. 

To proceed with the request submit your application form. 

Validity of Marriage Registration Certificate in West Bengal

Marriage Registration certificates issued to newlywed couples are permanently valid. However, you should note that if a marriage does not take place legally, i.e., through the mediation of an attorney, within 60 days of the issuance of a notifying certificate, then such marriages are not approved. To solemnize the marital bond, a fresh application must be made addressing the concerned Marriage Registrar. 

Fee for Marriage Registration

Getting married involves a lot of planning, and sometimes, a bit of budgeting. Here’s a breakdown of the fees associated with marriage registration in Chennai:

• Application Fee:  This depends on the Act under which you register. It’s ₹100 for marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act and ₹150 for the Special Marriage Act.
• Balance Fee (unspecified):  There might be an additional fee payable at the marriage registration office after document verification. It’s best to check with the office for the current amount.
• Online Appointment Fee (Optional):  If you choose to schedule an appointment online, there’s a non-refundable ₹100 fee.
• Affidavit Costs (estimated):  You’ll likely need affidavits from both partners. Expect to pay roughly ₹400-500 for this.

Conclusion

Marriage registration in West Bengal has been too simplified over the years to encourage more pairs to legally bind their marital relationship. This article has focused on principles that you must note before entering into the new chapter of your life alongside your loved one. Vakilsearch has related articles on marriage registration, check those blogs to gather relevant information. 

FAQs

What is the process of register marriage in India?

The process of registering marriage in India involves submitting a marriage notice to the concerned authority, followed by a waiting period for inviting objections and eventually, the solemnization of the marriage.

What is the marriage certificate rule in India?

In India, a marriage certificate is legally binding documentary proof of marriage between two people. In 2006, the Supreme Court of India made it mandatory to register all marriages in India.

What is the cost of marriage registry in India?

Fees for marriage registration vary across states; it is advisable to check with the local marriage registrar for applicable costs.

What are the new rules of court marriage in India 2023?

As of December 2023, no major changes have been implemented regarding court marriage in India. However, some states may have introduced minor modifications to the process.

How many days does it take to register a marriage in India?

The registration process takes over 30 days due to the mandatory notice publication period.

Can I register my marriage anywhere in India?

A marriage can be registered anywhere in India, provided that the couple fulfils the eligibility criteria and follows the registration process.

Is marriage in India valid without registration?

Unregistered marriages are valid, but registration is mandatory as it provides official proof of marriage and simplifies inheritance and property matters.

What is the difference between court marriage and register marriage?

The main difference between court marriage and register marriage is that court marriage is solemnized in a court of law, while register marriage is solemnized in the office of the sub-registrar under whose jurisdiction the marriage was solemnized.

How to get married in 5 lakhs?

One can easily get married in 5 lakhs upon undertaking cost-saving measures including choosing a simpler venue, limiting guests and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

What is the budget of middle class marriage in India?

Middle-class marriage budgets can vary between 20 lakhs to 2cr.

Where should marriage be registered in India?

Marriage should be registered in the office of the sub-registrar under whose jurisdiction the marriage was solemnized. Online registration of marriage in India is also available in major cities across India.

Can I marry without my parents permission?

Individuals above the legal age of marriage (21 for males and 18 for females) can marry without parental permission.

When can you marry without parents permission?

In India, a person can marry without their parents' permission if they are of legal age and fulfill the eligibility criteria for marriage. However, it is advisable to seek your parents' consent and blessings before getting married.

Can a girl marry without parents permission?

Yes, a girl can marry without parents permission if she is of the legal age for marriage.

What is the new rule for marriage?

The new rule for marriage in India is that couples can now register their marriage online in major cities across India. The online registration process is simple and convenient.

What is the new act for marriage?

The latest law on marriage in India is the Personal Laws (Amendment) Act, 2019, which seeks to remove discriminatory provisions in various personal laws against women.

Can I register marriage online in India?

Yes, however online registration is not available in all states. Check with the relevant Marriage Registrar's office for specific procedures.

Can I get marriage certificate in one day in India?

Yes, however obtaining a certificate in one day is not always possible due to the mandatory notice period and verification processes.

What documents are required for court marriage in India?

The documents required for court marriage in India include: Application form Proof of age (birth certificate, Aadhaar card) Proof of address (voter ID, Aadhaar card) Passport-size photographs Proof of unmarried status (affidavit, no-objection certificate) Witness affidavits (if required)

What are the legal consequences if a marriage is not registered in West Bengal?

While unregistered marriages are still valid, registration offers legal benefits. You might face difficulties proving marital status for things like inheritance, visas, or claiming spousal benefits.

How can non-residents of West Bengal register their marriage in the state?

One partner must reside in West Bengal for at least 30 days before filing a notice. Both can then appear in person for verification or appoint a power of attorney.

What are the provisions for registering a marriage involving foreign nationals in West Bengal?

Foreign nationals can register marriages in West Bengal. They'll need valid passports, visa documents (if applicable), and marriage certificates translated into English and endorsed by the embassy/consulate.

Is there a provision for expedited marriage registration in urgent cases in West Bengal?

Currently, there's no specific provision for expedited registration in West Bengal. The standard waiting period after filing the notice needs to be observed.