Marriage Registration in India: Documents, Process, and FAQs

Family

Posted On : June 12, 2025

Marriage Registration in India: Documents, Process, and FAQs

Written By : Vidhikarya

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Marriage in India goes beyond being a cultural custom. The start of your relationship is marked by a ceremony, but it is only legal after you register it in the concerned state. It is important for issues concerning immigration, the passing of property, and marital rights. Whether you’ve had a big celebration or a simple court function, knowing the marriage registration process in India is vital. A family lawyer is crucial for a smooth registration process.

The guide will walk you through all the documents, steps, new laws, and typical questions so that the couples can complete the process with ease.

Understanding Marriage Registration Laws in India

India recognizes both religious and civil forms of marriage in Indian society. However, registration is managed by specific laws depending on religion. Here’s how different laws manages the registration of marriage:

Hindu Marriage Act, 1955: It covers Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs marriages. Registration is normally carried out after the ceremony and makes the marriage official.
Special Marriage Act, 1954: Meant for interfaith or civil marriages, the Special Marriage Act, 1954 does not need a religious ceremony. It needs a 30-day public notice and let couples of any faith marry in a civil way.
Court Marriage Procedure: Court marriage is done under the Special Marriage Act. It requires notice, paperwork, and a ceremony in front of a Marriage Officer and witnesses, perfect for those wanting a straightforward, non-ritual process.
Tatkal Marriage Registration: In Delhi and Mumbai, tatkal marriage registration helps you register your marriage on the same day if you have all your documents arranged. People need it when they need visas or want to travel abroad urgently.

If you are unsure about your rights under such laws and which law suits you best, consult a family lawyer. They will guide you on the appropriate process.

Documents Required for Marriage Registration

These are the important documents you will need for your marriage registration:

Identity Proof: Both partners must present a valid government-issued ID, such as an Aadhar card, PAN card, passport, or voter ID.
Age Proof: A birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or passport shows that both individuals meet the legal marriage age of 21 for men and 18 for women.
Address Proof: Papers like utility bills, rent agreements, or bank statements showing the current address (ideally from the last 30 days).
Photographs and Witness Details: Passport-size photos of the couple and three witnesses, along with their ID and address proof, are required for verification.

How to Register Marriage Online in India

Thanks to digital services, you can now register a marriage online in India in most major states. This is how the process usually works:

Visit the Official Portal: Go to your state’s marriage registration portal, for example, the Delhi government’s website for online marriage registration in Delhi or the Maharashtra portal for Mumbai residents.
Fill Out the Application: Fill the online form with personal and marriage information, and choose an appointment slot for document verification.
Upload Documents: Scan and upload all required marriage certificate documents. Most portals accept PDF or JPEG files within a size limit.
Attend the Appointment: Go to the registrar’s office with original documents and witnesses. After verification, your certificate will be issued.

An experienced family lawyer can assist you in the online procedure of registering the marriage.

Key Differences: Court Marriage vs. Registered Marriage

Many people mix up a court marriage and a registered marriage. Knowing the difference between court and registered marriage helps when choosing the right legal route:

Ceremonial vs. Non-Ceremonial: A registered marriage follows a religious or community ceremony and is then formalised at the registrar’s office. Court marriage skips rituals and makes the union legal directly.
Applicable Laws: Hindu or other personal marriage acts govern registered marriages; court marriages fall under the Special Marriage Act in India.
Timeline and Notice: Court marriage needs a 30-day notice period; registered marriages can often be recorded the same day after the ceremony.
Legal Recognition: Both carry equal legal weight, including rights to alimony, inheritance, and children’s legitimacy.

Recent Case Studies (2024–2025)

1. Biometric Mismatch Delays Marriage Registrations in Bengal (December 2023)

In December 2023, biometric mismatches caused delays in making 26 marriages legal in Bengal. Out of 38,000 registration applications filed in a month and a half, 28 cases had left thumb impression mismatches between the application and the wedding day. The state government launched investigations to fix these differences.

2. Marriage Registrations Suspended in Bengal for Data Migration (March 2024)

In March 2024, marriage registrations were halted across Bengal from 14 March to 24 March to help move marriage-related data from the National Data Centre to the State Data Centre. This was intended to improve data management and security for marriage records.

3. Certificate Errors Force 15 Kolkata Couples to Remarry (August 2023)

In August 2023, at least 15 couples in and around Kolkata who married during the COVID-19 lockdown were asked to remarry due to errors in their marriage registration certificates that could not be corrected. These errors caused possible legal problems, leading authorities to advise re-marriage to ensure legal validity.

Marriage Registration Fees in India

While marriage registration in India is a right, it includes small fees, which differ by location and marriage type.

Under the Hindu Marriage Act: It usually costs between ₹100 and ₹500, based on the state. Delhi and Karnataka charge ₹100.
Under the Special Marriage Act: It is a little higher, about ₹150 to ₹500, due to the notice period and document checks.
Tatkal marriage registration Charges: Areas like Delhi itself charge an extra ₹10,000 for same-day registration under the Tatkal scheme.
Service Charges (Optional): Extra payments may apply if you use facilitation centres, though government portals are free to use.

Marriage Registration in Different Scenarios

Some marriage types may need extra paperwork or process differences:

NRIs and Foreign Nationals: Need proof they are single, visa copies, and sometimes a no-objection letter from their embassy.
Divorced or Widowed Individuals: Must give their divorce decree or spouse’s death certificate as part of the documents for court marriage or registration.
Same-Sex Marriage (Current Legal Status): As of 2025, same-sex marriage is not legal despite petitions. The Supreme Court said that if it is to be legalised, Parliament must do it.
Couples from Different States: One partner must show 30-day proof of residence in the district where registration is done, especially under the Special Marriage Act.

Securing the Legal Backbone of Your Marriage

Registering a marriage is not just an official step, it’s your legal protection. It protects your rights as a spouse, eases immigration, allows joint banking, and ensures your children’s legal status.

Knowing the types of registrations and laws, such as the Hindu Marriage Act or the Special Marriage Act in India, and the right steps are vital for smooth processing. A family lawyer explains and assists in how to register a marriage online in India.

Stay aware, stay ready, and make sure your marriage is legally valid.

FAQs About Marriage Registration in India

How to get a marriage certificate if married traditionally?

Under the Hindu Marriage Act registration, you can apply for a marriage certificate using your wedding card, photos, and ID/address proofs.

Can you register a marriage after years of being married?

Yes, there is no time limit. As long as you have the right documents, you can register at any time.

Is presence mandatory for both spouses?

Yes, both people must be there in person to verify documents under the court marriage procedure.

Can parents object to a Special Marriage?

Legally, adult consent wins over parental objection, but the Marriage Officer must handle any objections during the 30-day notice.

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