How to Register Marriage in India – Online & Offline Process 2025

Getting married? Congratulations! But is your marriage registered?

Registered marriage is legal proof that you're married. It protects both partners, especially women. Let's understand everything about marriage registration in India.

Why Marriage Registration is Important:

Legal benefits: ✓ Proof of marriage – For visa, passport, bank accounts, property✓ Woman's protection – Prevents denial of marriage✓ Legitimacy of children – Proves parents are married✓ Inheritance rights – Establishes legal relationship✓ Divorce proceedings – Needed if marriage breaks down✓ Legal documents – Passport, PAN, bank accounts need marriage proof✓ Social security – Insurance, pensions, nominations✓ Immigration – Spouse visa, green card applications✓ Preventing fake claims – No one can deny the marriage

Marriage registration is MANDATORY in India!

Types of Marriage in India:

1. Religious Marriage:

• Hindu Marriage Act (for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs)

• Muslim Marriage

• Christian Marriage

• Parsi Marriage

Can register under respective personal laws

2. Court Marriage (Civil Marriage):

• Under Special Marriage Act, 1954

• For inter-religious marriages

• For those who want non-religious ceremony

• Same-sex couples currently cannot register (legal recognition pending)

Two Ways to Register Marriage:

Option A: Register marriage performed according to customs/religion

If you had traditional/religious wedding ceremony:

• Register under respective Act (Hindu Marriage Act, etc.)

• OR register under Special Marriage Act

Option B: Court Marriage (Direct registration)

If you want civil marriage without religious ceremony:

• Marry under Special Marriage Act

• Register and marry simultaneously

• No separate registration needed

Marriage Registration Under Hindu Marriage Act:

Who can register:

• Both Hindu (includes Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs)

• Married according to Hindu customs

• Marriage already solemnized

Where to register:

• Sub-Registrar office

• Where marriage took place, OR

• Where either spouse resides

Eligibility:

• Groom: 21+ years

• Bride: 18+ years

• Not within prohibited relationship

• Not already married (monogamy)

• Sound mind

Documents Required:

For Both: ✓ Application form (from registrar office)✓ Passport size photos (3-4 each)✓ Age proof (Birth certificate/10th marksheet/Aadhaar)✓ Address proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID/Passport/Driving License)✓ Marriage invitation card✓ Marriage photos (showing ceremony)✓ Proof of marriage date (priest certificate/mandap booking)

Additional (if applicable): ✓ Divorce decree (if either divorced)✓ Death certificate of spouse (if widowed)✓ Affidavit (stating particulars of marriage)

Witnesses (2-3 required): ✓ ID proof of witnesses✓ Address proof of witnesses✓ Photos of witnesses

Step-by-Step Process:

Step 1: Fill Application Form

Get form from Sub-Registrar office or download from state website.

Details to fill:

• Personal details of bride and groom

• Date and place of marriage

• Details of wedding ceremony

• Witness details

• Residential addresses

Step 2: Prepare Documents

Collect all documents listed above. Make 2-3 sets of photocopies.

Step 3: Visit Sub-Registrar Office

• Go with spouse

• Carry original + photocopies of all documents

• Take 2-3 witnesses with their IDs

Step 4: Verification

Registrar verifies:

• Documents

• Identities

• Marriage details

• Witnesses confirm

Step 5: Sign Register

• Both spouses sign

• Witnesses sign

• Marriage registered in official register

Step 6: Get Marriage Certificate

• Certificate issued immediately or within 7-15 days

• Collect from office

• Or may be sent by post

Fees: ₹50-₹500 (varies by state)

Time: 1-2 hours for application, certificate in 7-30 days

Online Marriage Registration (Available in Many States):

States with online registration:

• Maharashtra

• Delhi

• Karnataka

• Tamil Nadu

• Kerala

• Uttar Pradesh

• And many others

How to register online:

Step 1: Visit State Portal

Examples:

• Maharashtra: aaplesarkar.maharashtra.gov.in

• Delhi: delhi.gov.in (Services > Marriage Registration)

• Karnataka: Karnataka One portal

• Tamil Nadu: tnreginet.gov.in

Step 2: Register/Login

Create account with:

• Email ID

• Mobile number

• Set password

Step 3: Fill Online Application

• Select "Marriage Registration"

• Fill form with details

• Upload scanned documents (PDF, under 2MB each)

Step 4: Pay Fee Online

• Pay registration fee (₹50-₹500)

• Through credit/debit card/net banking

• Get payment receipt

Step 5: Book Appointment

Some states require physical verification:

• Book slot online

• Visit Sub-Registrar office on appointed date

Step 6: Verification

• Physical verification at office (in some states)

• Or completely online (in some states)

Step 7: Get Certificate

• Download e-certificate, OR

• Collect physical certificate from office

Advantages of online registration:

• No long queues

• Apply from home

• Track status online

• Faster process

• Less hassle

Court Marriage (Special Marriage Act, 1954):

For whom:

• Inter-religious couples

• Anyone preferring civil marriage

• NRIs marrying in India

Major difference: Marriage itself happens at court (not registered after religious ceremony).

Process:

Step 1: Notice of Intended Marriage

Submit notice to Marriage Officer (District Magistrate/Sub-Divisional Magistrate):

• Where either party resides (for 30+ days)

• At least 30 days before marriage

Documents with notice: ✓ Notice in prescribed form✓ Affidavit from both (stating unmarried status, age, no prohibited relationship)✓ Age proof✓ Address proof✓ Photos✓ Divorce decree/death certificate (if applicable)

Step 2: Public Display (30 Days)

Notice displayed publicly at Marriage Officer's office for 30 days.

Purpose: Anyone can object if marriage is invalid.

Step 3: Objection Period

If someone objects:

• Must state grounds

• Must provide proof

• Marriage Officer investigates

• If objection valid, marriage stopped

• If invalid, marriage proceeds

Usually, no one objects!

Step 4: Marriage Ceremony

After 30 days (if no valid objection):

• Both parties appear before Marriage Officer

• With 3 witnesses

• Simple civil ceremony

• Sign marriage register

• Officer declares you married

Step 5: Marriage Certificate

• Issued immediately

• Legal proof of marriage

Fees: ₹100-₹1,000 (varies by state)

Time: Minimum 30 days (due to notice period) + ceremony day

Documents for Court Marriage:

✓ Notice of intended marriage (prescribed form)✓ Affidavit (joint, stating eligibility)✓ Age proof (Birth certificate/10th marksheet/Aadhaar)✓ Address proof (Aadhaar/Passport/Driving License/Voter ID)✓ Passport size photos (5-6 each)✓ Residence proof (staying 30+ days in jurisdiction)✓ Divorce decree (if divorced) - original✓ Death certificate (if widowed) - original✓ Witnesses' ID and address proof (3 witnesses)

If NRI: ✓ Passport✓ Visa copy✓ Proof of Indian origin/citizenship

Simplified Process Comparison:

Aspect	Religious Marriage Registration	Court Marriage (Special Marriage Act)
When	After religious ceremony	Marriage happens at court
Notice period	No	Yes, 30 days
Public display	No	Yes
Objection period	No	Yes
Ceremony	Already done	At Marriage Officer's office
Time	7-30 days	Minimum 30 days
Inter-religious	Can be issue	Allowed
Process	Simpler	More formal

Marriage Registration Fees (State-wise Examples):

• Maharashtra: ₹50 (within 1 year), ₹200 (after 1 year)

• Delhi: ₹100

• Karnataka: ₹25-₹300

• Tamil Nadu: ₹50-₹100

• Uttar Pradesh: ₹10-₹100

• Kerala: ₹50

Very affordable across India!

Can You Register Marriage After Years?

Yes! No time limit for registration.

But:

• May need more documents

• Slightly higher fees in some states

• More scrutiny

• May need additional affidavits

Better to register soon after marriage!

Marriage Certificate - Uses:

You'll need it for:

✓ Passport application (spouse name, marital status change)✓ Visa applications (spouse visa, dependent visa)✓ Bank account (joint accounts, nominations)✓ Property purchase (joint ownership)✓ Insurance policies✓ PAN card (name change)✓ Driving license (name change)✓ Voter ID (name/address change)✓ School admissions (for children)✓ Legal proceedings✓ Inheritance/succession matters✓ Employer records (for benefits)

Name Change After Marriage:

For Women:

If taking husband's surname:

Step 1: Get marriage certificate

Step 2: Publish name change in Official Gazette + newspaper

Step 3: Update documents:

• PAN card

• Aadhaar

• Passport

• Driving License

• Bank accounts

• Voter ID

For Men:

Same process if changing name (rare but allowed).

Common Issues & Solutions:

Issue 1: Missing Documents

Solution: Self-attested affidavit can substitute some documents. Consult registrar.

Issue 2: Different States

Marriage in one state, registration in another: Solution: Can register where you reside. Provide proof of residence + marriage.

Issue 3: Spouse Abroad

Solution: Power of Attorney + video conferencing (in some states). Or register when both in India.

Issue 4: Witnesses Not Available

Solution: Any adults can be witnesses (friends, relatives, neighbors). Need their IDs.

Issue 5: Lost Marriage Certificate

Solution: Apply for duplicate from same Sub-Registrar office. Fees: ₹20-₹100.

Inter-Caste Marriage - Additional Benefits:

Some states give incentives for inter-caste marriages:

• Cash awards (₹50,000-₹2.5 lakh)

• Educational scholarships

• Housing assistance

Check your state's Social Welfare Department.

Tips for Smooth Registration:

✓ Start process early (don't wait years)✓ Keep all documents ready✓ Get multiple photocopies✓ Carry originals for verification✓ Go together with spouse (both presence often needed)✓ Take witnesses along✓ Verify office timings and holidays✓ Be patient (government offices can be slow)✓ Consider online if available (faster)✓ Keep marriage certificate safe (laminate it!)

NRI Marriage Registration:

If marrying in India:

• Follow same process

• Register before leaving India

• Easier than registering from abroad

If married abroad:

• Register marriage at nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate, OR

• Get marriage registered in India when visiting (provide foreign marriage certificate translated and apostilled)

Same-Sex Marriage (Current Status 2025):

Supreme Court (October 2023): Did not legalize same-sex marriage, left to Parliament.

Current situation:

• Same-sex couples cannot register marriage under any Act

• No legal recognition

• Can have ceremony but not legally married

• Rights limited

Future: Advocacy continues, laws may change.

Do's and Don'ts:

Do: ✅ Register marriage within 1 year (some states give deadline)✅ Keep marriage certificate in safe place✅ Get multiple copies✅ Update all documents✅ Inform both families✅ Register even if already had big wedding

Don't: ❌ Delay registration❌ Lose marriage certificate (difficult to get duplicate)❌ Forge documents (criminal offense)❌ Give false information❌ Skip registration thinking "not important"

Conclusion:

Marriage registration is not just formality – it's your legal protection. It takes just a few hours and minimal money but saves you from huge problems later.

Every married couple in India should have registered marriage certificate. If you haven't registered yet, do it today!

Getting married soon? Make registration part of your wedding checklist!