How to Register the Marriage in India: Complete Guide for Indians and NRIs
Whether Indian resident or a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), marriage registration officially confirms the relationship and protects your rights. Here we explain the step-by-step procedure for marriage registration in the register office, online applications, and for NRIs marriage.marriag
1. Marriage Registration in Office
Required Documents:
- Birth certificate, school certificate
- Aadhar card
- Passport size photos of both parties
- Marriage Invitation
- Two witnesses with proof of identity
Visit the Registrar’s Office:
- Visit the Marriage Registrar’s office in your area.
- Fill out the application form.
- Submit the required documents and photographs.
Verification Process:
- The registrar checks the documents to ensure all legal requirements are fulfilled.
- Sometimes, a marriage officer might visit your address to verify the provided information.
Certificate Finalization:
- Once the verification is done, the registrar will issue the marriage certificate.
- You can usually get the certificate within 15 to 30 days.
2. Marriage Registration in Online
- Go to the registration department website for your state.
- Find the marriage registration section.
- Fill your details in that section.
- Upload the required documents in the relevant section.
- Pay the registration fee of Rs 100 (Hindu Marriage Act), Rs. 150 (Special Marriage Act).
- Schedule an appointment.
- Visit the Registrar’s office on the scheduled date with your original documents.
- The Registrar will verify the documents.
- If everything is in order, you’ll receive your marriage certificate and be able to download it from the portal.
3. NRI Marriage Registration
For NRIs, marriage registration in India involves additional considerations due to the international aspect. Here’s what NRIs need to know:
Document Required:
- NRIs must provide passports.
- Visa or residency permit is required.
- For address proof, NRIs can provide utility bills, bank statements, or letter from the company work for.
Important Factors
- Need to provide a “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) from the embassy
- Please inform the Indian embassy or any NRI legal services in the respective country for the procedures.
Interfaith and International Marriages:
- The Special Marriage Act covers marriages between people of different religions and usually requires a 30-day notice period for registration. This is relevant for NRIs marrying in India or abroad
- If marriage is conducted abroad, the couple should register with the Indian embassy to ensure it is legal in India.
Important Considerations in Marriage Registration
- Legal Framework: The marriage registration process in India is based on the Hindu Marriage Act, of 1955, and the Special Marriage Act, of 1954. Couples must ensure the rules in these specified laws
- Interfaith Marriages:
- The Special Marriage Act is applicable for interfaith marriages, which requires a 30-day notice period before registration.
- Marriage Registration Benefits: A registered marriage provides legal approval for the relationship, which is important for visa applications, property inheritance, banking issues and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I register a marriage that took place outside India?
Yes, but need to register your marriage with the Indian embassy or consulate in that country.
2. What if the marriage was not registered after a particular time?
You can still register it later. You need to provide extra documents or a statement explaining the reason for the delay.
3. Do I need a marriage certificate to change my name on documents?
Yes, the marriage certificate is important to change the name on documents such as passports, bank accounts, and other legal papers.
4. Can I register my marriage at any Registrar’s office in India?
You can’t register your marriage at any Registrar’s office in India. Register in the registrar’s office in the area where either you or your spouse lives.
5. After the marriage registration, can we change the details we provide?
You can apply for corrections or changes at the Registrar’s office.
6. Do both parties need to be present for marriage registration?
Yes, both parties are present for the marriage registration.
7. Is parent approval needed for marriage registration?
Parent approval is not required for marriage registration in Chennai, India. If both parties major, they can register their marriage without parental permission.