5-Step Guide to Hassle-Free Marriage Registration in India
Categories of Marriage in India …….
There are two main categories of marriage recognized by Indian law:
- The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955: This act applies to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, or Sikhs, including those who have converted to any of these religions.
- The Special Marriage Act, 1954: This act applies when both the husband and wife are not Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, or Sikhs. It also applies to couples who have already performed the religious rituals of their marriage and are applying to register it later. …….
5-Step Guide to Hassle-Free Marriage Registration in India
Who to Approach for Marriage Registration
To register your marriage, you need to visit the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) during office hours (9:00 am to 1:00 pm) in the jurisdiction where either the husband or wife resides. Obtain the contact address of the SDM in your residential area. Make sure to carry the required documents when visiting the SDM’s office. The marriage registration process may vary depending on the applicable act, such as the Hindu Marriage Act or the Special Marriage Act. Follow this guide and ensure all necessary documents are in order for a smooth registration process in India. Remember, a registered marriage provides legal recognition and protects your rights and responsibilities as a married couple. …..
5-Step Guide to Hassle-Free Marriage Registration in India
Required Documents for Marriage Registration
When approaching the SDM’s office, make sure to carry the following important documents:
- Application form duly signed by both husband and wife
- Documentary evidence of the date of birth of both parties (Matriculation Certificate, Passport, or Birth Certificate)
- Residential proof (Ration card) of the husband or wife whose area SDM has been approached
- In case of Special Marriage Act, documentary evidence regarding stay in the jurisdiction for more than 30 days (Ration card or report from the concerned SHO)
- Affidavit by both parties stating the place and date of marriage, date of birth, marital status at the time of marriage, and nationality
- Two passport-size photographs of both parties and one marriage photograph
- Marriage invitation card, if available
- If the marriage was solemnized in a religious place, a certificate from the priest who solemnized the marriage
- Registration fee (₹100 for Hindu Marriage Act, ₹150 for Special Marriage Act)
- Affirmation that the parties are not related to each other within the prohibited degree of relationship as per the applicable act
- Attested copy of divorce decree/order in case of a divorcee and death certificate of spouse in case of widow/widower
- In case one of the parties belongs to a religion other than Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, or Sikh, a conversion certificate from the priest who solemnized the marriage (for Hindu Marriage Act) …….
5-Step Guide to Hassle-Free Marriage Registration in India
The Marriage Registration Process ……5-Step Guide to Hassle-Free Marriage Registration in India
The marriage registration process varies slightly depending on the applicable act:
Hindu Marriage Act
- Verification of all documents is done on the date of application.
- A day is fixed and communicated to the parties for registration.
- On the appointed day, both parties, along with a Gazetted Officer who attended their marriage, need to be present before the SDM.
- The marriage certificate is issued on the same day.
Special Marriage Act
- Both parties are required to be present after the submission of documents for issuance of public notice inviting objections.
- One copy of the notice is pasted on the notice board of the office, and a copy is sent by registered post to both parties as per the given address.
- Registration is done 30 days after the date of notice, after deciding any objection that may have been received during that period by the SDM.
- Both parties, along with three witnesses, are required to be present on the date of registration.
By following this comprehensive guide and ensuring that all necessary documents are in order, you can smoothly navigate the marriage registration process in India. Remember, a registered marriage not only provides legal recognition to your union but also safeguards your rights and responsibilities as a married couple. ……..