Marriage Registration Documents Checklist

Understanding Marriage Registration in India

Marriage registration in India is governed by multiple laws depending on the religion and preference of the couple. Unlike many countries with a single unified marriage law, India maintains separate personal laws for different religious communities while also offering a secular option.

Marriage registration provides legal proof of the matrimonial relationship and is essential for:

• Adding spouse name in passport, bank accounts, and official documents
• Claiming marital benefits like PF nominee, insurance, property rights
• Obtaining spousal visa for international travel
• Legal protection for the spouse (especially women) in property and inheritance matters
• Proof of marital status for adoption, surrogacy, or IVF procedures
• Legal recourse in case of abandonment or disputes

State-Wise Marriage Registration: Key Differences

While the overarching marriage acts apply nationwide, states have their own registration procedures, fees, and timelines. Here's what varies by state:

Registration Timelines

• Maharashtra: Compulsory within prescribed time, penalties for delay
• Karnataka, Kerala: Mandatory within 30 days of marriage
• Delhi, Haryana: Registration encouraged within 60 days but no strict deadline
• Tamil Nadu, Telangana: Can register anytime, no time limit

Registration Fees

Fees vary significantly:

• Most states: ₹100-₹500 for normal registration
• Maharashtra: ₹500 normal, ₹1000 fast-track (within 24 hours)
• Delhi: ₹100-₹200
• Karnataka: ₹200-₹500 depending on urgency
• Late registration: Additional penalties of ₹500-₹2000 in some states

Online vs Offline Registration

Complete Step-by-Step Registration Process

For Hindu Marriage Act

1. Collect Required Documents: Use our checklist above based on your state
2. Visit Registration Office: Go to Sub-Registrar office or Marriage Registration Office in your jurisdiction (based on bride/groom residence)
3. Fill Application Form: Available at office or downloadable online in some states
4. Submit Documents: Original + photocopies of all documents, both parties present
5. Witnesses Present ID: 2 witnesses (18+ years) with original ID proofs
6. Sign Registration: Bride, groom, and witnesses sign in front of registrar
7. Pay Fee: Registration fee (₹100-₹500 typically)
8. Collect Certificate: Same day or within 7-15 days depending on state

For Special Marriage Act

1. Give Notice: Both parties submit Notice of Intended Marriage at district marriage office (jurisdiction where either party has resided for 30+ days)
2. 30-Day Notice Period: Notice displayed publicly for 30 days, allowing objections
3. Address Objections (if any): Registrar investigates objections, resolves before proceeding
4. Marriage Solemnization: After 30 days, marriage performed before Marriage Officer and 3 witnesses
5. Sign Marriage Register: Both parties and witnesses sign
6. Certificate Issued: Marriage certificate provided immediately or within 3-7 days

Common Document Requirements Explained

Age Proof Documents

Acceptable age proofs (in order of preference):

1. Birth Certificate: Most preferred, issued by municipal corporation
2. School Leaving Certificate (SSLC/10th marksheet): Widely accepted
3. Passport: Valid government-issued ID with date of birth
4. PAN Card: Contains date of birth, accepted in most states
5. Transfer Certificate from school: If recent and official

Address Proof Documents

Accepted address proofs:

• Aadhar Card: Most commonly used, contains photo + address
• Voter ID: Government-issued, strong proof
• Passport: Shows current address
• Driving License: Valid proof with photo
• Ration Card: Accepted in many states
• Utility Bills: Electricity/water bill in your name (not always accepted)

Photographs

Standard requirement: 3-4 passport-size colored photographs of bride and groom together (if already married) or individual photos. Some states require recent photos (taken within 3 months). Ensure formal attire, plain background.

Affidavit Requirements

Affidavit on stamp paper (₹10-₹100 depending on state) declaring:

• Current marital status (unmarried, divorced, or widowed)
• Date and place of marriage
• That marriage was solemnized as per religious customs
• Confirmation that both parties are above legal marriage age
• Nationality and religion
• That marriage is voluntary and consensual

Special Cases & Additional Requirements

For Divorcees

• Divorce decree (final order) from family court - certified copy
• Affidavit declaring divorced status
• Some states require proof that divorce is final and not under appeal

For Widows/Widowers

• Death certificate of previous spouse - certified copy
• Affidavit declaring widowed status

For NRIs (Non-Resident Indians)

• Valid passport with current visa details
• Address proof from country of residence (embassy-attested if required)
• No Objection Certificate in some states
• If one party is NRI, valid Indian address for correspondence

For Inter-Faith Marriages

Must register under Special Marriage Act. In some conservative states, may face additional scrutiny. Recent "anti-conversion" laws in UP, Haryana, MP require prior permission notification in some cases. Legal advice recommended.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Frequently Asked Questions