Marriage Certificate: Importance, Registration, Benefits & More

Marriage is a union between two consenting adults bound by tradition to spend their lives together. But in India, tradition alone is not enough to affirm a marriage. Marriages in India must be registered as per the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 or the Special Marriage Act of 1954. A marriage certificate is an official document verifying the status of a couple as tangible proof. The Supreme Court of India, in 2006, ruled in favour of marriage registrations as an act to protect the rights of women.In the article below, we dive deep into understanding the importance of a marriage certificate and its legal significance in the country.

• What is a marriage certificate? A legal document is issued once you register your marriage at a government-registered registrar’s office.
• Marriage certificate meaning: Serving as proof of the relationship, a marriage licence gives legal recognition to the relationship, and safeguards the security of the couple and their families.
• A marriage licence or certificate is a crucial document that helps you smoothen various government activities.
• Marriage certificate online registration: Apply for a marriage certificate online and offline.
• Guide for documents required to register a marriage.
• The significance behind establishing marital status goes beyond administrative purposes. It is a symbol of commitment and partnership.

A marriage certificate is a legal document issued once you register your marriage at a government-registered registrar’s office. The license protects the sanctity of your union and serves as evidence during distressing times between you and your spouse. Note: To legally register a marriage, the groom must be 21 years of age and the bride 18 years.

Marriage certificate meaning

Due to the lack of clarity and administrative issues, before 2006, you had the freedom to decide whether or not to register your marriage. But now, the government mandates the acquisition of a marriage certificate.A legally registered marriage eases the separation process in case of a divorce. In the case of death, the surviving spouse will need a marriage certificate to claim the life insurance of their deceased partner. Serving as proof of the relationship, the certificate gives legal recognition to the relationship and safeguards the security of the couple and their families. Also read: Understanding the Importance of a Domicile Certificate

What is a marriage certificate? A marriage licence or certificate is a crucial document that helps you smoothen various government activities. Here are some reasons that highlight the importance of this document, especially in India:

• Visa application
• Applying for a driving licence
• Filing tax returns (for family income)
• Opening a bank account
• Getting pension and government benefits
• Buying or claiming insurance
• Investing in residential real estate
• Availing medical benefits, claiming insurance
• Job application
• Admission for children into schools/colleges
• Divorce application
• Adoption of a minor child
• Passport application for:-Travelling abroad-Passport application for a child born out of wedlock-Name changes on the passport-Reapplying for passport, in case of loss or theft

A marriage in India is considered legal only after registration. While couples understand the gravity of these documents now, there are areas in the country where marriage registration is considered tedious. Whether it is the lack of clarity around the process or dubious agents charging exorbitant fees, the excuses for not getting married registered are endless. So here is a detailed guide to help you apply for a marriage certificate both online and offline:

Marriage certificate online registration

1. Visit your state government’s official website
2. Find the marriage registration tab and click on the form
3. Fill in the form with personal details of you and your spouse as per the instructions mentioned
4. Sign and submit the completed form on the website
5. You will receive a scheduled appointment with a marriage registrar

To get your marriage certificate online, both parties involved in the marriage must still visit the marriage registrar’s office in person and on time, along with the documents mentioned on the form. You must bring two witnesses from each side to accompany you with a valid PAN card and address proof during the registration process.Note:

• Double-check your form details to avoid rejection.
• Keep digital or scanned copies of your documents ready to upload.
• Every state may not offer online registration, you might need to physically visit the registrar’s office and get in touch with the person in charge.

Also read: A Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for a PAN Card Online

Under Hindu Marriage Act, 1955

The Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 applies to all Indian citizens who identify as Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and couples whose marriage has been solemnised. The solemnisation of a Hindu marriage must abide by the customs of any one of the families involved.Visit the sub-registrar's office in your area or any place where you have lived for at least six months. You can follow the registration process as guided below:

• Visit the SDM office between 9:30 am to 1:00 am on a working day.
• Carry the signed application form, by both husband and wife.
• Deposit a ₹100 with the marriage clerk and submit the receipt with your form.
• Self-attest your identity proof, residential proof, and marriage invitation card and submit them to the office.
• Keep a passport-size photo of both ready.

In case of any confusion, you can visit the Department of Revenue website for more details.

Under Special Marriage Act, 1954

The Special Marriage Act of 1954 allows marriage registration for all Indian citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs. Besides registration, the officer at the registrar also officiates the ceremony. To apply for registration under the Special Marriage Act of 1954, you give a 30-day notice to the sub-registrar in your area or the area of your partner.These 30 days serve as a notice period for any objections posed. If no objections are made, the marriage is registered. The sub-registrar keeps a copy of the document, and you can complete the registration without religious ceremonies. Any Indian citizen ineligible to register their marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act can register under this Act.Every state has a different time frame set by the registrar for the marriage ceremony. Under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, the marriage is scheduled within 15 to 30 days after form submission. While under the Special Marriage Act of 1954, the time frame is approximately 60 days.

Keeping the process simple and transparent, follow this general document guide to get married and register a marriage. Note: All submitted documents must be gazetted by an officer.

• Signed application form by the couple
• Proof of birth for the couple: a birth certificate, passport, etc. The groom should be at least 21 years old and the bride 18 years old.
• Residential proof for both: Voter ID, PAN Card, Aadhar Card, Ration Card
• If the marriage is solemnised in a religious institute, a certificate confirming the marriage is required.
• The district cashier makes fee payments of ₹100 under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 and ₹150 under the Special Marriage Act of 1954. Attach the receipt to your application form.
• Passport-size photograph of the bride and groom. Photos of the bride and groom from the marriage, if solemnised.
• Wedding invitation card copy, if marriage is solemnised.
• Proof of no relation between the couple as mentioned under both the marriage acts.
• Divorce decree along with application form, if applicable for either party.
• Death certificate of deceased spouse with application form, if applicable for either party.
• An affidavit mentioning the place, date, time, nationality, etc., is attached to the application form.
• Two witnesses from each side will be present at the registrar's office.
• Two witnesses from the wedding are to be present if the wedding has been solemnised.

Also read: E-Aadhaar made easy: 5 steps to your digital identity

A marriage certificate is a document corroborating the union of two individuals. It holds significant benefits and rights for couples who want to navigate legal procedures in India. The significance behind establishing marital status goes beyond administrative purposes. It is the beginning of a new shared journey that marks a milestone in the lives of those who want a tangible testament of their love. Also read: Caste Certificate: Meaning, Benefits & Application Process