Choosing a venue, selecting a lehenga or sherwani and arranging the events is all fun for Indian Weddings. What really takes time is the Marriage Registration. Undoubtedly marriage certificate is a very important document, but it takes the time to get legalized. It is the only document which declares you and your wife a lawfully married couple under the Hindu Marriage Act 1955 or Special Marriage Act 1954. In 2006, the Supreme Court ordered for safeguarding women’s rights that it is mandatory to register your wedding. Otherwise too, having a marriage certificate has various benefits.
Legal Requirements to Get Married in India
- The boy should be 21 years above in age and the girl should be 18 years above
- At least, either of the parties getting married should be living in India for more than 30 days before applying for marriage registration
Why Get a Marriage Certificate?
A marriage certificate is very important for lots of legal work. If you apply for a passport after marriage or want to change our address and surname then marriage certificate is essential. If you want to travel to an international destination then many embassies request for marriage certificate copy. Also, a marriage certificate copy is required when you want to change your surname address in your existing bank account or want to apply for a new bank account.
What Are the Documents Required to Apply?
The documents required while you apply for marriage certificate are:
- A copy of the wedding invitation card or a receipt from temple/gurudwara/church where the wedding was performed
- For Catholic weddings, a NOC from the priest is required
- Identity proofs which include Adhar Card, Passport, Employee ID or Driving License
- A document with your age proof (Birth Certificate, Passport or School certificate)
- 4 passport size picture each
How to Apply?
Online
To make online marriage registration, select your district on the official website of marriage registration and continue. Fill the detail of the husband and click on “Registration of Marriage Certificate”. Then you will be asked to fill the marriage certificate for and date of appointment. Finally, click on submit the application.
Under Hindu Act Marriage, you will get the appointment within 15 days of applying, for other cases the appointment date can fall anytime within 60 days. After which you can get your marriage certificate in the next 30 days.
Offline
You will have to visit your local registrar office to submit your notice of intended marriage. Take along the residence and age verification proof of your partner and yourself. For residence proof, a passport copy is enough while for age verification, take along the birth certificate. Also, take along a few passport size photos. You or your partner, anyone can go and submit the notice. Within 30 days of applying, you can receive the marriage certificate.
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