Why Marriage Certificate is important in India

1. Proof of Marriage: The certificate acts as proof of the marriage, which can be necessary for various legal and administrative purposes.

2. Legal Recognition: It provides legal recognition of the marriage, making it official in the eyes of the law.

3. Rights and Benefits: It ensures the couple's rights regarding inheritance, property, and spousal benefits such as insurance, pensions, and social security.

4. Documentation for Government Services: A marriage certificate is often required for obtaining certain government services, such as applying for a passport, visa, or opening joint bank accounts.

5. Divorce and Custody Proceedings: In case of separation or divorce, the marriage certificate is essential for legal proceedings related to divorce and child custody.

6. Religious and Social Acceptance: It provides social recognition of the marriage within the community and can be important for religious ceremonies.

7. Eligibility for Certain Benefits: Some government schemes and benefits are only available to legally married couples.

To get a marriage certificate, you need to register your marriage under either:

• The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 – for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs.
• The Special Marriage Act, 1954 – for inter-religious or inter-caste marriages, or if one/both are not Hindus.

Required Documents:

• Application form:- You can get application form online or offline. 
• Proof of marriage:- To proof of your marriage, you need to submit Wedding card and Photos of the ceremony
• Age proof:- Birth Certificate / School Leaving Certificate / Passport / Aadhaar
• Address proof:- Aadhaar / Voter ID / Passport / Utility Bills
• Passport-sized photos:- Passport size photo of both spouses
• Affidavit:- declaring marital status, nationality, date of marriage (You can get this from your local Authority like Mukhiya)
• Witnesses:- 2 adults with ID proof
• Divorce or death certificate: if previously married

Under Hindu Marriage Act (for same-religion Hindu marriages)

• Visit the local Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office.
• Submit the application with documents.
• A verification date will be given.
• On the appointed date, both partners + witnesses must be present.
• Certificate issued same day or within a week.

Under Special Marriage Act (for interfaith/civil marriages)

• Apply at the SDM office in the area where either partner resides.
• Submit Notice of Intended Marriage (Form 1).
• A 30-day notice period begins – objections can be raised during this.
• After 30 days, if no objections:
• Both partners + 3 witnesses appear before Marriage Officer.
• Marriage is solemnized and certificate is issued.

Note:

Age requirement: Groom: 21+ | Bride: 18+

Fee ranges from ₹100–₹500 depending on act and state.

Some states allow fully digital registration; others need physical visits.