Types of Marriages Recognized in India

1. Hindu Marriage Act, 1955: Applicable to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs.
2. Special Marriage Act, 1954: Applicable to all citizens, irrespective of religion, if the marriage is between two people from different religions or if the couple chooses to opt for a civil ceremony.
3. Muslim, Christian, and Parsi Personal Laws: Each has its specific marriage laws for respective communities.

Documents Required for Filing a Marriage

Regardless of the law under which the marriage is registered, certain key documents are mandatory:

1. Identity Proof:

   • Aadhaar card
   • Passport
   • Voter ID card
   • Driving license

2. Address Proof:

   • Utility bills (electricity, water, gas)
   • Rent agreement
   • Passport

3. Date of Birth Proof:

   • Birth certificate
   • 10th-grade mark sheet
   • Passport

4. Passport-sized Photographs:

   • Recent photographs of both bride and groom.

5. Proof of Marital Status:

   • If previously married: Divorce decree or death certificate of the previous spouse.

6. Affidavit of Marriage: Stating the date, place, and time of the wedding.

7. Marriage Invitation Card (in some cases).

8. Witnesses: Typically, two to three witnesses with their identity proofs are required.

Steps to File Marriage Documents

1. Application for Marriage Registration:

• Fill out the application form either online or offline from the local Registrar’s office.
• Submit it with all the necessary documents and a nominal fee.

2. Verification of Documents:

• The Registrar verifies the documents, ensuring all details are correct.
• For marriages under the Special Marriage Act, a 30-day notice period is provided where any objections to the marriage can be raised.

3. Marriage Solemnization (Special Marriage Act):

• If no objections are raised within 30 days, the marriage can be solemnized in front of a Marriage Officer.
• For other acts, a marriage certificate can be issued after the wedding ceremony is conducted.

4. Marriage Certificate:

• After the ceremony or solemnization, the Marriage Registrar will issue the official marriage certificate.
• This certificate serves as legal proof of marriage.

Registration under Different Laws

Hindu Marriage Act, 1955:

• Applicable to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs.
• Marriage is considered valid after the completion of traditional rituals.
• After marriage, the couple can apply for a marriage certificate at the Registrar’s office.

Special Marriage Act, 1954:

• For interfaith or civil marriages.
• Requires a 30-day public notice period.
• Marriage is solemnized by a Marriage Officer.

Christian Marriage Act, 1872:

• Marriage can be performed by a licensed minister or in a church.
• After the ceremony, marriage needs to be registered with the marriage registrar.

Muslim Personal Law:

• In Islam, the marriage contract (Nikah) is a religious act.
• The marriage is registered with a Qazi (Islamic judge) and the certificate (Nikahnama) is issued.

Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936:

• For Parsis (Zoroastrians).
• Marriage is registered with the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Registrar.

Additional Requirements

• No Objection Certificate (NOC): For foreign nationals or those getting married outside their home state, a NOC might be required.
• Marriage Under Foreign Marriage Act: For Indian citizens marrying abroad, the Foreign Marriage Act, 1969, applies.

Key Points to Remember

1. Minimum Age: The legal age for marriage is 21 for men and 18 for women.
2. Witness Requirement: 3 witnesses are usually required during the registration process.
3. Online Services: Many states in India now offer online registration for marriages, making it easier to file documents.
4. Attending the Office: Both bride and groom, along with witnesses, must be physically present for the registration.