Marriage registration in India is an important legal step after marriage. A marriage registration certificate acts as official proof of marriage and is required for various legal and administrative purposes.

Below is a simple and easy explanation of where to go, what documents are required, and how the marriage registration process works in India.

Where Do I Have to Go for Marriage Registration?

For marriage registration in India, the Office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) / Marriage Registrar is required to be visited.

Moreover, the marriage is permitted to be registered within the jurisdiction where either the husband or the wife is residing.

Documents Required for Marriage Registration

For marriage registration, the following documents are required to be submitted:

• Proof of Date of Birth– (Birth certificate / school certificate / passport)
• Address Proof– (Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, or any valid address proof)
• Marriage Invitation Card (if available)
• Marriage Ceremonial Photographs– 4–5 photographs of different marriage ceremonies
• Passport Size Photographs-One passport-size photograph each of husband and wife
• PAN Card of both husband and wife
• Application form duly signed by both husband and wife and Fee is to be deposited with Marriage Clerk and the receipt is to be appended with the form.

Witness Requirements

Witnesses are mandatory for marriage registration. For Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 Two witnesses are required and For Special Marriage Act, 1954 Three witnesses are required.

Documents Required from Witnesses:

• PAN card
• Address proof

Witnesses can be from anywhere in India.

What Happens on the Appointment Day?

After submitting the required documents at the office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, an appointment date is provided to the applicant.

On the scheduled appointment day:

• Husband and wife must be present in person
• Witnesses must also be present, as applicable:
  • Two witnesses in case of Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
  • Three witnesses in case of Special Marriage Act, 1954

On that day, the marriage registrar:

• Verifies all submitted documents
• Confirms the identity of the husband, wife, and witnesses
• Checks the marriage details

Once everything is found to be correct, the marriage is approved and the Marriage Registration Certificate is issued.