A marriage certificate is the strongest proof of a marriage. It is needed for visas, passports, spouse immigration, bank accounts, insurance, inheritance and court cases. In Delhi, registration of marriage is compulsory for all communities, whatever the form of marriage.
Hindu marriages (Hindu Marriage Act, 1955)
Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists who marry by religious rites can apply to the Marriage Registrar of the area where the marriage took place or where either spouse lives. Usually you need the invitation card or wedding photographs, age and address proofs, passport-size photographs and two witnesses. The certificate is issued after the application is verified.
Muslim marriages
A Muslim marriage is a contract, solemnised by nikah and recorded in the nikahnama. This should be registered with the Marriage Registrar so that it is accepted for official purposes. The nikahnama, identity proofs, photographs and witnesses are normally required.
Christian marriages (Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872)
Christian marriages are solemnised by a minister, priest or authorised person in a church. The church register entry is the first record, and a marriage certificate is issued by the Registrar after submitting the church certificate and other documents.
Special Marriage Act, 1954
This law allows marriage between any two adults, whatever their religion, after a 30-day public notice. It is the route for interfaith couples and for couples who want a civil marriage. Read our guide on the court marriage procedure in Delhi.
Registering a marriage that has already taken place
A marriage that was solemnised in another form can also be registered under the Special Marriage Act in appropriate cases. The conditions include that the marriage was solemnised and the couple have lived together as husband and wife, that neither has a spouse living and that the age and consent requirements are met. A notice is published, and objections are heard before the Marriage Officer registers it.
Marriages abroad and foreign nationals
Indians marrying abroad can register the marriage with the Indian Embassy or Consulate in some cases, and can also register it in India. Where one party is a foreign national and the marriage is held in India, the Special Marriage Act is generally used. Foreign nationals usually need a passport, a visa, a no-objection or marital status certificate from their embassy, and sometimes proof of residence.
How we can help
We prepare the application, check each document and appear with you, so that one visit to the office is enough. See our court marriage lawyer page for NRI and foreign-marriage services.
Please note: This article gives general information and is not legal advice. Every case depends on its own facts, so please consult an advocate before acting.