How to get a marriage registration in India

Getting married in India requires registering your marriage with the government. This establishes your legal marital status and provides important legal protections and benefits for you and your spouse. Here is a step-by-step guide to registering your marriage in India:

Choose a Marriage Registration Authority

In India, marriage can be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act or the Special Marriage Act. Determine which law you want to register under based on your religion and personal preferences.
Hindu marriages are usually registered through the local municipal corporation or gram panchayat office. Special marriages can be registered at the office of the Marriage Registrar appointed by the state government.
Decide which office is most convenient for you and your spouse to visit for submitting the marriage registration application. Larger cities usually have more options.

Gather Required Documents

You will need to submit certain documents as proof of identity and age for both yourself and your spouse.
Standard requirements are 2-3 passport size photographs of the couple, proof of age and identity (Aadhar card, driving license, passport etc), proof of address, and an affidavit stating details about your marital status and citizenship.
Additional documents may be required depending on your religion and the law you register under. For example, Hindu couples may need to submit their horoscopes.
Make sure all documents are certified as true copies by a Gazette Officer. Translated and notarized versions are required for any documents in foreign languages.

Apply for Registration

Fill out the marriage registration form completely with all details about yourself, your spouse, and your marriage ceremony (date, place, etc).
Submit this along with the necessary documents and registration fees to the marriage registrar’s office. Fees are usually between Rs 100-500.
After scrutinizing your application, a date will be given to you for reporting before the registrar and solemnizing the marriage.

Attend the Registration Appointment

On the given date, you and your spouse must be present before the marriage registrar along with witnesses.
The marriage will be formally solemnized and registered. You will need to sign the marriage certificate documents in the registrar’s presence.
Witnesses and the marriage registrar will also sign the certificate to complete registration formalities.
You will be issued certified copies of the marriage registration certificate on the spot. Preserve this carefully as it serves as legal proof of your marriage.

Optional: Conduct a Religious Ceremony

The registered marriage under Special Marriage Act is a civil procedure and has no religious rituals.
However, you can choose to additionally perform a religious ceremony as per your customs and faith.
This has no legal binding but you may desire it for cultural and personal reasons. Consult your priest or clergy.
A religious ceremony can be conducted before or after marriage registration as per your preference. There is no time limit.

Rights and Obligations After Registration

Registration of marriage confers various rights to married couples under law. You can open a joint bank account, apply for family visas, claim inheritance rights, apply for family insurance policies, etc.
Legal obligations also arise after registration. These relate to maintenance of spouse, issues like divorce or domestic violence, inheritance claims of children, etc.
Registered spouses are legally bound to provide financial support to each other and any children. Issues of custody, alimony etc. will be decided by court in case of disputes.

That covers the key steps and important details involved in registering your marriage in India. Ensure all documentation is thorough and submit your application well in advance of your planned wedding date for a hassle-free process.