Marriages in India are registered under two different registration acts; first is Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and other is the Special Marriage Act, 1945. A marriage certificate is proof of registration of any marriage which can be obtained from respective marriage registration offices of the place. Marriage registration proves that you are legally married to someone, and the marriage certificate will be needed in the various legal procedures like obtaining a passport, changing maiden name, etc. The Supreme Court has directed that the marriages must be registered to consider them legitimate respective of the caste, creed or religion.What are the benefits of marriage registration?
- Certificate of marriage registration is helpful in getting the visa for the wife/husband. Foreign countries do not recognize ceremonial marriages they require a proof of marriage for the visa process
- Certificate of marriage provides valuable evidence of marriage, in legal disputes between husband and wife like divorce, dowry, maintenance and other cases. It can be used as proof of marriage.
- It will be useful while claiming for the Bank deposits, life insurance, etc.
- The marriage certificate ensures that the bride and groom are of legal age for marriage
- Certificate of marriage can work as a legal proof while obtaining passport and other primary documents
- It also helps while applying for loan
- Availing Tax exemptions, Medical reimbursement, housing and employment benefits
- The certificate helps one to Receive social security, Medicare and disability benefits from the government
- With the marriage certificate the process of spouse’s property inheritance in case of death get easy and clear
How to obtain a marriage certificate?Marriage certificate can be obtained under the two waysBy registering the Marriage which has already been solemnizedIn this way, the bride and groom get married according to the culture/vidhi of respective religion and then they apply for the marriage registration to get the marriage certificate. By Solemnization of marriage under special Marriage Act In this way, marriage is registered directly in the court which is known as the registered marriage. For this, they have to apply for the registration date and have to present before the court on the given date for the registration of marriage.Which papers/documents are required?The following documents are required for the marriage registration process
- Application form signed by Husband and wife;
- Document to provide evidence of the date of birth for both parties like Passport, Birth certificate, etc.
- Ration card of the husband or wife whose are SDM has been approached for the certificate;
- Affidavit from both parties stating the place and date of marriage, nationality, date of birth, etc.
- Two passport size photographs for both husband and wife;
- A certificate from the priest if it is solemnized in a religious place;
- For Hindu Marriage Act Ra 100 and for Special Marriage Act Rs 150 should be deposited to the cashier of district and receipt should be attached to the form;