Marriage Certificate
Register your marriage and obtain a legal marriage certificate under the Hindu Marriage Act or Special Marriage Act through your state's marriage registration portal or Sub-Registrar office.
Required Documents
Step-by-Step Process
Choose the Applicable Act
Register under the Hindu Marriage Act (for religious ceremonies already performed) or the Special Marriage Act (for civil/inter-religious marriages, with a 30-day notice period).
Apply Online
File the application on your state's marriage registration portal, entering both parties' details and marriage date/venue.
Book an Appointment
Schedule a joint appointment with witnesses at the Sub-Registrar or Marriage Registration Office.
Attend with Witnesses
Both spouses and at least two witnesses must appear in person with original documents for verification.
Receive the Certificate
After verification (and the notice period, if under the Special Marriage Act), the marriage certificate is issued, on the same day or within a few weeks.
Pro Tips & Warnings
- Marriages under the Special Marriage Act require a mandatory 30-day public notice period before registration - plan the timeline accordingly.
- Both spouses and witnesses must be physically present at the registration appointment; it cannot be completed by one party alone.
- Keep multiple certified copies of your marriage certificate - it's needed for passport applications, visa processes, and name/address changes.