How to Get Marriage Certificate in India?

What is ‘marriage certificate’?
A marriage certificate is a legal document certifying the wedding of two individuals. It is an official document issued by a government of India. It is issued when the registrar of the civil registration office stamps the marriage. Indian constitution has already declared it as a mandatory document which can be taken at the time of marriage or after solemnizing it. 

Under what acts a marriage is registered in India?

1. Hindu Marriage Act: This act was formulated in 1955 for certifying the marriage of Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Sikh couples or the pair converted to any of these religion groups.
   
2. Special Marriage Act: The non-Hindu couple is registered under this act of 1954.
   
   

Why marriage certificate is essential?
For passport: The marriage certificate is an official declaration with the stamp of the government. It is a mandatory certificate that is requisite for getting a passport. An applicant who is going to be an NRI has to go for NRI services for passport with this certificate. In the absence of it, he/she can face so many obstacles in getting it. This is why all married migrants have to get this NRI documentation work done in India.  

For alimony: If either of the spouses claims for the alimony at the time of divorce, the court needs evidence. This certificate proves that the petitioner is eligible of getting alimony as it carries the registered marriage of the couple earlier.

From where can an NRI get this certificate?
Each state and union territory of India has the ‘Registration of Marriage Office’ where this certificate can be asked for. In Delhi, it can be the office of Sub-Divisional Magistrate in whose jurisdiction the spouses live. He issues it during strict working hours that may be 9: 30 am to 1:00 pm.

What documents are needed for it?

1. Application form duly attested by both husband and wife.
   
2. Proofs of spouses’ birth, matriculation certificate and passport etc.
   
3. Photocopy of Ration Card
   
4. Affidavit that should have mention of marriage date, place, date of birth, matrimony status at the time of wedding along with nationality.
   
5. Two passport size photographs of both, husband and wife.
   
6. Wedding Card, if have.
   
7.  A certificate from the priest in case the wedding was held in the religious place.
   
8. Hindu Marriage Act requires affirmation from both the parties that they are not related to each other under the prohibition of relationship.
   
9. The attested photocopy of the death certificate or divorce.
   
10. Rupees 100 and 150 are to be paid under Hindu Act and Special Act respectively.
11. All documents should be duly attested by the gazette officer. 
    
    

How much time it takes to get marriage certificate issued?
Since it is an official government work, thus it is time consuming procedure. Once all formalities and documentation works would be done, it gets dispatched to the applicants within 60 days. This delay is caused due to lots of formalities that are to be conducted.