In India, legally registering a marriage is an important step that ensures couples are officially recognized and protected under the law.
While couples can celebrate their union through religious ceremonies and customs, it’s important to also register the marriage to ensure it is recognized by the State.
Why Legal Registration is Important
Legal registration of marriage offers several important benefits.
The law can only intervene and provide protection if the marriage has been legally registered. This is especially important in cases where a couple might want to seek a divorce or legal separation due to issues like mistreatment.
Additionally, a marriage certificate is an official document that is required for various other government documentation processes.
For example, if a married person wants to change their name, a marriage certificate is necessary. It is also needed when applying for a visa or when a couple is traveling together to another country.
Having a marriage certificate can make it easier for a couple to book hotel rooms together, especially in situations where they have different last names. It also simplifies the process of moving to another country where one spouse might be working.
A marriage certificate is also useful when opening a joint bank account. It can also help with financial transactions, such as withdrawing money from a spouse’s account, especially in the unfortunate event of the spouse’s death. In such cases, the marriage certificate can be used to coordinate with insurance companies for settlements.
Documents Needed for Marriage Registration
The primary documents needed include:
- Proof of Identification and Address: This can be a Voter ID, ration card, passport, or driving license for both the husband and wife. Different documents may be required to prove both identity and address.
- Proof of Date of Birth: This is needed for both the husband and wife.
- Two Passport Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs of both the husband and wife.
- Separate Marriage Affidavits: These need to be in the correct format and submitted by both the husband and wife.
- Aadhaar Card: Both parties must provide their Aadhaar card as part of the identification process.
- Marriage Invitation Card: This helps prove that the wedding ceremony took place.
All the provided documents must be self-attested, meaning that the applicants must sign them to verify that they are genuine.
Process Of Marriage Registration
According to the Hindu Marriage Act, after the documents are submitted, the applicants should receive an appointment within 15 days. This appointment is when the couple, along with their witnesses, need to visit the registration office to sign the necessary documents.
The witnesses play a crucial role in the registration process. They must have been present at the wedding and should be residing in India. Each witness must bring their documentation, including a PAN card, when they go to the registration office.
Registering a marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 is an essential step that gives couples official recognition and safeguards their rights within the law.
The process requires gathering and submitting several documents, it ensures that the marriage is legally recognized and provides numerous benefits, including the ability to prove marital status, change names, and access financial and legal rights. By completing this process, couples can ensure that their marriage is both celebrated and legally protected.
