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Home / Personal & Property / Marriage Registration
Last updated: 2 October 2026
A marriage certificate is needed for passports, visas, spouse name changes, bank nominations, insurance and property matters. Marriages can be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and State registration rules, or solemnised and registered under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. We check which route applies, prepare the documents and book the appointment. Both spouses and witnesses appear before the Registrar.
If your marriage has already been performed under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, which also covers Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs, it can be registered with the Registrar under section 8 and the State rules. Several States have also made registration of all marriages compulsory under their own laws, following the Supreme Court’s direction in Seema v. Ashwani Kumar (2006).
The Special Marriage Act, 1954 allows any two persons, irrespective of religion, to marry by civil ceremony. Notice of intended marriage is given to the Marriage Officer of the district where at least one party has lived for at least 30 days. The notice is published, and the marriage can be solemnised after 30 days if no valid objection is received, in the presence of three witnesses. A marriage already performed under other forms can also be registered under this Act.
Both spouses must appear before the Registrar with their witnesses. The Registrar decides the application.
Based on the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, the Special Marriage Act, 1954 and State marriage registration rules. Last updated: 27 September 2026.
Registration under section 8 and State rules
Notice to the Marriage Officer; 30-day notice period
At least one party in the district for 30 days (SMA)
Three witnesses under the Special Marriage Act
21 for the groom and 18 for the bride
Both spouses before the Registrar
Registrar offices return applications for missing proofs of age, address or marriage, or for inconsistent names across documents.
We confirm whether the Hindu Marriage Act, the Special Marriage Act or a State law applies.
Age, address, photographs, witness and marriage proofs are checked for consistency.
Forms are filed and the appointment is booked, with a checklist for the day.
Related personal services.
Updating your name after marriage.
Registering property documents.
Planning your estate as a couple.
Checking title before buying a home.
We confirm the applicable law and the Registrar's office.
Age, address, marriage and witness documents are checked.
The application or notice of intended marriage is filed.
For the Special Marriage Act, the 30-day notice period runs.
Both spouses and witnesses appear before the Registrar.
The Registrar issues the marriage certificate.
Where the marriage certificate is used:
Updating surname in PAN, Aadhaar, passport and bank records.
Spouse details in passports and for visa applications.
Bank, insurance and investment nominations.
Joint property and inheritance matters.
Share your query and our team will reply during business hours.
Several States have made registration of marriages compulsory. Even where it is not, a marriage certificate is often required for passports, visas and other purposes.
Yes. Late registration is generally possible, although some States charge a late fee or ask for additional proof.
The notice is published and the marriage can be solemnised after 30 days, if no valid objection is received.
Yes. Both spouses must appear before the Registrar, along with witnesses.
Yes, subject to the residence and document requirements of the applicable law. Additional documents such as passport and visa copies are needed.
ACS – Director, Expertvuw Management Pvt Ltd
Documents and applications are prepared by Expertvuw’s team for your review. Registrations, notifications and approvals are made by the authority concerned, and any court or legal representation is handled by independent advocates.