How to Apply for a Marriage Certificate in India (2026 Guide)
A step-by-step guide to registering your marriage and getting a marriage certificate in India — documents, fees, witnesses and the online process.
TCTechToolsCenter TeamA marriage certificate is the legal proof of your marriage in India, and you'll need it for passports, visas, joint bank accounts, insurance and name changes. This guide walks you through the whole process. For the full checklist and official links, see our Marriage Certificate service page.
Which law will your marriage be registered under?
- Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 — for marriages between Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs already solemnised by custom.
- Special Marriage Act, 1954 — for civil and inter-faith marriages; this involves a 30-day public notice period.
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Documents you'll need
- Age proof of both spouses (birth certificate, PAN or 10th marksheet)
- Address proof of both spouses (Aadhaar, voter ID)
- Passport-size photographs and a marriage photograph together
- Two witnesses with their ID and address proof
- Marriage invitation card and, in some states, an affidavit
Step-by-step process
- Open your State/Municipal marriage-registration or e-District portal.
- Choose the applicable Act and fill in both spouses' and witnesses' details.
- Upload the documents and photographs (compress large scans first).
- Book an appointment at the Sub-Registrar / Marriage Officer's office.
- Visit with both spouses and witnesses for verification.
- Collect or download the certificate once approved.
Fees and timeline
A nominal registration fee (usually ₹100–₹500) applies and varies by state. Under the Hindu Marriage Act, registration can be quick; under the Special Marriage Act, expect a 30-day notice period before the certificate is issued.
Always complete the process on the official government portal — never pay a third-party site extra for a service you can do yourself.
Tools used in this article
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Frequently asked questions
Most states have made it compulsory, and a certificate is essential for passports, visas and legal matters — so you should always register.
TechToolsCenter Team
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