Marriage Procedures In India

Marriage is regarded as one of the most important and sacred institution in Indian society. Though it is observed differently by people belonging to different sects of the society, its sanctity and purpose remains the same. Marriage is basically an interpersonal relationship between a man and a woman, with social, religious and legal recognition. Moreover, there are many names given to a Marriage such as Civil Marriage, which is the legal name of the tradition. A wedding ceremony is referred to as the ritual performed by a religious officiator.

 

Religious marriages are conducted following a number of customs and rituals and are deemed legal in India. Usually, the marriages are observed with great pomp and show, along with a procession. After the marriage ceremony is over, the most important thing to be obtained is the marriage certificate. For Christians, Muslims, Parsis, Jews, and Baha’i followers, a marriage certificate issued by the religious authority is considered a legal proof of marriage. Therefore, no certificate is required from the Marriage Registrar. However, in the case of Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, the certificate issued by the religious organization is not sufficient. These people need to obtain a formal marriage certificate from the Registrar.

 

Civil Marriage Ceremony (Registered Court Marriage in India)

All those people, who want to escape the grandeur of religious marriages, can opt for civil marriage ceremony. These ceremonies are strictly formal without any exaggeration. In civil marriages, no additional effort is required to be put to register the marriage because the registration procedure itself is the marriage ceremony. However, the couple needs to drop an application well in advance, approximately one month before hand. This time is utilized by the marriage officer, who publishes an ad in the newspaper, giving a chance to raise any objections against the marriage. The marriage registrar office is usually located in the complex of local court or municipality.

 

Special Marriage Act allows any two individuals to marry (including intercast marriages), irrespective of their religion, caste and nationality. It even applies to people living abroad, with Indian nationality. Therefore, any marriage under the Special Marriage Act is a Civil Marriage by registration. However, there are some conditions to be fulfilled under this act.