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Marriage Certificate
Official proof that a marriage is registered with the government. Couples need it for passports, visas, joint bank accounts, name change, insurance and property matters.
Official fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Hindu Marriage Act registration, Delhi | ₹100 |
| Special Marriage Act solemnisation, Delhi | ₹150 |
| Special Marriage Act application, Maharashtra | ₹100 |
| Special Marriage Act notice, Telangana | ₹120 |
Checked 27 Sep 2026
Documents to keep ready
- Age proof of both, e.g. birth certificate, Class 10 certificate or passport
- Address proof, e.g. Aadhaar, voter ID or passport
- Passport size photos of both and a wedding photo
- Wedding invitation card, if available
- Affidavits on marital status and age
- ID proof of witnesses (1 to 3, depending on state and Act)
- Divorce decree or death certificate of former spouse, if applicable
How to apply
- Choose the law: Hindu Marriage Act (marriage already held) or Special Marriage Act (any religion, court marriage)
- Apply online on your state portal and book a slot
- For Special Marriage Act, give 30 days notice to the Marriage Officer; objections can be raised in this time
- Pay the fee online or at the office
- Visit the office with both spouses, witnesses and original documents
- Sign the register and collect or download the certificate
By state
Fees and portals differ by state. These are the official portals for the states we cover.
| State | Fee | Time | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹100 (HMA), ₹150 (SMA) | About 15 days (HMA), about 60 days (SMA) | edistrict.delhigovt.nic.inApply to the SDM where either spouse lives. SMA needs 30 days residence in Delhi |
| Maharashtra | SMA: ₹100 application, ₹150 solemnisation, ₹25 certificate | About 15 days | igrmaharashtra.gov.inSolemnisation outside the office ₹1,000. Hindu marriages are also registered by municipal marriage registrars |
| West Bengal | Not confirmed | Varies | rgmwb.gov.inHandled by Marriage Registrars through the MARREG system |
| Tamil Nadu | Not confirmed | Varies | tnreginet.gov.inRegistration at the Sub Registrar office under the Tamil Nadu Registration of Marriages Act, 2009 or HMA |
| Karnataka | Not confirmed | Varies | igr.karnataka.gov.in (Kaveri)Hindu marriages can be applied for online through Kaveri |
| Telangana | SMA: ₹120 notice, ₹240 solemnisation | Same day (HMA), 30 to 90 days (SMA) | registration.telangana.gov.inHMA needs 3 witnesses; no time limit to register after marriage |
| Gujarat | Not confirmed | Varies | Local Registrar of MarriagesGujarat Registration of Marriages Act, 2006 requires the memorandum within 30 days of marriage; late filing can attract a fine |
Good to know
- Make sure names and dates of birth match your Aadhaar and passport exactly
- Muslim, Christian, Sikh and other marriages can also be registered, under state marriage registration laws or the Special Marriage Act
- Register soon after the wedding; some states charge extra or fine late filing
- Beware of sites charging high fees for court marriage; government fees are small
Common questions
What is the difference between Hindu Marriage Act and Special Marriage Act registration?
HMA registers a Hindu, Sikh, Jain or Buddhist marriage already performed. SMA works for any religion, including inter faith couples, and needs a 30 day public notice before the marriage is solemnised.
Is marriage registration compulsory in India?
The Supreme Court directed states to make registration of all marriages compulsory, and many states have laws for this. Registration is strongly advised for passports, visas and legal rights.
How many witnesses are needed?
Special Marriage Act needs 3 witnesses. For Hindu Marriage Act it depends on the state; for example Telangana asks for 3 and Delhi asks for 1 Gazetted Officer who attended the marriage.