According to Indian Law, the legally accepted minimum age to get married is 21 years for males and 18 years for females in India. Marriage is solemnized between the bride and the groom if it is done with each others consent and under certain rules and regulations. Marriage Registration and Court Marriage are two terms often confused and misinterpreted. Let us try to understand their meaning and 

Court Marriage

Far away from all the hustle-bustle from life, some people find peace in private marriage ceremonies. Court Marriage is a process that helps these people. While traditional weddings have all the ceremonies performed with hundreds and thousands of guests, court marriage happens in the presence of a marriage officer and three witnesses.

Documents required for Court Marriage

The following are some of the paperwork needed for a court marriage:

• Signed application form by bride and groom
• Date of Birth proof.
• Evidence of residence of both parties
• Two passport size photographs of each.
• If the couple were previously married, a death certificate or divorce order is required.
• Receipt of payments paid in relation to the District Court application form.
• The parties’ affirmation that they are not related in the degree of prohibited relationship established in the Special Marriage Act.

Marriage Registration

Marriage Registration is a process that implies to all the married couple and they are needed to register their marriage legally under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 or Special Marriage Act, 1954. Marriage registration is made mandatory in 2006 and provides several advantages.

Why do you need a Marriage Certificate?

A marriage certificate is a legal documentation that ensures social security, self-confidence, helps in getting VISA, insurance benefits and helps in claims if the beneficiary is not mentioned. It allows you to open a joint account with your partner, get a work permit. If there occurs a condition of divorce or separation or child custody then a marriage certificate has to be presented in the court.

Documents required for Marriage Registration

The process of registering your marriage can be slightly different in different states. You can do online marriage registration only if you are a resident of Delhi. Here are some of the paperwork needed for a court marriage:

• Address proof
• Date of Birth Proof – Wife & Husband
• Passport size photographs
• Marriage invitation card
• Aadhaar Card
• Affidavit

Marriage Acts in India

The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955

This law applies to Hindus, Buddhists, Brahmins, Sikhs, and Aryasamaj, as well as individuals who practise Hindu religious rituals. It is not applicable to Muslims, Christians, Parsis, or Jews. Only solemnised marriages are registered under the Hindu Marriage Act.

Special Marriage Act, 1954

This act applies to all Indian citizens, regardless of caste or religion. A marriage can be solemnised or registered under the Special Marriage Act.

Tatkal Marriage Registration

I know, the title seems interesting and quite unbelievable. But just like your train tickets, you can register your marriage in 24 hours. How to do it? Well, first of all, Tatkal Mariage Registration can be done only in Delhi and secondly, you should be paying an amount of INR 10,000. Then you will get your Marriage Certificate within a day.