How To Get A Marriage Certificate Under The Special Marriage Act, Personal Laws And Online? Advocate Explains
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Getting married in a big fat Indian wedding is a HUGE hassle but if you’re the kind of bride (or groom) who is planning the wedding, remember that your wedding planning and work don’t end after the ceremonies are over. You still have to get a marriage certificate to register your marriage with the Indian government and formalise it with legal paperwork. In case you’re wondering how to get a marriage certificate, we’ve got detailed information from Advocate Ridhi Thakkar on how to obtain a marriage certificate under the Special Marriage Act, the Hindu Marriage Act and online too!
How To Get A Marriage Certificate Under The Special Marriage Act?
Adv Ridhi Thakkar explains that Special Marriage Act is where two people from different religions get married, even two people from the same religion can get married under this act. As per the lawyer, under this act, there is no need for a traditional wedding with pheras and mangalsutra or any other customs or ceremonies are needed. “You can simply submit an application in the registrar’s office in your city and there will be a one-month notice period after which you will be called to appear before the registrar with your partner and three witnesses and sign the papers. You can click pictures and exchange varmala at that time if you want. After a few days you will get your marriage certificate,” said the advocate.
Also Read: What Is The Special Marriage Act That Allowed Swara Bhasker To Marry Fahad? Procedure, Notice Period And More
How To Get A Marriage Certificate Under The Hindu Marriage Act Or Other Personal Laws?
Speaking of obtaining a marriage certificate under the personal laws, Adv Ridhi Thakkar said, “If you’re getting married in a proper Hindu Vedic ceremony with all customs or if you’re going to have Nikah or going to the Church for traditional Christian marriage, you can register your customary marriage under the relevant act before the municipality ward nearest to your area. So, you don’t have to go to the registrar and just register it with the municipality authority and get a certificate. You will need two witnesses and your wedding pictures and the wedding invitation to register your wedding with the government.”
What Is The Difference Between The Special Marriage Act And The Hindu Marriage Act?
The advocate further explained the difference between getting a marriage certificate under the SMA and the personal laws. She said the only major difference between registering your marriage under the Special Marriage Act and under the personal laws is that under the SMA no personal laws come into play. The SMA prevails upon all other marriage acts.
Also Read: Vicky Kaushal Shares Tips For A Happy Marriage. Now All We Need Is A Vicky Like Husband!
What Is The Procedure To Get A Marriage Certificate By Filing It Online?
When asked about the online procedure, Advocate Thakkar said, “Some cities in India have an online marriage registration facility. In Mumbai, you can get your marriage certificate from the BMC after your customary marriage ceremony but there’s no online procedure to get a marriage certificate under the Special Marriage Act.” In conclusion, she revealed that in either case, you can only get the form online but you have to physically go to the registrar or the municipal authority to verify your identity with your identification card in person to get a marriage certificate.
So, save this info to get your marriage certificate sorted in case you’re planning to tie the knot!
First Published: July 28, 2023 7:28 PM
