Court Marriage is approved by all authorities and approved by law. It is as strong as a regular marriage. Court marriage is free for people of all caste, religion, and creed. It is a selected process of getting married in most inter-religious marriages and love marriages. Any person who has completed 18 years of age in the case of girls and 21 years of age in the case of boys and can opt for court marriage.
In court marriage, it is not compulsory to invite plenty of guests. Only the presence of some witnesses is expected to complete the marriage in the presence of the marriage register.
A court marriage certificate is very helpful in getting visas for both husband and wife. Foreign offices situated in India and further foreign countries that are outside India do not recognize traditional marriages. To verify the matrimony or marriage in India’s foreign embassies as well as in nations outside India a person requires to get a certificate of Marriage Registration. When applying for a husband/wife VISA, foreign embassies demand a record of Marriage Registration and therefore, when a husband and wife would like to travel abroad utilising a spouse visa they must have an original marriage certificate published by the Government.
A court marriage certificate is a document that gives relevant proof of matrimony. When an offensive situation such as a dispute (might be civil or criminal) takes place within husband and wife whether it is similar to separation, dowry, maintenance or other issues. A certificate of marriage registration or certification safeguards against denunciation of the marriage by any one spouse.
A certificate of marriage registration allows a spouse to declare a life insurance account or bank deposits in case of death of the Insurer or depositor without any nominee.
The method for court marriage is directed by the Special Marriage Act, 1954 and is general across the nation. Court marriage can be solemnised among two parties (belonging to the same or different nations) irrespective of their religion, caste, or race. The interested person can directly connect to the Marriage Registrar to get the marriage certificate.
Procedure for Court Marriage
Step 1: File a ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ in the stipulated form to the Marriage Registrar of the area in which at least one of the individuals to the marriage has resided for not less than 30 days directly preceding the date on which such notice is given.
Step 2: The notice is then issued by the Registrar of Marriage requesting objections if any.
Step 3: After the closing of 30 days from the time on which notice of proposed marriage has been declared, the marriage may be considered or solemnized unless it has been opposed by any person.
Step 4: The marriage may be solemnised at the specified marriage office.
Step 5: Both individuals along with three witnesses are expected to be present on the date of registration/solemnisation.
The Court Marriage Fees for Registration
The court marriage registration charges are different from one state to another. Every state has the right to build its court marriage laws and regulations. Therefore, the court marriage fees structure also varies between states. Hence, it is recommended to partners who are getting married to check the application fee and additional fees related to the method of court marriage, before moving ahead with the online application of a court marriage certificate.
Usually, the court marriage payments for application are Rs.100 under the Hindu Marriage Act and Rs.150 under the Special Marriage Act. Other than that, there are some administrative and other prices one may have to acquire. The price to be paid to your court marriage lawyer would depend on the nature of the case the lawyer is managing and the reputation of the lawyer. A straightforward case is often more affordable.
Documents Required for Court Marriage in India
- Application form (notice in the form specified) duly named and approved by both the bride and groom.
- Documentary proof of the date of birth of both the parties (passport/matriculation certificate/birth certificate)
- Receipt of fees paid concerning the application form in the District Court
- Separate affidavits from groom and bride giving- date of birth, present marital status (widowed/unmarried/divorcee).
- Confirmation that the people are not related to each other within the scope of prohibited relationship specified in the Special Marriage Act.
- Passport size photos of both the parties (2 copies each) duly signed by a gazetted officer.
- Photocopy of divorce decree/order in the state of a divorcee and death certificate of spouse in case of widower/widow.
