How to register marriage in Tamil Nadu?

Why registering a wedding is important?

In India, the legal recognition of marriage plays a significant role in inheritance, property rights, and child custody. The Supreme Court made marriage registration mandatory in 2006 to safeguard the interests of women. Marriage registration can be done either under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (applies to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains) or under the Special Marriage Act, 1954 (secular law for all citizens, allowing inter-faith and inter-caste marriages). Marriage registration serves as essential evidence in divorce cases and child custody disputes. If not registered, a marriage is not valid.

What is the legal age for marriage?

It is 18 for women and 21 for men.

What is the time frame?

Marriages are required to be registered within 90 days of wedding. However, there are instances in which marriages remain unregistered, and some are registered later when the need arises.

What is the first step?

Log on to the Tamil Nadu government website www.tnreginet.gov.in to book an appointment at the sub-registrar office. If you have an account, you can log in. For new users, you need to create an account. After logging in, you will find the application form online. During the registration, you will be required to provide basic information, including your phone number and email ID. Once you access the site, you will be prompted to enter your personal details, residential address, wedding location, proof of birth, and a certificate from the temple or the place of marriage. If the wedding took place in a hall, you will have to submit the receipt. You must also submit details of witnesses. You will need two witnesses each from the bride and the groom. Make sure that you have the documents ready before submitting the form, as you will need to upload them. Finally, you should select the sub-registrar’s office in the district where you or your partner lives or where the marriage was held. You will be allowed to choose the time you want to visit the sub-registrar office. Once you choose the time, you can make the payment online and get the reference number.

What are the documents required?

First is the proof of birth, which can be provided through a birth certificate, matriculation certificate, or passport. Residential proof is required in the form of voter ID card, PAN card, Aadhaar card, or ration card. A certificate from the institution where the marriage was solemnised, like a religious place, is required too, besides a copy of the wedding invitation. If a bride or a groom is divorced, a copy of the divorce papers must be attached. And finally, the photos of the bride and the groom. Two witnesses are required to be present at the sub-registrar office. They should carry their ID proof. Applicants are required to carry all their original certificates to the sub-registrar office.

How many days does it take to get the certificate?

If all the documents are in place, the certificates are issued on the same day or within a week. If there is any clarification, it would take a few more days.

What is the validity of a marriage certificate?

The marriage certificate is valid for lifetime.