How to Get a Marriage Certificate in India: Role of Affidavit, Format and Documents in 2026

Do you need clarity on how to get a marriage certificate after your wedding in India? Marriage registration provides official recognition for legal, financial, and international purposes. An affidavit states the bride and groom's details, the marriage date, place, and religion, and their consent, following a prescribed format. Required documents include age proof, address proof, photographs, a wedding card, and witnesses, with fees ranging from ₹100 to ₹500. Many states allow applications, appointment bookings, and marriage certificates to be checked online for convenience and faster approvals through local registrar offices nationwide. 

Marriage Certificate - Quick Information in 2026

Wondering how to get a marriage certificate in India easily and online? The table below will help you understand things in a better way: 

Types of Marriage Acts in India

The process for registering a marriage in India is governed by different acts, depending on the religion and preferences of the couple.

Documents Required for Marriage Certificate in India

To begin the process, you must gather a specific set of documents. Both partners must provide self-attested copies of the following documents.

• Application Form: This is the primary document to be filled out and signed by both the husband and wife. Can be obtained from the registrar's office or downloaded from the state's official civil registration website.
• Proof of Marriage: You need to provide evidence that the marriage ceremony has taken place. This can be:
  • The wedding invitation card.
  • A certificate from the priest or religious institution where the marriage was solemnised.
  • Photographs of the main wedding rituals, such as the saptapadi or ring exchange.
• Proof of Address for Both Partners: Any one of the following documents is acceptable for each partner. The document should show their current or permanent address.
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Voter ID Card
  • Passport
  • Driving License
  • Ration Card
  • A recent utility bill (electricity, water, or gas) in their name.
• Proof of Age for Both Partners: It is mandatory to prove that both partners have met the legal age for marriage (21 years for the groom and 18 years for the bride). Any one of the following is required:
  • Birth Certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation or an equivalent authority.
  • Matriculation (Class 10) Certificate that clearly states the date of birth.
  • Passport.
• Photographs: You will need recent passport-sized colour photographs. Typically, you need two photographs of the bride, two of the groom, and one photograph of the couple together during the marriage ceremony.
• Witness Documents: Two witnesses who attended the wedding must be present during the registration. They must also provide their documents:
  • One passport-sized photograph of each witness.
  • Proof of Identity (like an Aadhaar Card or PAN Card) for each witness.
  • Proof of Address for each witness.
• Affidavit: In many cases, a joint affidavit from the couple is required. This sworn statement declares the date and place of marriage, their dates of birth, their marital status at the time of marriage, and that they are married according to the applicable customs and laws.
• Divorce Decree or Death Certificate (if applicable): If either partner was previously married, they must provide a certified copy of the divorce decree or the death certificate of the former spouse to prove their current single status.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Get a Marriage Certificate in India 

Want a marriage certificate in India? This guide explains a simple process, required documents, timelines, and fees, including how the online marriage certificate check helps couples nationwide easily track application status in 2025. Below is the step-by-step process to keep things in mind:

• Choose the Act: Register under the Hindu Marriage Act or the Special Marriage Act.
• Fill Application: Apply online or visit the local Sub-Registrar office.
• Prepare Documents: ID proof, address proof, age proof, photos, wedding proof, affidavit.
• Submit & Pay Fees: Upload documents or submit physically with prescribed fees.
• Verification: Registrar verifies details and documents.
• Appointment & Witnesses: Attend with witnesses, if required.
• Certificate Issued: Collect or download the marriage certificate after approval.

How to Get a Marriage Certificate Online (eMarriage Certificate)?

Most Indian states now offer a convenient state-wise online portal to initiate the application process. This helps reduce paperwork and save time. Here’s how to get a marriage certificate online.

• Step 1: Visit the local official civil registration or e-district portal [1] of the state or where the marriage was solemnised. 
• Step 2: On the website's homepage, navigate to the online services section and select "Application for Marriage Registration" or a similar option. You may need to register as a new user to access the application form.
• Step 3: Carefully fill in all the required information in the online form. This will include personal details of the bride and groom (name, father's name, date of birth, address), details of the marriage (date and place), and information about the witnesses. 
• Step 4: The portal will ask you to upload scanned copies of all the necessary documents mentioned earlier. This includes identity proofs, address proofs, age proofs for both partners, witness proofs, and a photograph of the couple. Ensure the documents are clear and in the specified format (usually PDF or JPG).
• Step 5: After filling out the form and uploading documents, you will be directed to a payment gateway. Pay the prescribed fee using a debit card, credit card, or net banking. An acknowledgement receipt with an application reference number will be generated upon successful payment.
• Step 6: The online system will either automatically assign an appointment date or allow you to choose a convenient slot to visit the Sub-Registrar's office. This appointment is for the final verification of your original documents.
• Step 7: On the scheduled date, both partners and the two witnesses must visit the designated Marriage Registrar's office. Carry all your original documents and the application acknowledgement receipt. The officer will verify your documents and complete the final registration process. The marriage certificate is usually issued after this final step.

How to Get a Marriage Certificate Offline?

Getting a marriage certificate offline is useful when online services are unavailable, as it provides legal proof of marriage by applying in person at the local registrar's office with proper documents and verification. Below are the offline processes to get an idea about it:

• Step 1: Visit the Sub Registrar's office, collect the marriage registration form, choose the applicable Act, and clearly understand the local rules and procedures.
• Step 2: Prepare required documents, including age proof, address proof, photographs, wedding invitations, affidavits, and witnesses, as per registrar guidelines carefully beforehand.
• Step 3: Submit the completed form, documents, and fees, attend verification with witnesses, then collect the marriage certificate after approval from the registrar's office.

How to Check Marriage Certificate Status Online?

Checking the marriage certificate status online helps couples track approval progress, download certificates, and verify registration details easily without office visits, including applications for old marriage registrations across Indian states. Below is the step-by-step process to check the status:

• Step 1: Visit the state marriage registration portal, select marriage services, and select the option to check marriage certificate application status online.
• Step 2: Enter the application number, registration year, applicant names, or registered mobile number carefully to view the current status and verification details instantly.
• Step 3: If approved, download the certificate digitally; if pending or rejected, note the remarks and contact the registrar's office promptly for resolution. 

Marriage Certificate Check Online: How to Track Your Application Status?

Checking a marriage certificate online makes tracking your online application status simple, saving time and visits by letting couples verify progress, approvals, and downloads directly through official state registration portals. Check the step-by-step process to understand in a better way:

• Step 1: Visit your state marriage registration website, open the services section, and select the option to check the marriage certificate application status online.
• Step 2: Enter the application number, registration year, applicant names, or registered mobile number carefully to view the real-time status and remarks online.
• Step 3: Download the certificate after approvals or note pending issues, then contact the local registrar's office if connections or certifications are required.

How to Download a Marriage Certificate Online in India?

Downloading a marriage certificate online in India helps couples quickly access official proof of marriage for visas, banking, and legal needs through simple steps on state registration portals. Below are the steps to download a marriage certificate online: 

• Step 1: Visit your state government’s marriage registration or e-district official website.
• Step 2: Log in using the application number, registration details, or registered mobile number.
• Step 3: Select the option to download or print the marriage certificate.
• Step 4: Verify details such as names, date, and registration number carefully.
• Step 5: Download the PDF and save or print it for official use.

Marriage Certificate Fees and Timeline

Marriage certificate fees and timelines in India vary by state and Act, but generally involve low charges and predictable processing periods after document submission and verification at registrar offices nationwide. The table below will show the fees: 

The timeline for a standard registration is about 15-30 days. For registrations under the Special Marriage Act, the minimum time is 30 days due to the mandatory notice period.

Why You Need a Marriage Certificate: Legal & Official Uses

A marriage certificate is essential legal proof of marriage for visas, passports, joint bank accounts, insurance claims, inheritance rights, name change, spousal benefits, government schemes, property ownership, and resolving legal disputes, ensuring official recognition and protection of marital rights in India. 

When is an Affidavit Required?

An affidavit is a sworn statement made on non-judicial stamp paper and attested by a notary. Marriage certificate affidavit is often required during the marriage registration process in the following situations: [4]

• To declare the mental and marital status of both partners.
• To confirm the date of birth and age of the couple.
• To state the intention to marry with free consent.
• If there is a delay in registering the marriage, an affidavit explaining the reason may be required.

AFFIDAVIT FORMAT FOR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE

(To be executed on a Non-Judicial Stamp Paper of ₹10 or ₹20 and notarized)

I, [Full Name of Husband], son of [Father’s Name], residing at [Full Address], aged [Age], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:

1. That I am legally married to [Full Name of Wife], daughter of [Father’s Name of Wife], residing at [Full Address].
2. Our marriage was solemnized on [Date of Marriage] at [Venue/Place of Marriage], as per [Hindu/Muslim/Christian/Other] rites and customs.
3. This is our first marriage and neither of us has been previously married (or mention appropriate marital status like widower/widow/divorcee, if applicable).
4. We are living together as husband and wife since the date of marriage.
5. I am executing this affidavit to apply for the issuance of a marriage certificate from the concerned Marriage Registrar Office.

VERIFICATION

I, the deponent above named, do hereby verify that the contents of this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Nothing material has been concealed therefrom.

Verified at [City] on this [Date].

[Signature of Husband]
Deponent

Note:

• You may need a similar affidavit from the wife as well, depending on local marriage registrar requirements.
• Some states require both parties to sign a joint affidavit.

Latest Updates on Marriage Registration (2026)

In 2025, marriage registration in India became clearer and simpler, with the court and states strengthening rules, improving the registration system, and explaining how different marriage Acts apply to couples.  Below are the latest updates to check from:

• Sikh Marriage Registration: The Supreme Court asked all states to implement the rules under the Anand Marriage Act, 2012 making Sikh marriage registration and certificates easier and more uniform. [5] [6]
• Hindu Marriage Validity: The High Courts clarified that marriages performed under the Hindu Marriage Act 1995 are legally valid even without registration, though a certificate is still advised. [7] [8]
• Special Marriage Act Trend: In 2025, more interfaith and muslim couples are choosing the Special Marriage Act, 1954 for nationwide legal recognition and official documentation. [9] [10]

Key Takeaways on Marriage Certificates in India

Obtaining a marriage certificate is a fundamental legal requirement in India. It legitimises your union and provides a host of legal benefits and protections. Whether you choose the marriage certificate online method or the traditional offline procedure, the key is to have all the correct documents ready and follow the steps carefully to ensure a smooth registration experience.

How NoBroker Can Help With Marriage Certificate Affidavit Services

NoBroker helps with marriage certificate affidavit services by preparing the correct affidavit format, arranging notarisation, and offering online guidance. Couples save time and avoid office visits. Choose NoBroker for expert support, quick processing, transparent pricing, doorstep delivery, and a simple, stress-free experience for modern couples across India in 2026.