Procedure for Marriage Registration – Karnataka

Marriage can be registered in Karnataka through the office of the Registrar of Marriage. Sub Registrar who register documents relating to immovable property is also the Marriage Officer. The offices are usually located in Taluk or District headquarters. In this article, we look at the procedure for obtaining a marriage registration certificate in Karnataka.

Should I get a Marriage Registration Certificate?

The marriage registration certificate is a legal document that serves as evidence of marriage. The following are the advantages of having a marriage registration certificate:

• Legally valid proof of marriage.
• Provides social security and acceptance
• Required for wife/husband during immigration or visa interviews
• Required for claiming the Bank deposits or Life Insurance benefits when the depositee or the Insurer dies without a nomination or otherwise.

Where can I obtain a Marriage Registration Certificate?

Based on the religion of the bride and groom, the applicable marriage laws, and the jurisdiction, the office for obtaining marriage registration certificate would vary as follows:

Hindu Marriage

Under the Hindu Marriage Act, marriage registration performs at the Registrar of Marriage within the jurisdiction of which the marriage has taken place or where the bride or bridegroom resides.

Special Marriage

Under the Special Marriage Act, marriage registration performs at the office of the Marriage Officer in whose jurisdiction bride or bridegroom resides.

Parsi Marriage

Under Parsi Marriage Act may be registered in the Office of the District Registrar in whose jurisdiction the marriage takes place.

Eligibility for getting Marriage Registration Certificate

For following are the eligibility criteria for obtaining a marriage registration certificate in Karnataka:

1. Groom must be 21 years old, and the bride must be 18 years old.
2. The bridegroom or bride must not have a wife or husband.
3. The bride and groom must be able to give consent for marriage voluntarily.
   1. Bridegroom or bride who cannot voluntarily give consent for marriages owing to mental illness is not eligible for marriage.
   2. A bridegroom or bride who is capable of giving consent but incapable of getting a child owing to an unsound mind cannot be given a marriage registration certificate.
   3. Those suffering from insanity are ineligible.
4. The bride and groom must not be within a degree of prohibited relationship.

Applying for Marriage Registration Certificate

Any person at any time can obtain a marriage registration certificate. There is no time limit. To obtain marriage registration certificate, an application must be made in the prescribed form with name and address of bridegroom and bride, signature of bride and bridegroom, signature of 3 attesting witness present at the time of marriage along with their name and address, joint photo of bride and bridegroom with signature over such photo should be presented to the Registrar of Marriage.

In case, the documents filed are acceptable and verified by the Registrar, the Marriage officer will issue the certificate of marriage.

Want to obtain a Marriage Registration Certificate, talk to an IndiaFilings Advisor, or a Lawyer.