How to Get a Marriage Certificate in Kerala?

A marriage certificate is an essential legal document that establishes your marital status and provides crucial rights such as inheritance, spousal privileges, and visa access. If you are getting married or just got married, understanding how to obtain a marriage certificate in Kerala, including online and offline application methods, would help ensure a smooth process.

To expedite the process, it's imperative to be well-informed about the entire procedure, including the required paperwork, costs involved, and any additional services.

Continue reading to know more in-depth details.

Online marriage registration is becoming very popular nowadays because the process is easy, cost-effective, and saves time. Follow these steps to register for marriage online:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Registration Department of the Kerala Government.

Step 7: Enter the captcha and select ‘Proceed’.

Step 8: The transaction ID will appear on the screen. Click on ’Continue’ to enter the bride's details.

Step 9: Input the ‘Convieninet date of Solemnization’ and select ‘Proceed’.

Step 10: The ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ will appear on the screen. Click on ‘Download Notice’ and print it out.

Step 11: Paste the passport photo of the bride and groom attested by a Gazetted officer.

Step 12: The bride and groom must sign the declaration along with the signature of the Marriage Officer.

Step 13: Once again, visit the home page, open ‘Marriage Registration’, ‘Notice for Solemnization of Marriage (Section 5)-Before Marriage’, and then select ‘Partially Entered Application’. Click on ‘Proceed’.

Step 15: Upload the ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ (file size <150kb). Click on ‘Proceed’.

Step 16: After uploading, you can proceed with paying fees through cash, money order, or E-Payment and filling out the necessary details for the transaction to be completed.

Step 17: Click on ‘Submit Application’ to submit successfully.

Once you have submitted it, the Sub-Registrar will book an appointment date and time. On that date, both the parties and the witnesses shall report to the office of the Registrar.

Here’s a step-by-step guideline for obtaining your marriage certificate in person in Kerala:

Step 1: Spouses must visit the Sub Registrar’s office where the marriage was performed or where either resided for a minimum of six months.

Step 2: If you register under the Hindu or Special Marriage Act, get the appropriate marriage registration form from the Sub-Registrar’s office.

Step 3: Complete the form with full details about both partners, such as their names, surnames, dates of birth, current addresses, and date and place of marriage.

Step 4: Upload necessary documents, such as proof of marriage, age proof, address proof, and passport-sized photographs.

Step 5: After the form is filled out and the documents are attached, it is submitted to the subregistrar's office for processing.

Step 6: Public notice will be issued for marriages registered under the Special Marriage Act 30 days after submission. If no objections are received within this time frame, the process continues.

Step 7: Both spouses and at least two witnesses must appear at the Subregistrar's office, and the marriage register must be signed by both spouses.

Step 8: Spouses and witnesses must register at the subregistrar’s office on the fixed date when all of them are present.

Step 9: The registration will be verified and completed, and the official marriage certificate will be issued.

The charges for a Marriage Registration Certificate vary according to the law applicable to the marriage being registered in Kerala. For marriages registered under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, the fee is ₹100 to ₹200 and applies to marriages registered under the Special Marriage Act of 1955.

This fee should be submitted to the counter office responsible for marriage registration.

Application for a marriage certificate in Kerala can be made online or by physically submitting the necessary documents. The verification process involves the Registrar scrutinising your application and may include an interview.

Your application and the verification process take 4-7 days to complete before it can be issued. Make sure that your documents are correct to avoid delays.

To download the already registered marriage certificate online in Kerala, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Registration Department of the Kerala Government.

An inter-caste marriage certificate can be obtained online from the Registration Department of the Govt. of Kerala. The official website has provided the application process online, and applicants need to provide all details and documents, such as ID proof, address proof, police report, and marriage evidence, according to the website's requirements.

Following these straightforward steps, you can obtain your inter-caste marriage certificate in Kerala:

Step 2: To Create a New Portal User, select New Portal User Creation and then sign in or create a new account.

Step 3: Click ‘Apply For A Certificate’ under the left menu when logging in.

Step 4: You will receive details about the application process. Check the information and click on 'Get Started'.

Step 5: Choose from your Register Number under “eDistrict Register No”. Enter “Inter-Caste Marriage” under “Certificate Type”. Provide information on “Certificate Purpose” and indicate to whom it is issued.

Step 6: Complete all mandatory information and click “Save.” A pop-up will inform you that an OTP has been sent to your registered mobile number. You'll need this OTP to submit your application. Click “Ok.”

Step 7: Enter the OTP and click “Submit Application”.

Step 8: You need to upload the required documents for verification.

Step 9: When you proceed, you will be taken to the payment gateway setup, where you must pay ₹15.

Step 10: Once your payment is processed, your application will be sent for processing. You can check the status of your application on your eDistrict Kerala account.

To avail of a duplicate marriage certificate in Kerala, opt for re-issuance of the marriage certificate. Here are the steps you need to follow:

To download the already registered marriage certificate online in Kerala, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Registration Department of the Kerala Government.

If you get lost with your marriage certificate, you can obtain a duplicate copy using the following process:

Step 1: You can go to the Registrar's Office, where you registered your marriage.

Step 2: Just submit a filled-up duplicate certificate application form.

Step 3: Give your ID and any proof of marriage.

Step 4: Pay the fees prescribed for a duplicate certificate.

Step 5: The duplicated certificate shall be issued after a few days of verification.

The process for applying for a Muslim Marriage Certificate in Kerala differs slightly from that of a Hindu marriage, as it follows the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act 1937. Here are the details:

Here is the process to apply for a Muslim Marriage Certificate in Kerala:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Registration Department of the Kerala Government.

Step 8: The transaction ID will appear on the screen. Click on ’Continue’ to enter the bride's details.

Step 9: Input the ‘Convieninet date of Solemnization’ and select ‘Proceed’.

Step 10: The ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ will appear on the screen. Click on ‘Download Notice’ and print it out.

Step 11: Paste the passport photo of the bride and groom attested by a Gazetted officer.

Step 12: The bride and groom must sign the declaration along with the signature of the Marriage Officer.

Step 13: Once again, visit the home page, open ‘Marriage Registration’, ‘Notice for Solemnization of Marriage (Section 5)-Before Marriage’, and then select ‘Partially Entered Application’. Click on ‘Proceed’.

Step 15: Upload the ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ (file size <150kb). Click on ‘Proceed’.

Step 16: After uploading, you can proceed with paying fees through cash, money order, or E-Payment and filling out the necessary details for the transaction to be completed.

Step 17: Click on ‘Submit Application’ to submit successfully.

Once you have submitted it, the Sub-Registrar will book an appointment date and time. On that date, both the parties and the witnesses shall report to the office of the Registrar.

Moreover, the process for other religions, including Christians and Parsis, is similar in Kerela. However, rituals and acts may vary.

Following are the steps to apply for Post Marriage Certificate in Kerala:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Registration Department of the Kerala Government.

Step 8: The transaction ID will appear on the screen. Click on ’Continue’ to enter the bride's details.

Step 9: Input the ‘Convieninet date of Solemnization’ and select ‘Proceed’.

Step 10: The ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ will appear on the screen. Click on ‘Download Notice’ and print it out.

Step 11: Paste the passport photo of the bride and groom attested by a Gazetted officer.

Step 12: The bride and groom must sign the declaration along with the signature of the Marriage Officer.

Step 13: Once again, visit the home page, open ‘Marriage Registration’, ‘Notice for Solemnization of Marriage (Section 5)-Before Marriage’, and then select ‘Submit Remaining Application’. Click on ‘Proceed’.

Step 15: Upload the ‘Application of Marriage under Special Marriage Act’ (file size <150kb). Click on ‘Proceed’.

Step 16: After uploading, you can proceed with paying fees through cash, money order, or E-Payment and filling out the necessary details for the transaction to be completed.

Step 17: Click on ‘Submit Application’ to submit successfully.

Once you have submitted it, the Sub-Registrar will book an appointment date and time. On that date, both the parties and the witnesses shall report to the office of the Registrar.

Though it may vary according to type, like a traditional marriage certificate, an inter-caste certificate, or even a duplicate one, knowing the procedure for applying for a marriage certificate in Kerala ensures this is made possible with minimal hassle.