Registration of Marriages in Kerala

The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, in its judgment dated 14-2-2006, in Seema Vs. Ashwinikumar [2006 (1) KLT 791 SC], has directed all State Governments to issue Rules for making registration of marriages solemnized in the respective States compulsory irrespective of the religion. Accordingly the Government of Kerala also published rules for Registration of Marriages irrespective of religion. Earlir only Hindu marriages are required to be compulsary registered. The Officers designated for registration (Local Registrar) of marriages under The Kerala Registration of Marriages (Common) Rules, 2008 are as follows:

Municipal Corporations: Health Officer Municipalities: Health Inspector-Grade I  Gramapanchayaths: Secretary

For registration of marriages under Common Rules, the following documents are required and to give these documents to the LSGI where your marriage/nikah occured:

1. Memorandum of Registration in Form No.I   - Click here for download
2. 3 passport size photographs (Husband and wife separately)
3. Certificates to prove Name, Date of Birth, Place of Residence etc
4. Certificate from Kalyana Mandapam/Marriage Hall/Church/Mosque etc stating that the marriage has been conducted on so and so date.
5. Copy of invitation letter (if any)
6. Fee as per Act (Normally Rs.100 for registration and Rs.20/- for Marriage Certificate  ( Click here for details)

Normally the marriage has to be registered within 45 days in the concerned Local Self Govt Institutions.  The marraiges can be registered within one year with a late fee of Rs.100/-.

The process of registration may take 1-2 hours. If you fill up the forms and produce the documents as required in the form, then you can complete the procedure within half an hour.

There was a doubt earlier whether intercaste marriage can be registered under this rule. At that time Government clarified that intercaste marriages can only be registered under Special Marriages Act. But now it is clarified that all marriages can be registered under this Rule irrespective of whether it is a intercaste or inter religious marriage. 

The Hindu Marriages can also be registered under Hindu Marriages Act.