Marriage Registration After Temple Wedding
How to register a temple, mandir, social or family wedding with the right proof and appointment planning.
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You had the wedding - now make it legal
A temple, mandir, Arya Samaj or family wedding is a ceremony, and it may be a valid marriage - but for legal proof you also need government registration. The registered certificate is what banks, passport offices and embassies accept. If your wedding was performed by Hindu rites, registration is usually done under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 through the Delhi e-District portal and the SDM's office; for inter-faith weddings the Special Marriage Act route applies.
This guide explains how to register a wedding that has already happened, what you need, the online process, and the realistic timeline.
Which law applies to your wedding
If both partners are Hindu (including Sikh, Buddhist or Jain) and the wedding was by Hindu rites, you register under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 - the simpler, faster route. If the couple is inter-faith, or the wedding was not under Hindu rites, registration is done under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, which involves the notice procedure. Identifying the correct Act first avoids wasted effort.
What you will need
- Proof of the ceremony - a wedding photograph and the invitation card.
- Age, identity and address proof for both partners.
- Recent passport-size photographs.
- Two witnesses with original photo identity proof.
- The Arya Samaj or temple marriage certificate, if you have one.
- Any prior-marriage papers - divorce decree or death certificate - if relevant.
Step-by-step: the e-District registration process
- Create an account and apply on the Delhi e-District portal (edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in).
- Fill in the marriage details and both partners' information.
- Upload the required documents and photographs.
- Book the SDM appointment slot offered by the portal.
- Attend the SDM office on the date with both partners and two witnesses.
- Collect the registered marriage certificate after verification.
Timeline and what to expect
Hindu Marriage Act registration is usually processed in around 15 days, with the certificate issued within roughly two weeks of verification, subject to appointment availability and document accuracy. The Special Marriage Act route takes longer because of its 30-day notice period. Names and dates must match across all your documents, or verification can stall.
Common registration mistakes
The usual problems are missing ceremony proof (no wedding photo or card), a name or date mismatch across identity documents, choosing the wrong Act for the couple, and witnesses who cannot attend the SDM appointment. Sorting these out before you apply keeps the registration on schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Can we register a temple marriage later?
Yes. A temple, mandir or family Hindu wedding can be registered afterwards under the Hindu Marriage Act with ceremony proof, photographs and two witnesses.
How long does registration take?
Hindu Marriage Act registration is generally processed in about 15 days, with the certificate following within roughly two weeks of verification. The Special Marriage Act route takes longer due to its notice period.
Do we need wedding photos to register?
Yes. A ceremony or wedding photograph, and usually the invitation card, are normally required when registering a marriage that already took place.
Which Act do we register under?
Hindu couples married by Hindu rites register under the Hindu Marriage Act; inter-faith couples register under the Special Marriage Act.
How many witnesses are needed for registration?
Two witnesses with original photo identity proof are required for Hindu marriage registration.
Can we register an inter-faith temple wedding?
Inter-faith couples register under the Special Marriage Act, which involves the 30-day notice procedure rather than the simpler Hindu Marriage Act route.