How to Get a Marriage Certificate in Tamil Nadu?

Knowing how to get a marriage certificate in Tamil Nadu is a fundamental legal step for all newly married couples. This official document is not merely a record of your union; it is a crucial piece of evidence required for many aspects of life, such as applying for a passport, securing a spousal visa, or opening a joint bank account. The government of Tamil Nadu facilitates this through a straightforward process at the local Sub-Registrar’s office and via the official TNReginet online portal.

Marriage Certificate Tamil Nadu – A Quick Information in 2025

Here is a brief overview of the key information for obtaining a marriage certificate in Tamil Nadu as of July 2025, to help you get started.

Aspect	Details
Issuing Authority	Sub-Registrar, Registration Department, Government of Tamil Nadu
Applicable Acts	The Tamil Nadu Registration of Marriages Act, 2009; The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955; The Special Marriage Act, 1954
Processing Time	Approximately 7 to 15 working days after the final verification.
Fees	₹100 – ₹150, depending on the act under which the marriage is registered.
Online Portal	TNReginet Portal (tnreginet.gov.in)

Eligibility Criteria for Marriage Certificate in Tamil Nadu

Before you proceed with the application, it is important to ensure that you and your partner meet the eligibility criteria set by the state.

• The groom must be at least 21 years of age.
• The bride must be at least 18 years of age.
• Both partners must be of sound mind and give their free consent to the marriage.
• Neither the bride nor the groom should have a living spouse at the time of the marriage.
• The marriage must have been solemnised in Tamil Nadu, or at least one partner must be a resident of the state.

Documents Required for Marriage Certificate in Tamil Nadu

To apply for a marriage certificate online in Tamil Nadu or offline, you must gather a specific set of documents. Having these ready will ensure a smooth process.

• Application Form: The correctly filled and signed application form.
• Identity Proof (for both partners): Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport.
• Address Proof (for both partners): Aadhaar Card, Ration Card, recent utility bill (electricity, water), or a valid bank passbook.
• Age Proof (for both partners): Birth Certificate, Class 10th marksheet, or Passport.
• Marriage Proof: The original wedding invitation card and a few photographs from the main wedding ceremony.
• Affidavit: In some cases, a notarised affidavit from both partners stating their marital status before this marriage may be required.
• Witness Documents: Identity and address proof for three witnesses who were present at the wedding ceremony.
• Photos: Recent passport-sized photographs of both the bride and groom.

Procedure for Marriage Certificate Registration

The overall marriage certificate in Tamil Nadu follows a clear sequence of steps to ensure legal compliance and proper documentation.

• Step 1: First, collect all the mandatory documents and photographs for the bride, groom, and witnesses.
• Step 2: Decide whether to apply online through the TNReginet portal or offline at the Sub-Registrar’s office.
• Step 3: Fill out the application form with complete and accurate details.
• Step 4: Pay the required registration fee at the time of submission.
• Step 5: Schedule an appointment for the verification process.
• Step 6: Visit the Sub-Registrar’s office on the scheduled date with your spouse and witnesses.
• Step 7: Present all your original documents for verification by the Sub-Registrar.
• Step 8: Once the verification is successful and all signatures are obtained, your marriage will be officially registered.

How to Get a Marriage Certificate Online in Tamil Nadu (eMarriage Certificate)?

The Government of Tamil Nadu offers a convenient online platform to initiate the application. Here is how to get a marriage certificate online in Tamil Nadu.

• Step 1: Visit the official TNReginet portal of the Tamil Nadu government: tnreginet.gov.in.
• Step 2: On the homepage, find the ‘E-Service’ tab. You may need to create a user account by clicking on “Register” if you are a new user.
• Step 3: Log in and navigate to the marriage registration section. Select the relevant marriage act under which you are applying (e.g., Hindu Marriage Act, Special Marriage Act).
• Step 4: Fill out the online application form with all the required personal details for the couple and their witnesses, along with details of the marriage ceremony.
• Step 5: Upload clear, scanned copies of all the required documents in the prescribed format (e.g., PDF, JPG).
• Step 6: Proceed to the online payment gateway to pay the registration fee. An acknowledgement receipt with an application number will be generated.
• Step 7: After submission, book an available appointment slot at the Sub-Registrar’s office for the final in-person verification.
• Step 8: On the day of the appointment, visit the office with your spouse and witnesses, carrying all your original documents for the final verification by the officer.

How to get a Marriage Certificate in Tamil Nadu Offline?

For those who find the traditional method more convenient, you can directly apply at the local Sub-Registrar’s office.

• Step 1: Visit the Sub-Registrar’s office in the jurisdiction where your marriage ceremony took place.
• Step 2: Obtain the correct application form for your type of marriage from the office. Different forms are available for registrations under different acts.
• Step 3: Fill out the form carefully and accurately. Ensure both you and your spouse sign it.
• Step 4: Attach photocopies of all the necessary documents as per the checklist.
• Step 5: Submit the completed application form and the documents to the concerned official. Pay the fee at the designated counter.
• Step 6: The official will review your application and provide you with an appointment date for the final registration.
• Step 7: Attend the appointment with your spouse and witnesses. You will need to sign the marriage register in front of the Sub-Registrar to finalise the process.

How to Check Marriage Certificate Status Online?

After applying online, you can check the marriage certificate online status in Tamil Nadu through the TNReginet portal.

• Step 1: Go to the TNReginet website and log in to your user account.
• Step 2: On your user dashboard, look for a link or section named “Track Application Status” or similar.
• Step 3: Enter your application reference number that you received upon submission.
• Step 4: The portal will display the current status of your application, letting you know if it is pending, approved, or if further action is needed.

How to Download Marriage Certificate Online in Tamil Nadu?

Once your registration is approved, you may be able to download the certificate from the official portal.

• Step 1: Log in to your account on the TNReginet portal.
• Step 2: Navigate to your dashboard or the “Downloads” section.
• Step 3: Find your approved marriage certificate, which will be listed with your application details.
• Step 4: Click the download button to save the digitally signed certificate as a PDF file.
• Note: In many cases, you may still need to collect the physically signed original from the Sub-Registrar’s office.

Marriage Certificate Fees in Tamil Nadu

The government fees for obtaining a marriage certificate in Tamil Nadu are quite affordable. The fee is typically ₹100 for registrations under the Hindu Marriage Act and ₹150 for those under the Special Marriage Act.

Timeline to Get a Marriage Certificate in Tamil Nadu

The standard time to receive your marriage certificate is approximately 7 to 15 working days after your appointment and successful verification at the Sub-Registrar’s office. If you are registering under the Special Marriage Act, there is a mandatory 30-day notice period before the marriage can be registered.

When is an Affidavit Required?

An affidavit is a formal, sworn statement that may be required in certain situations to support your application.

• To legally declare the marital status of both partners as “unmarried” before the current marriage.
• To confirm the age or address of a partner if there is a minor discrepancy or issue with the primary proof documents.
• In some instances, witnesses may also be required to submit affidavits to verify that they were present at the wedding ceremony.

If you need assistance in preparing a legally sound affidavit, professional services like those offered by NoBroker can help ensure your document is drafted correctly.

AFFIDAVIT FOR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE

(To be executed separately by both Husband and Wife)

I, [Full Name of Husband], son of [Father’s Name], aged [Age] years, residing at [Full Address with District and Pincode, Tamil Nadu], do hereby solemnly affirm and state as follows:

1. That I am legally married to [Full Name of Wife], daughter of [Her Father’s Name], aged [Her Age], residing at [Her Full Residential Address].
2. That our marriage was solemnized on [Date of Marriage], at [Venue/Temple/Marriage Hall with Address], as per [Hindu/Muslim/Christian/Special] rites and customs.
3. That this is the first marriage for both of us.
   (If either spouse was previously married, mention divorced/widowed status with supporting proof.)
4. That we have been living together as husband and wife at [Current Joint Residence] since the date of our marriage.
5. That I am executing this affidavit to submit before the Marriage Registrar of [Local Body Name, e.g., Chennai Corporation/Coimbatore Municipality] for registering our marriage and obtaining a valid Marriage Certificate under the law.

VERIFICATION

I, the above-named deponent, verify that the statements made above are true and correct to my knowledge and belief. Nothing has been concealed therein.

Place: [City/Town]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

Signature of Deponent (Husband)

Instructions for Tamil Nadu Applicants:

• Separate affidavits from husband and wife are required.
• Supporting documents:
  • Aadhaar card or Passport (ID proof)
  • Address proof
  • Marriage invitation card or wedding photos
  • Passport-size photographs of both spouses
  • ID proof and signatures of three witnesses

Key Takeaways of Marriage Certificates in Tamil Nadu

Securing a marriage certificate in Tamil Nadu is an essential legal step that validates your union and offers numerous benefits. The state government has made the process convenient with both the online TNReginet portal and the traditional offline method. Having all your documents in order is the key to a smooth registration. For assistance with legal documentation like affidavits, NoBroker’s expert services can help you prepare accurate paperwork and avoid delays.

Frequently Asked Questions