An Arya Samaj marriage in Jaipur is a Hindu marriage ceremony performed according to Arya Samaj/Vedic traditions. After the ceremony, couples should obtain a legal marriage registration certificate from the competent Rajasthan marriage registrar. Rajasthan makes registration of marriages compulsory, and the state provides online registration through the Pehchan portal as well as through e-Mitra.
Arya Samaj Marriage Registration Process in Jaipur
The process can generally be divided into two stages: solemnization of the marriage and registration of the marriage.
1. Submit documents to the Arya Samaj institution
The couple first provides the required identity, age and address documents to the Arya Samaj marriage centre. The centre verifies the documents and fixes the date of the Vedic marriage ceremony.
2. Arya Samaj Vedic marriage ceremony
The marriage is performed according to Vedic customs, generally including Havan, Vedic mantras and Saptapadi (seven steps) along with other prescribed rituals. The exact ceremony can vary between Arya Samaj institutions. After completion, the institution may provide a marriage certificate or proof of solemnization. This document is useful for subsequent government registration.
3. Apply for government marriage registration
After the marriage, the couple can apply for registration through Rajasthan's Pehchan marriage-registration system or through an e-Mitra centre. The Rajasthan government states that citizens can submit marriage-registration applications online themselves or through e-Mitra.
The registration is made with the registrar having appropriate jurisdiction. Rajasthan's official FAQ states that registration can generally be done where the marriage took place or, subject to the applicable jurisdictional requirements, where the bride or groom resides.
4. Verification by the Registrar
The bride and groom are required to appear before the marriage registrar for registration. The official Rajasthan FAQ specifically states that the presence of both parties is required. The registrar checks the application and supporting documents.
5. Marriage certificate
Once the application is accepted and registration is completed, the government marriage certificate is issued. Rajasthan's system provides digitally signed/e-signed certificates that can be downloaded online and are also made available through the state's digital systems.
Documents Required for Arya Samaj Marriage Registration
For marriage registration in Rajasthan, the official Pehchan FAQ lists the following documents:
Marriage registration application form
Age proof of the bride
Age proof of the groom
Identity proof of both bride and groom
Address proof of both bride and groom
Two photographs of the bride
Two photographs of the groom
Joint photograph of the couple in the prescribed size
Affidavit of the bride
Affidavit of the groom
Notarized affidavits of two witnesses
Identity and address documents of both witnesses
Documents relating to the solemnization of the marriage, such as the Arya Samaj marriage certificate, where applicable.
It is sensible to carry original documents as well as photocopies when appearing before the registrar.
Commonly used age and identity documents
Depending on what the registrar accepts, age/identity/address can commonly be established through documents such as Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, driving licence, birth certificate or educational certificates. The exact document combination can depend on the registrar's requirements, so applicants should check the current checklist before submitting the application.
Arya Samaj Marriage Rules
1. Minimum legal age
For a marriage, the groom must be at least 21 years old and the bride at least 18 years old. This is also stated in Rajasthan's official marriage-registration FAQ.
2. Both parties must give consent
Marriage must be entered into voluntarily. An Arya Samaj ceremony does not replace the legal requirement of free consent.
3. Previous marriage
If either person has already been married, the previous marriage must not create a legal bar to the new marriage. Where a previous marriage has ended through divorce, the relevant divorce decree should be available. If a spouse has died, the relevant death certificate may be required.
4. Witnesses
Two witnesses are commonly required for the registration documentation in Rajasthan. The official Pehchan FAQ specifically mentions two witnesses' notarized affidavits, along with their identity and address documents.
5. Marriage registration is compulsory in Rajasthan
The Rajasthan Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act, 2009 provides for compulsory registration of marriages in the state. The Act requires the marriage memorandum to be submitted to the appropriate registrar. The law provides a 30-day period for submission of the memorandum and permits later submission subject to the prescribed penalty. Interestingly, the Act also states that failure to register a marriage does not by itself make the marriage invalid.
6. Registration can be done after the wedding
Rajasthan's official FAQ states that marriage registration can be carried out after the marriage and that there is no fixed absolute deadline preventing later registration. However, the applicable fee/penalty can change depending on when the application is submitted.
7. Bride and groom must appear
Both the bride and groom generally need to be present before the registrar for marriage registration.