Christian Marriage

Marriages to be solemnized according to Act — Every marriage between persons, one or both of whom is or are a Christian, or Christians, shall be solemnized in accordance with the provisions of the next following section; and any such marriage solemnized otherwise than in accordance with such provisions shall be void.

1. Persons by whom marriages may be solemnized — Marriages may be solemnized in India— (1) by any person who has received episcopal ordination, provided that the marriage be solemnized according to the rules, rites, ceremonies and customs of the Church of which he is a Minister; (2) by any Clergyman of the Church of Scotland, provided that such marriage be solemnized according to the rules, rites, ceremonies and customs of the Church of Scotland; (3) by any Minister of Religion licensed under this Act to solemnize marriages; (4) by, or in the presence of, a Marriage Registrar appointed under this Act; (5) by any person licensed under this Act to grant certificates of marriage between Indian Christians.

Grant and revocation of licenses to solemnize marriages— The State Government, so far as regards the territories under its administration, may, by notification in the Official Gazette, grant licences to Ministers of Religion to solemnize marriages within such territories and may, by a like notification, revoke such licences.

Marriage Registrar

The State Government may appoint one or more Christians, either by name or as holding any office for the time being, to be the Marriage Registrar or Marriage Registrars for any district subject to its administration.

Senior Marriage Registrars

Where there are more Marriage Registrars than one in any district, the State Government shall appoint one of them to be the Senior Marriage Registrar.

Magistrate when to be Marriage Registrar

When there is only one Marriage Registrar in a district, and such Registrar is absent from such district, or ill, or when his office is temporarily vacant, the Magistrate of the district shall act as, and be, Marriage Registrar thereof during such absence, illness, or temporary vacancy.