Patna: Marriage registration is becoming increasingly popular in Bihar as more couples turn to legal ways to secure their union. According to the Prohibition, Excise and Registration Department, from January to April this year, 2,821 couples registered their marriages across the state. During the same period, 869 marriages were solemnised under the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
Patna district recorded the highest number of registered marriages. Between 2023 and April 2025, Patna saw 4,138 marriages being solemnised and 4,439 marriages registered. Other districts also saw a rise in numbers — Bhojpur recorded 1,103 registrations, Gaya 870, Muzaffarpur 783, and West Champaran 672.
In total, 18,465 marriages were registered in Bihar over the last two years — 9,493 in 2023 and 8,972 in 2024. The Special Marriage Act allows couples of any religion to register their marriage legally. It sets the minimum age of 21 for men and 18 for women and does not allow marriages between close blood relatives, whether by birth or adoption.
To register a marriage, couples need to submit identity, age, and residence proofs, along with marriage documents. Applications can be submitted online or offline at the local registration office, 30 days before the planned date. Registration fees include Rs 100 for marriage details, Rs 200 for registration, Rs 50 for a search, and other minor charges. Officials say more people are now aware of their rights and the legal benefits of registering their marriage.
