Patna: Awareness about marriage registration under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, is steadily rising across Bihar. Between January and April 2025 alone, 869 marriages were solemnised and 2,821 couples registered their unions, ensuring legal recognition of their relationship.
Data from the Prohibition, Excise and Registration Department reveals that Patna recorded the highest number of registered marriages, with 8,577 between 2023 and April 2025. Of these, 4,138 marriages were solemnised and 4,439 were registered in Patna district alone. Other districts also showed notable figures — Bhojpur reported 1,103 registrations, followed by Gaya (870), Muzaffarpur (783), and West Champaran (672).
In total, 18,465 marriages were registered across the state in the last two years — 9,493 in 2023 and 8,972 in 2024. During the same period, 5,693 marriages were solemnised.
The Special Marriage Act, 1954, allows couples of any religion to legally register their marriage. It applies to both inter-religious and intra-religious marriages. To be eligible, the groom must be at least 21 years old and the bride at least 18. Both individuals must be mentally sound and not related within the prohibited degrees of relationship, as defined in Section 2(b) of the Act.
Prohibited relationships include close blood ties, such as those between siblings, parents and children, and other direct relatives, whether through full blood, half blood, womb relationship, or adoption. Marriages within these categories are considered void.
To register a marriage, couples must submit valid documents including proof of identity, age, residence, and the marriage itself. They must apply at least 30 days in advance at the local Sub Registrar Office, either online or offline. Marriage certificates are issued separately to each partner.
The applicable fees include Rs 100 for marriage information, Rs 200 for registration, Rs 50 for a current-year marriage search, Rs 100 for a copy of the certificate, Rs 600 as commission, and Rs 100 in case of objections.
