When and where can a Christian Marriage be performed?

Last updated on May 12, 2022

Time of Marriage

A Christian marriage can only be performed between 6 AM and 7 PM.1 However, priests from the Church of England, Church of Rome, and the Church of Scotland can perform a marriage beyond these hours, as long as it is according to the rules and customs of their Church. Moreover, priests from the Church of England and Church of Rome would require a license from the bishops of their respective churches, in order to perform a marriage beyond these hours.

Place of Marriage

A Christian marriage can be performed either in a church,2 or in a private dwelling,3 or in the presence of a marriage registrar.4 However, if the marriage is being performed by a priest from the Church of England, it shall only be performed in a church.5 However, this mandate is relaxed in case there are no churches within a five-mile radius, or if the priest has obtained a special license for the purpose from the Bishop of the Church.

  1. Section 10, Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872.[]
  2. Section 13, Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872.[]
  3. Section 14, Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872.[]
  4. Section 38, Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872.[]
  5. Section 11, Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872.[]

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What is the procedure for a marriage by a Marriage Registrar?

A marriage performed by a Marriage Registrar has multiple stages, including the issuing of notice, performance and registration of marriage.

How can minors marry under Christian Law?

Under Christian law, a minor is defined as someone below the age of 21 years, and is not a widow or widower.

What is the procedure for a marriage by a Licensed Minister of Religion?

A marriage performed by a Marriage Registrar has multiple stages, including the issuing of notice, performance and registration of marriage.

Who can get married under Christian Law?

Any two persons who are Christians can marry under Christian law. However, there are some minimum age requirements and prohibited marriages.

Who can perform a Christian Marriage?

The persons who can perform a Christian Marriage include priests, ministers, clergymen of the Church of Scotland, Marriage Registrar, etc.

What is the procedure for a marriage by a person licensed to grant marriage certificates?

As per the law, a person licensed to grant Marriage certificates can only certify marriage between two Indian Christians.