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Who can perform a Christian Marriage?

Last updated on May 12, 2022

The following persons can perform a Christian Marriage under the law:

  1. Any person who has received the ordination from their church to be a priest/minister.1
  2. Any clergyman of the Church of Scotland.2
  3. Any Minister of Religion licensed under the Indian Christian Marriage law to perform marriages.3
  4. A Marriage Registrar appointed under the Indian Christian Marriage Act. The marriage has to take place by the Registrar or in their presence.4
  5. By any person licensed under the Indian Christian Marriage Act to grant certificates of marriage.5

Any marriage performed by a priest, minister or any clergyman of the Church of Scotland will be performed according to the rules, rites, ceremonies, and customs of that particular denomination of church. However, the procedure for marriages will be according to the Indian Christian Marriage Act if conducted by a Minister of Religion, Marriage Registrar or by any person licensed to give certificates under this law. The procedures also differ based on the person performing the marriage. Read more on the procedures here.

  1. Section 5(1), Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872.[↩]
  2. Section 5(2), Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872.[↩]
  3. Section 5(3), Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872.[↩]
  4. Section 5(4), Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872.[↩]
  5. Section 5(5), Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872.[↩]

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Related Resources

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.

When and where can a Christian Marriage be performed?

A Christian marriage can only be performed between 6 AM and 7 PM in a church, private dwelling or in the presence of a marriage registrar.

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.