Marriage Registration in Andhra Pradesh: Two Routes

Andhra Pradesh offers two main routes: registration under the Andhra Pradesh Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act, 2002 through village and ward secretariats, and registration at Sub-Registrar offices under the Hindu Marriage Act or Special Marriage Act.

By TrueSaath · published 2026-10-22 · checked October 2026

Official portal: AP Seva (village and ward secretariat services)

Route 1: the 2002 compulsory-registration Act

Andhra Pradesh has a state law, the Andhra Pradesh Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act, 2002, which requires marriages in the state to be registered. Under the current system, this service is delivered through the village and ward secretariats run by the Gram and Ward Volunteers and Village and Ward Secretariats (GVWV and VSWS) Department.

The department's user manual for the marriage certificate service describes the process:

The application is made at a village or ward secretariat.
Both spouses' Aadhaar numbers are used for verification.
Two witnesses for each party are recorded.
Supporting documents are uploaded and the fee is paid online.
The application is routed for approval to the Municipal Commissioner in urban areas or the Panchayat Secretary in rural areas, who issues the certificate.

The manual frames this service for recently married couples, within a period after the wedding that it specifies separately for rural and urban areas. If your marriage is older, ask the secretariat whether you can still use this route, or use the Sub-Registrar route below.

Route 2: Sub-Registrar under the Hindu Marriage Act

The Registration and Stamps Department also registers marriages through its Sub-Registrar offices, who act as Registrars of Marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The national government services portal describes registration of an already solemnised Hindu marriage by the Sub-Registrar of either the place where the marriage was solemnised or the place where either spouse lives.

This route suits couples who both fall within the Hindu Marriage Act (Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists) and want their certificate under that Act, which some foreign embassies and employers recognise readily. Details: Hindu Marriage Act registration.

Special Marriage Act in Andhra Pradesh

Sub-Registrars also act as Marriage Officers under the Special Marriage Act, 1954 for civil and inter-religion marriages, and for section 15 registration of marriages already solemnised. The national rules apply: 30 days residence in the district before notice, a 30-day objection period, and three witnesses. See court marriage under the Special Marriage Act.

Which route to choose

Recently married, any religion, want a quick local certificate: the village or ward secretariat under the 2002 Act.
Hindu, Sikh, Jain or Buddhist couple, want a Hindu Marriage Act certificate: the Sub-Registrar office.
Inter-religion couple or a civil marriage: the Special Marriage Act at the Sub-Registrar office.

Documents

Expect Aadhaar for both spouses, proof of age, proof of marriage such as the invitation card and photographs, photographs of the couple, and witness details. For a divorcee, bring the divorce decree; for a widow or widower, the former spouse's death certificate. Our documents checklist has the general list.

Fees

Fees for both routes are shown on the respective portal or at the office. The secretariat manual lists different fees depending on how soon after the wedding you apply.

Procedures, forms and fees change from time to time, so confirm the current steps on the official portal or at the registering office before you apply. This page is general information, not legal advice.

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Questions people ask

Is marriage registration compulsory in Andhra Pradesh?

Yes. The Andhra Pradesh Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act, 2002 requires registration of marriages in the state.

Can I register my marriage at the village secretariat in Andhra Pradesh?

Yes. The marriage certificate service under the 2002 Act is offered through village and ward secretariats, with approval by the Panchayat Secretary or Municipal Commissioner.

How many witnesses are needed at an Andhra Pradesh secretariat?

The department's user manual records two witnesses for each party.

Who registers Hindu marriages in Andhra Pradesh?

Sub-Registrars of the Registration and Stamps Department, at the place of marriage or where either spouse lives.

Sources

Checked in October 2026. Rules, fees and portals change; confirm on the official site before you apply.

The national guides

Hindu Marriage Registration under Section 8 HMAhindu marriage registration Court Marriage under the Special Marriage Actcourt marriage process Documents for Marriage Registrationdocuments required for marriage registration Inter-Religion Marriage Registration in Indiainter religion marriage registration Marriage Certificate Onlinemarriage certificate online NRI Marriage Registration and Apostille in Indianri marriage registration Late Marriage Registrationlate marriage registration Name Change after Marriagename change after marriage

Other states

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