Marriage registration · Karnataka

Marriage Registration in Karnataka: Kaveri and Sub-Registrar

In Karnataka, marriages are registered by Sub-Registrars of the Department of Stamps and Registration, with applications made online through the Kaveri portal or at the Sub-Registrar office.

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

Official portal: Kaveri Online Services

Who registers marriages in Karnataka

The Department of Stamps and Registration registers marriages through its Sub-Registrar offices. Under the Registration of Hindu Marriage (Karnataka) Rules, 1966, made under section 8 of the Hindu Marriage Act, Sub-Registrars are the designated Registrars of Hindu Marriages. Couples can register with the Registrar of the area where the marriage took place, or where the bride or the bridegroom ordinarily resides.

The same offices act as Marriage Officers for the Special Marriage Act, 1954, both for fresh court marriages and for registering marriages already solemnised in other forms.

Karnataka's 1976 Act

Karnataka also has the Karnataka Marriages (Registration and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1976, which provides for registrars of marriages and for registration of marriages in the state, and states that non-registration does not invalidate a marriage. The state has referred the Act to the State Law Commission to suggest amendments, so its future shape may change. For most couples, the practical route today is the Sub-Registrar under the Hindu Marriage Act or the Special Marriage Act.

Applying online through Kaveri

The department's Kaveri Online Services portal, now Kaveri 2.0, covers marriage registration alongside property registration.

Register as a new user; the portal sends a password to your mobile number or email.
Log in, choose the marriage registration type and fill in details of both spouses, the marriage and witnesses.
Upload documents and pay the fee online.
Book an appointment and appear at the Sub-Registrar office.

The department's pages describe both an online route and an offline route; the offline route can proceed without e-KYC. In 2024 the state government approved amendments to the Hindu marriage registration rules to make online registration easier, and announced that applications could also be made through citizen-service centres. Check Kaveri for the current options.

Documents listed by the department

The Stamps and Registration Department's list for marriage registration includes:

Age proof (any one): birth certificate, SSLC, school record or a doctor's certificate.
Address proof (any one): ration card, passport, driving licence, employee ID, bank passbook or voter ID.
Proof of marriage: the wedding invitation card is mandatory, together with a temple, choultry, marriage hall or kalyana mantapa receipt, or other relevant documents.
Witnesses: three witnesses, each above 18 years of age.
Earlier marriage: a divorce decree or the death certificate of the former spouse, where relevant.

See our general documents checklist.

Special Marriage Act in Karnataka

For a court marriage, both parties must personally appear and submit the signed notice of intended marriage at the Sub-Registrar office of the district where one of them has lived for at least 30 days. The notice is published, objections can be made for 30 days, and the marriage is then solemnised with three witnesses. The department also offers a separate service for registering a marriage already celebrated in another form under section 15. Full details: court marriage under the Special Marriage Act and Hindu Marriage Act registration.

Fees

The fee is shown on Kaveri at the time of application.

Tips for Karnataka applicants

Bring the original invitation card; the department lists it as mandatory proof.
Choose the Sub-Registrar office by place of marriage or residence, whichever is more convenient, as the 1966 Rules allow either.

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.

Planning the wedding itself?

Find an auspicious date, match kundlis and send invitations with RSVP — free, and nothing you enter is stored.

Wedding muhurat Free invitation cards

Questions people ask

Who is the Registrar of Hindu Marriages in Karnataka?

Sub-Registrars of the Department of Stamps and Registration, under the Registration of Hindu Marriage (Karnataka) Rules, 1966.

Is the wedding invitation card compulsory for registration in Karnataka?

The department lists the invitation card as mandatory proof of marriage, along with a venue receipt or other relevant documents.

How many witnesses are needed in Karnataka?

The department asks for three witnesses, each above 18 years of age.

Can I register in Bengaluru if we married in another district of Karnataka?

Yes, if one of you ordinarily lives in Bengaluru; the 1966 Rules allow registration where the marriage took place or where either spouse resides.

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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