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Marriage registration · Mizoram

Marriage Registration in Mizoram: Mizo Law and 2007 Act

In Mizoram, Mizo marriages follow the Mizo Marriage, Divorce and Inheritance of Property Act, 2014, solemnised by a church-licensed officer, and every marriage in the state is then registered under the Mizoram Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act, 2007.

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

Article 371G and Mizo customary law

Article 371G of the Constitution says that no Act of Parliament on the religious or social practices of the Mizos, Mizo customary law and procedure, the administration of justice according to Mizo customary law, or ownership and transfer of land applies to Mizoram unless the state Legislative Assembly decides so by resolution. Central Acts already in force in the Union Territory of Mizoram before the 1986 constitutional amendment are not affected. In marriage, this protection is why the state has its own Mizo marriage law built on customary practice.

The Mizo Marriage, Divorce and Inheritance of Property Act, 2014

This Act applies to persons belonging to any Mizo tribe. It extends to the whole state except the three Autonomous Districts constituted under the Sixth Schedule, which follow their own customary arrangements. Its key points on marriage:

• A marriage follows the customary sequence the Act describes, including negotiation through the palai, settlement of the marriage price (man) and the bride’s escort by the lawichal, and is solemnised by a Licenced Officer.
• Licenced Officers are persons authorised by a religious denomination, including ordained ministers, pastors, authorised elders and priests, acting under their church’s rules (section 7). At least two witnesses must be present.
• Major age for marriage is 21 for a man and 18 for a woman.
• The Licenced Officer issues a marriage certificate, which the Act calls conclusive proof of marriage (section 11).
• Section 12: every marriage solemnised under the Act shall be registered under the Mizoram Compulsory Registration of Marriage Act, 2007 or any other law in force.

In February 2026 the Assembly passed an amendment reported to ban polygamy and bigamy, let a woman claim up to half of jointly acquired property after divorce, and change how the Act applies to Mizo women who marry non-Mizos. Check whether it has been notified before relying on it.

The Mizoram Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act, 2007

This is the registration law for every marriage in the state, of any caste, tribe or religion, and expressly includes marriages contracted under custom, practice or tradition, and remarriages.

• Section 5: the parties prepare and sign a memorandum and deliver it, or send it by registered post, in duplicate to the Registrar of the area within 30 days of the marriage. It is signed by the bride, the bridegroom and two witnesses from each side.
• Section 6: a memorandum can still be submitted after 30 days, though the Act keeps a penalty for wilful delay.
• Section 7: the Registrar gives the couple a Certificate of Registration, which is conclusive proof of registration.
• Section 12: a marriage is not invalid only because it was not registered.

The Secretary of the Law and Judicial Department is the Registrar General of Marriages. The Act has been amended since 2007.

Couples outside the Mizo Act

Non-Mizo couples, inter-community couples and anyone who prefers a civil marriage can use the Special Marriage Act, 1954 before the district Marriage Officer; see court marriage under the Special Marriage Act and inter-religion marriage registration. Their marriage is still registered under the 2007 Act.

Where to go

We could not confirm an official online marriage service, so ask the church office that solemnised the marriage for its certificate and then the Registrar of Marriages for your area, through the Deputy Commissioner’s office if unsure. See the documents checklist.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws, forms and procedures change, so confirm the current steps with the registering office before you apply. For your own situation speak to a lawyer, or get free legal aid through your District Legal Services Authority; NALSA’s legal aid helpline is 15100.

Questions people ask

Who solemnises a Mizo marriage under the 2014 Act?

A Licenced Officer authorised by a religious denomination, such as an ordained minister, pastor, authorised elder or priest, in the presence of at least two witnesses.

How soon must a marriage be registered in Mizoram?

Section 5 of the Mizoram Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act, 2007 asks for the memorandum within 30 days of the marriage. Later filing is allowed under section 6.

Does the Mizo marriage law apply in the Autonomous District Council areas?

No. The 2014 Act extends to the whole of Mizoram except the three Autonomous Districts under the Sixth Schedule.

What does Article 371G protect?

It says Acts of Parliament on Mizo religious or social practices, customary law and procedure, customary justice and land do not apply to Mizoram unless the Assembly adopts them by resolution.

Is a church certificate enough in Mizoram?

The Licenced Officer’s certificate is proof of the marriage, but section 12 of the 2014 Act still requires the marriage to be registered under the 2007 Act.

Sources

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

• Mizo Marriage, Divorce and Inheritance of Property Act, 2014 (PRS copy of the gazette)
• Mizoram Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act, 2007 (PRS)
• Constitution of India: Article 371G
• Northeast Now: Mizoram Assembly passes amendment to Mizo marriage law (February 2026)

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