SOLEMNIZATION OF SPECIAL MARRIAGESCentral

Section 11 of The Special Marriage Act, 1954

Before the marriage is solemnized the parties and three witnesses shall, in the presence of the Marriage Officer, sign a declaration in the form specified in the Third Schedule to this Act, and the declaration shall be countersigned by the Marriage Officer.

Summary

The couple and three witnesses must sign a formal declaration in front of the Marriage Officer before the wedding ceremony is held.
The written declaration must follow the specific layout provided in the Third Schedule of the Special Marriage Act.
The Marriage Officer has to sign the document as a countersignature, which means signing a document that has already been signed by others to confirm it is official.
This signing step must happen before the marriage is solemnized, which means legally performed.

Practical examples

1Ramesh and Sunita are getting married under the civil law, and they bring Ramesh's brother, Sunita's sister, and their close friend to the office to act as the three required witnesses and sign the declaration form.

2Joseph and Mary sign their wedding declarations using the template from the Third Schedule of the Act in front of the local Marriage Officer, who then adds his own signature at the bottom to countersign it.

FAQ

1. How many witnesses must sign the declaration under Section 11 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954?

Under Section 11 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954, three witnesses must sign the declaration in the presence of the Marriage Officer.

2. Which schedule of the Special Marriage Act, 1954 contains the declaration form mentioned in Section 11?

Under Section 11 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954, the declaration form is found in the Third Schedule of the Act.

3. Does the Marriage Officer have to sign the document under Section 11 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954?

Yes, under Section 11 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954, the Marriage Officer must countersign the declaration after the couple and witnesses have signed it.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 11 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954, who must sign the declaration before the marriage is solemnized?

Q2.Under Section 11 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954, which schedule of the Act contains the format for the declaration that the parties and witnesses must sign?

Q3.What role does the Marriage Officer perform on the signed declaration under Section 11 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954?

Q4.Under Section 11 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954, when must the declaration be signed by the parties and witnesses?

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