The idea that the Vedas are infallible serves as the foundation for the monotheistic Indian Hindu reform movement known as Arya Samaj. The samaj was founded on April 7, 1875, by the sannyasin Dayanand Saraswati. Proselytization was initially introduced by the Arya Samaj, a Hindu institution. The celebration is hosted in a temple run by the Arya Samaj in accordance with Vedic traditions. The bride and groom are given the chants spelt out throughout the ritual in accordance with Vedic principles. In reality, an Arya Samaj marriage is similar to a Hindu wedding because it takes place over a fire. The Arya Samaj Marriage also conferred legal recognition on it.

There are two kinds of marriage registrations:

• If both partners practice the same religion, an Arya Samaj marriage may be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955.
• The couple may register under the Special Marriage Act of 1954 if their views conflict.

Who Can Get Married in an Arya Samaj?

1. The minimum age for the groom is 21, whereas the minimum age for the bride is 18.
2. Any Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, or Sikh can officiate at an Arya Samaj wedding.
3. An Arya Samaj marriage might include both inter-religious and inter-caste unions.  But neither of the engaged couples should be Jewish, Christian, Parsi, or Muslim.
4. The Samaj permits non-Hindu couples who wish to get married to convert via a procedure known as Shuddhi.

Registration procedures for the Arya Samaj:

• Schedule a meeting with the sub divisional magistrate. This process takes at least two weeks. So it makes sense to get started before the wedding.
• The registration form in its entirety.
• Send in all required documentation and proofs.
• Send in two passport-sized pictures of the bride and groom as well as a picture of the wedding. The wedding invitation card is also acceptable to be included.
• Make sure that there are two witnesses who must sign in person. Additionally, keep in mind that attestation by a gazetted officer is required.

Validity:

The marriage certificate issued by the Arya Samaj is not a valid document in accordance with international law. The sub-registrar’s marriage certificate is the only one that is valid. If both partners are Hindus, an Arya Samaj marriage can be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act at the local sub-office. A certificate given by the Arya Samaj was recently rejected by the Supreme Court as legal documentation of marriage. The Supreme Court stated that the Arya Samaj was not authorized to provide such certifications when considering a bail petition in a rape case.

Required Documents for Solemnization:

• 4 copies each of the bride’s and the groom’s coloured photos.
• Proofs of both parties’ dates of birth and addresses.
• There will be two witnesses at the wedding.
• If one of the spouses is a widow or widower, the widow or widower must present the deceased spouse’s death certificate.
• A Certificate of the Present Marital Status of the Party/NOC from the Concerned Embassy and a Valid VISA are required if one of the spouses is a foreign national, possesses a passport from another country or has an overseas address.

It’s crucial to note that an Arya Samaj marriage certificate is not acceptable documentation of the couple’s foreign marriage. The certificate only has any significance in India. However, by registering the marriage in the sub-registrar’s office, this issue can be easily solved. It should be noted that in order to use the certification as proof in countries other than India, you will need to translate it into English if you obtain it in the local language.

Depending on where the wedding is performed, the cost of an Arya Samaj marriage might range from 5000 to 10,000. In addition, your schedule and guest list will play a role. These Arya Samaj Mandir wedding fees cover both the wedding ceremony and the marriage license.

If the couple lives in Indore, they are eligible for a court marriage in Indore. Court marriage in Mumbai may be performed if the couple resides in Mumbai. Moreover, if the couple resides in Agra then court marriage in Agra may be done.

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