Every religion holds its distinct place in the society. Christian community also forms an integral part of the Indian society. They have their own values and rituals to follow.

Christian marriage is defined in the Scriptures in this fashion: “A man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall be two in one flesh”. According to the Indian Christian Marriage Act passed in 1872 any person who is a follower of Christianity although he has not been baptized is considered to be a Christian.

As a part of the Christian marriage act, marriage between minors is permitted. But it is considered invalid as far as Indian Christians are concerned. On the basis of the Christian marriage act, marriage between minors is allowed by the Roman Catholic Church and is blessed by the church ministry. The approval of the girl’s parents is necessary or else the marriage is not considered valid. If either of the person is a minor and the ministry of the church is not satisfied with the approval of the concerned parties, in such a case the marriage certificate will not be granted.

According to the Indian Christians, the eligibility of an individual planning to get married cannot be less than twenty-one in case of the groom and not less than eighteen in case of the bride. Also neither of them should have their spouse still living. Marriage being a social affair needs to go through all the legal policies in order to get sanctioned and to gain legal recognition. Just like any other Indian marriage, Christian marriages also need to be registered with the Marriage Registrar in the city where either of the party has been residing for last one year or more.

Even though there are cultural differences, some special laws and acts have been reserved for every community that needs to be followed.