Weddings in India are more than mere ceremonies. They are an important affair in the family. It is surrounded by many customs and traditions that are being followed since ages. Even though there is a strong influence of these customs on the Indian society it has legal laws to follow when it comes to marriages. With passing time traditional marriages are being sidetracked due to the growing civil marriage system. This makes legal procedure more important.

India is a multi-religious country with majority of population being Hindus. That is why Hindu marriage act has gained more importance. Most people are unaware of the laws associated with Indian weddings. Wedding being a social affair needs to be carried out as per the marriage laws. These laws may differ from religion to religion. But every marriage needs to be registered irrespective to the religion it belongs. This registration is of utmost importance as the marriage is not sanctioned unless it is registered.

The Hindu marriage act came into existence on 18^th May 1955 and transformed the entire Hindu law of marriages. It rules Hindu marriages and is followed throughout the country. This law is applicable to those who are Hindus, Sikhs, Jain and Buddhist by religion. It doesn’t apply on Christians, Muslims, Parsi and the Jews.

As per the law, the legal age for boys to get married is 21 and for girls it is 18. The law states that both the bride and the groom should be Hindu by origin and should not be within the extent of prohibited relationship. Neither of the two should have a spouse living. None of them should be subject to attacks of insanity or epilepsy or should not be suffering from any mental disorders or should not be unfit for marriage and reproduction of children. Both should be of sound mind and must be capable of giving valuable approval. The earlier law permitted the practice of polygamy but it is completely prohibited as per the new marriage law.

In earlier times many false practices prevailed in the country. The new marriage act does not entertain those practices today. Child marriage has been totally wiped off according to the Hindu marriage law. Dowry system that was practiced on a large scale earlier is now prohibited under the marriage act. The relationships that are not registered are considered to be illegal.

A Hindu marriage needs to be carried out as per the rites and ceremonies. The ceremony of saptapadi and kanyadaan are important ceremonies in Hindu marriages. The ceremony of saptapadi needs to be carried out in order to complete the Hindu wedding.