Completely Online Marriage Registration in Uttar Pradesh (UP) @ INR 10 and in 10 minutes

I am putting up this post especially because this information is so hidden on the internet that I had to realize it the hard way (that is by visiting the registrar's office and reading the notices on wall - not that hard a way, but still ;-).

I think it is mainly because there are too many organisations, lawyers and third parties making easy money out of registration process (INR 5000 is kind of standard price) and Google bombards you with such search results. Secondly, government after once introducing this technical advancement didn't put in efforts to advertise it - again this could be attributed to previous reason. Lastly, UP is relatively more fond of Hindi language and their official website for marriage and property registration is completely in Hindi - and this doesn't really go hand in hand with Google search.

Getting to the point now:

Marriage registration in Uttar Pradesh is possible if and only if - either place of marriage is UP or one of the applicants' residence is in UP.
The website - http://igrsup.gov.in/ provides you with two methods of complete and partial online marriage registration (हिन्दू विवाह पंजीकरण).

Completely Online

• Aadhaar Based - Registration is based on Aadhaar Card - so if both the applicants (the couple I mean) don't have their Aadhaar IDs or registered mobile number for receiving OTP, they can reconsider reading this post further. I would still suggest opting for this method of registration, as getting Aadhaar is way too easier these days.
• Direct link - http://igrsup.gov.in/igrsup/userMarriageRegistrationMenuSub  - Most of the information is available on the website itself and I won't rewrite here. A few extra pointers follow though.
• Language - The marriage certificate that one gets after completing the registration process is delivered in your e-mailbox in both Hindi as well as Englilsh. If one of the applicants' Aadhaar Card has regional language instead of Hindi (along with English version) in Aadhaar information, for example, Punjabi for Punjab based Aadhaar Cards, then the Hindi version of marriage certificate will have Punjabi written in the auto-filled spaces, which ideally doesn't make any sense, but one still gets the English version right which is widely accepted.
• Photo Upload - Despite following the criteria of 40KB photo size limit and file format as jpg/jpeg, I faced issues in making the website accept the photo upload. It ultimately worked with the photos which I borrowed from the Aadhaar card pdf - which were quite low resolution and low size.
• Stamping - The certificate delivered online over email doesn't require any stamping as is also mentioned on the certificate itself. Due to limited publicity of this online registration process, there is a lack of acceptance of this online certificate as it doesn't bear a physical stamp from marriage registrar. This is really crazy but yes it is truth. Even, the immigration agents create doubts in using this certificate instead of the one with the stamp.
• Costs INR 10 - This is really important to know that marriage registration costs only INR 10, which one can pay through SBI internet banking (this is the only one that works as of now). Hence, it saves you from getting fleeced by the lawyers and third parties who charge at least INR 5000 for the same.

Partially Online

• Office Based - The applicants' information is updated online along with the scanned copies of DOB and Address proofs and photos. The applicants then need to visit the registrar's office as selected in the online form along with the original documents and some forms.
• Direct link - http://igrsup.gov.in/igrsup/userMarriageRegistration - Most of the information is available on the website itself about application process, hence won't be repeated here, a few pointers follow though.
• Application Number - The application number one gets after completing the online form is important as it is required for editing/completing the form at a later stage.
• Form A and Witnesses - Though, it is not mentioned anywhere in the online application form or the guidelines regarding this, but a duly filled Form A  is required along with other documents. We got to know this at the registrar's office and the form was available nearby there. The form also has a column that requires two witnesses which can be applicants' parents or any known person.
• Request Application - We are also asked to put in an application request for marriage registration. Again, this doesn't have any mention online, but the office bearer asked for the same.
• Gazzetted officer attested Affidavit - An affidavit on stamp paper that with the marriage details - attested by a gazzetted officer - is also required.
• Partially hire a lawyer - For the last three requirements, I would suggest taking help of a lawyer or ask someone who knows about this stuff. They shouldn't be charging more than INR 10-50 for all of these. Lawyers sitting near the registrar office are always aware of all these requirements. If one gets the whole application process done through them, they are definitely going to fleece you.
• Bribe - This wasn't obvious for me as I thought people in India would have improved now, but yes the sub-registrar did ask for bribe. 

Online Verification of the Certificate

Thanks to Pratyush's comment below, there is a web link available for online verification of the certificate:

http://igrsup.gov.in/igrsup/userMarriageRegistrationVerify

As some people had a doubt regarding online verification of the certificate in the comments below, hope this information helps.

How does the certificate look like?

Here is how the Aadhaar based marriage certificate looks like. I have added this as some people were curious about what all is mentioned in the certificate. I have blackened the personal information and added the comments in the image. Hope this helps!

Thanks for reading! Cheers!