Is Registration Of Marriage A Requirement?

Is registration of marriage a requirement?

A marriage contract which is concluded according to religious rules is valid. However, in terms of ensuring order in marriage and in order to establish whether the people who are going to marry possess the necessary qualifications, certain procedures such as delivery of a khutbah and saying prayers in the presence of family elders, as well as serving wedding meal on the nikah day have been considered as mustahab (desirable) since the era of Prophet Muhammad (saw).

Despite the fact that no formal requirement, such as registration, is mentioned neither in verses nor in hadiths, the verse (Baqarah, 2/282) which necessitates written registration of time loans and rights in the presence of witnesses implies that nikah should also be registered as it is also a contract. This registration should not be neglected as it is important for the protection of woman’s rights.

Source: Presidency Of Religious Affairs The Turkey, High Board of Religious Affairs FATWA