Introduction
If you are planning a court marriage in Delhi NCR, it is essential to understand the legal procedure, required documents, and registration process. Court marriage is a legally recognized union between two consenting adults, conducted before a Marriage Registrar under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, or the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the court marriage procedure in Delhi NCR, including:
✔ Eligibility criteria
✔ Step-by-step marriage registration process
✔ Documents required
✔ Government fees and timelines
✔ How to get a marriage certificate?
✔ Benefits of court marriage
Let’s dive into the complete process of court marriage in Delhi NCR.
What is Court Marriage?
A court marriage in Delhi NCR is a legal procedure where a couple gets married in front of a Marriage Registrar without following any religious rituals. It is applicable for:
✔ Inter-caste or inter-religious marriages
✔ Love marriages without family interference
✔ Marriages for foreign nationals & NRIs
✔ Same-day or urgent marriages under Hindu Marriage Act
After completing the court marriage procedure in Delhi NCR, the couple receives a legally valid marriage certificate, which can be used for various purposes like visa applications, property registration, and social security benefits.
Eligibility Criteria for Court Marriage in Delhi NCR
Before applying for a court marriage in Delhi NCR, both partners must meet the following requirements:
1. Age Requirement
- Groom must be at least 21 years old
- Bride must be at least 18 years old
2. Marital Status
- Both partners must be single, divorced, or widowed
- If previously married, a divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse is required
3. Mental Fitness
- Both individuals should be of sound mind and capable of giving valid consent
4. No Close Relation
- The couple should not be related by blood, as per the prohibited degree of relationship defined in Hindu Marriage Law
Step-by-Step Court Marriage Procedure in Delhi NCR
Step 1: Consultation & Document Verification
- Consult a court marriage lawyer to ensure all documents are in order
- Prepare legal affidavits stating your marital status (single/divorced/widowed)
Step 2: Filing the Court Marriage Application
- Submit a court marriage application form at the Marriage Registrar’s Office in Delhi NCR
- Both partners must sign the application along with two witnesses
Step 3: Notice of Intended Marriage (For Special Marriage Act)
- If the marriage falls under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, a 30-day notice period is required
- The notice is displayed at the Marriage Office for any objections from the public
Step 4: Marriage Solemnization & Witness Signatures
- After completing the notice period, the couple appears before the Marriage Registrar
- The marriage is solemnized in the presence of three witnesses
Step 5: Issuance of Government Marriage Certificate
- Once the marriage is completed, the couple receives a legally valid marriage certificate
- This certificate serves as proof of marriage for all legal purposes
Documents Required for Court Marriage in Delhi NCR
To avoid delays, ensure you have the following documents ready:
✔ Proof of Age – Birth certificate, 10th marksheet, passport
✔ Proof of Identity – Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, passport
✔ Proof of Address – Ration card, electricity bill, rental agreement
✔ Passport-Size Photographs – 6 to 8 copies each
✔ Marital Status Affidavit – Self-declaration of single/divorced/widowed status
✔ Witness Documents – ID proof & address proof of three witnesses
✔ Divorce Decree (if applicable) – If either partner was previously married
📌 Note: All documents must be self-attested, and affidavits should be notarized before submission.
Government Fees for Court Marriage in Delhi NCR
The cost of a court marriage in Delhi NCR depends on the type of marriage act under which the couple registers.
1. Official Government Fees
| Marriage Type | Government Fee (₹) |
|---|---|
| Hindu Marriage Act (Same-Day Registration) | ₹500 – ₹1,500 |
| Special Marriage Act (30-Day Notice) | ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 |
2. Lawyer & Consultant Fees
| Service | Fee Range (₹) |
|---|---|
| Documentation & Affidavit Preparation | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Application Filing & Legal Formalities | ₹3,000 – ₹7,000 |
| Witness Arrangement (if needed) | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Complete Court Marriage Package | ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 |
📌 Tip: Hiring an experienced legal expert ensures a hassle-free court marriage process without unnecessary delays.
Benefits of Court Marriage in Delhi NCR
A court marriage in Delhi NCR offers several advantages over traditional weddings:
✔ Legally Recognized – A court-issued marriage certificate is valid across India and abroad
✔ Quick & Cost-Effective – No need for expensive wedding ceremonies
✔ No Religious Barriers – Suitable for inter-caste & inter-religious couples
✔ Minimal Family Interference – Best for couples facing family opposition
✔ Essential for Visa & Immigration – Helps in spouse visa applications
✔ Proof for Property & Legal Rights – Essential for joint bank accounts & legal claims
How to Get a Court Marriage Certificate in Delhi NCR?
After the court marriage procedure in Delhi NCR is completed, the marriage certificate is issued by the Marriage Registrar.
Steps to Obtain a Marriage Certificate:
✔ Visit the Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s Office (SDM) where marriage was registered
✔ Submit the marriage registration form along with required documents
✔ Pay the government registration fees
✔ The marriage certificate is issued within 7-30 days
