Court Marriage in India – Documents, Fees & State-wise Rules

Court marriage in India is a simple and legal way for couples to get married without any religious ceremonies. It is governed by the Special Marriage Act, 1954, which allows two individuals to solemnize their marriage in a court, irrespective of their religion, caste, or creed.

If you're planning a court marriage, here’s everything you need to know about the documents required, fees, and state-wise rules.

What is Court Marriage?

A court marriage is a legal union between two people performed and registered by a Marriage Registrar in the presence of three witnesses. It is applicable to:

• Inter-religion or inter-caste couples

• Indian citizens marrying foreigners

• Couples who prefer a simple, legally recognized marriage

Documents Required for Court Marriage

The following documents are needed for a court marriage in India:

1. Application Form

• A joint application form (available at the Marriage Registrar’s office) signed by both parties.

2. Proof of Age & Identity

• Birth certificate / Class 10th certificate (for age proof)

• Aadhaar card

• Passport

• Voter ID

• Driving license

3. Address Proof

• Aadhaar card

• Passport

• Utility bills (electricity, water, gas)

• Rent agreement (if applicable)

4. Passport-sized Photographs

• Recent photographs of both partners

5. Affidavits

• Affidavit stating marital status (single, divorced, or widowed)

• Affidavit confirming no blood relation between the parties (if applicable)

6. Divorce Decree/Death Certificate (if applicable)

• In case of a divorcee or widow/widower, relevant legal documents must be submitted.

7. Foreign Nationals (if applicable)

• Passport copy

• Visa proof

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the concerned embassy

Court Marriage Procedure

The process involves the following steps:

1. Notice of Marriage

• Submit a written notice to the Marriage Registrar of the district where at least one partner has resided for 30 days prior.

2. Publication of Notice

• The notice is displayed on the court notice board for 30 days to invite objections (if any).

3. Objection Handling

• If no objections are raised within 30 days, the marriage can proceed.

4. Declaration & Oath

• Both parties and three witnesses must sign a declaration before the Marriage Registrar.

5. Solemnization of Marriage

• The marriage is solemnized in the presence of the Registrar and witnesses.

6. Marriage Certificate

• After the ceremony, a marriage certificate is issued, which is legally valid proof of marriage.

Court Marriage Fees in India

The fees vary from state to state but generally range between:

• ₹500 to ₹2,000 (for registration)

• ₹100 to ₹500 (for the marriage certificate)

Some states may charge additional fees for affidavits or notary services.

State-wise Court Marriage Rules

1. Delhi

• 30-day residency proof required.

• Fees: ₹1,000 (approx.)

2. Maharashtra (Mumbai, Pune)

• Notice period: 30 days.

• Fees: ₹500–₹1,000.

3. Karnataka (Bangalore)

• Application must be submitted to the local registrar.

• Fees: ₹1,000–₹1,500.

4. Tamil Nadu (Chennai)

• Requires a 30-day notice period.

• Fees: ₹500–₹1,000.

5. Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow, Noida)

• 30-day notice period.

• Fees: ₹1,000–₹2,000.

6. West Bengal (Kolkata)

• 30-day notice period.

• Fees: ₹500–₹1,000.

7. Kerala

• 30-day notice period.

• Fees: ₹500–₹1,000.

(Note: Fees and rules may vary; check with the local Marriage Registrar for exact details.)

Advantages of Court Marriage

✅ Simple & Quick – No elaborate rituals.

✅ Legal Validity – Recognized nationwide.

✅ Inter-religion/Inter-caste Friendly – No restrictions.

✅ No Dowry or Extravagant Expenses – Cost-effective.

Conclusion

Court marriage is a hassle-free way to legally register a marriage in India. By following the proper procedure and submitting the required documents, couples can get married without any religious or social barriers.

If you're planning a court marriage, consult a lawyer or Marriage Registrar in your state for precise guidelines.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. For legal advice, consult a professional.