Court Marriage and Marriage Registration in Delhi: A Simple Guide by Legal Light Consulting

Legal Light Consulting (LLC), a trusted law firm in Delhi since 2019, makes court marriage and marriage registration easy.

A court marriage is a legal way to marry under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, especially for couples of different religions or those who want a simple legal ceremony.

Marriage registration makes your marriage legally valid, protecting your rights. This guide explains court marriage, registration, and the documents needed in Delhi.

What is Court Marriage?

A court marriage in Delhi is a simple legal process where a couple marries in front of a Marriage Officer, usually at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office.

It’s perfect for interfaith couples, NRIs, or anyone wanting a quick, non-religious marriage. After the court marriage, you must register it to get a marriage certificate.

What is Marriage Registration?

Marriage registration is the process of getting your marriage legally recognized by the government. It applies to court marriages and religious marriages.

The certificate proves your marriage for things like visas, bank accounts, or property rights.

Documents Needed for Court Marriage and Marriage Registration

To apply for a court marriage or register a marriage in Delhi, you need the following documents:

1. Identity Proof (for both bride and groom):

   • Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, Ration Card with photo, or any government-recognized ID.

2. Residence Proof in Delhi After Marriage (for both):

   • Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License, Rent Agreement (registered), Electricity Bill, Water Bill, Telephone Bill (landline or post-paid), Gas Bill, Bank Passbook, or any government-recognized document.

3. Permanent Residence Proof Before Marriage (for both):

   • Same as residence proof list above.

4. Date of Birth Proof (for both):

   • Aadhaar Card (verified DOB), Passport, Birth Certificate, School Certificate, Vaccination Card, Hospital Report, Driving License, or Doctor’s Report.

5. Witness Identity Proof:

   • Same as bride and groom’s identity proof (two witnesses for Hindu Marriage Act, three for Special Marriage Act/court marriage).

6. Witness Permanent Residence Proof in Delhi:

   • Same as residence proof list above (two witnesses for Hindu Marriage Act, three for Special Marriage Act/court marriage).

7. Other Documents (if needed):

   • Divorce decree if either is divorced.

   • Death certificate if either is a widow/widower.

   • For foreign nationals: Certificate from their embassy showing marital status and nationality.

8. Marriage Proof (for registration of religious marriages):

   • Certificate from a priest, pandit, maulvi, or gurudwara for religious ceremonies.

9. Affidavit (notarized on Rs. 10 e-stamp paper):

   • From both bride and groom, stating:

     • Citizenship, date of birth, and age.

     • Marriage date and place.

     • Marital status (unmarried, divorced, or no other living spouse).

     • No pressure was used for the marriage.

     • All documents are genuine.

10. Photographs:

    • One passport-sized colored photo (5cm x 4.5cm) of both bride and groom, showing full face, no sunglasses or hats, with a plain white or off-white background.

Note:

• Submit self-attested copies of documents. Originals may be checked at the SDM office.

• For online applications, upload scanned affidavits and photos. Send original affidavits to the SDM office by hand, speed post, or registered post with the application number.

• The bride, groom, or a family member must be present for photos at the Citizen Service Centre (CSC).

How to Do a Court Marriage and Register It

1. Find the Right Office:

   • Go to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office in the Delhi district where the bride or groom has lived for at least 30 days or where the marriage took place.

2. Submit Application:

   • Online: Use the Delhi government’s e-district portal (https://edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in/). Create an account, fill the form, upload documents, and pay the fee.

   • Offline: Get the form from the SDM office, fill it, attach documents, and submit with the fee.

3. Court Marriage Process (for Special Marriage Act):

   • After applying, a 30-day public notice is posted at the SDM office and sent to the couple’s addresses. Any objections are resolved.

   • The couple and three witnesses must appear before the Marriage Officer for the marriage ceremony.

4. Registration Process:

   • For court marriages, registration happens after the ceremony.

   • For religious marriages, documents are checked, and an appointment is set.

   • The bride, groom, and witnesses (two or three, depending on the law) must go to the SDM office with ID and residence proofs to confirm the marriage.

5. Get the Certificate:

   • After verification, the marriage certificate is issued, usually on the same day or within a few days.

   • Download it from the e-district portal within 21 days.

Why Choose Court Marriage and Registration?

• Simple and Fast: No need for big ceremonies; perfect for interfaith or NRI couples.

• Legal Proof: The certificate is valid for visas, passports, or bank accounts.

• Protects Rights: Ensures rights to property, inheritance, or support.

• Government Benefits: Access schemes for married couples.

• International Use: Especially helpful for NRIs and foreign nationals.

Why Choose Legal Light Consulting?

Legal Light Consulting makes court marriage and registration easy:

• Expert Lawyers: Guides you through all legal steps.

• Fast Service: Offers same-day court marriage and registration in some cases.

• Affordable Fees: Transparent costs with no hidden charges.

• NRI Expertise: Specializes in NRI court marriages, handling documents like visas and embassy certificates.

• Full Support: From paperwork to getting your certificate.

• Contact: Visit canada.legallightconsulting.com or call/WhatsApp for help.

Important Tips

• Apply after living in Delhi for at least 30 days for court marriages.

• Register within 60 days of a religious marriage to avoid penalties.

• Check all documents to avoid delays.

• Ensure witnesses have valid Delhi residence proof.

• For NRI court marriages, contact Legal Light Consulting for expert help.

Conclusion

Court marriage and marriage registration in Delhi are simple with the right support. Legal Light Consulting ensures your marriage is legally recognized, whether it’s a court marriage or a religious one. Contact LLC for expert help, especially for NRI court marriages in Delhi.

Disclaimer: This guide is for information only. Consult a lawyer for advice specific to your case.