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

Legal Light Consulting (LLC), a trusted law firm since 2019, helps couples in Delhi register their marriages easily and quickly. Marriage registration is important because it makes your marriage legally valid and protects your rights.

This guide explains the eligibility, documents, and steps to register your marriage in Delhi under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, or the Special Marriage Act, 1954, based on the Delhi Compulsory Registration of Marriage Order, 2014.

Who Can Register a Marriage in Delhi?

To register your marriage, you must meet these rules:

General Rules (for all marriages):

• The groom must be at least 21 years old, and the bride must be at least 18 years old on the marriage date.

• Neither the bride nor groom should have another living spouse.

• Both must be mentally fit to agree to the marriage and not have serious mental disorders or recurring insanity.

• At least one (bride or groom) must be an Indian citizen, or the marriage must have taken place in Delhi.

• The marriage must be registered within 60 days of the final marriage ceremony, or a penalty may apply.

• Both bride and groom, along with two witnesses (or three for Special Marriage Act), must be present at the registration office with proof of being permanent Delhi residents.

Hindu Marriage Act, 1955:

• Applies to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, or Sikhs.

• The bride and groom must not be closely related (called “sapindas” or within prohibited relationships) unless their customs allow it.

• At least one (bride or groom) must have a permanent residence in the Delhi district where you apply.

Special Marriage Act, 1954:

• Applies to marriages between people of different religions or when both are foreign nationals.

• If both are foreign nationals, they must have:

  • Proof of living in Delhi.

  • Valid visas.

  • An affidavit (sworn statement) verified by their country’s embassy in India or an Executive Magistrate using their passports.

• At least one (bride or groom) must have lived in the Delhi district for 30 days before applying.

Documents You Need

Here’s a simple list of documents required for marriage registration:

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

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

2. Residence Proof in Delhi (after marriage, for both):

   • Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License, Rent Agreement, Electricity Bill, Water Bill, Telephone Bill, Gas Bill, or Bank Passbook.

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, or Doctor’s Report.

5. Witness Identity and Residence Proof:

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

6. Other Documents (if needed):

   • Divorce decree if either is divorced.

   • Death certificate if either is a widow/widower.

   • Embassy certificate for foreign nationals, showing marital status and nationality.

7. Marriage Proof:

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

8. Affidavits (notarized on Rs. 10 e-stamp paper):

   • From both bride and groom, stating:

     • Their citizenship, date of birth, and age.

     • Marriage date, place, and religion of the ceremony.

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

     • Not related within prohibited degrees (for Hindu Marriage Act).

     • No pressure or influence was used for the marriage.

     • All documents are genuine.

9. 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:

• Self-attested copies of documents are needed. Originals may be checked at the 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 Register Your Marriage

1. Find the Right Office:

   • Apply at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office in the Delhi district where the bride or groom lives 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. Verification:

   • For Hindu Marriage Act: Documents are checked, and an appointment is set.

   • For Special Marriage Act: A 30-day public notice is posted at the SDM office and sent to the couple’s addresses. Any objections are resolved.

4. Appointment Day:

   • The bride, groom, and witnesses must go to the SDM office with ID and residence proofs.

   • Witnesses confirm the marriage took place.

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 Register Your Marriage?

• Legal Proof: The certificate proves your marriage for visas, passports, or bank accounts.

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

• Government Benefits: Access schemes for married couples.

• International Use: Valid for NRIs and foreign nationals abroad.

Why Choose Legal Light Consulting?

Legal Light Consulting makes marriage registration simple:

• Expert Lawyers: Guides you through the process with clear advice.

• Fast Service: Offers same-day registration for some cases.

• Affordable Fees: Transparent costs with no hidden charges.

• NRI Support: Helps with extra documents for foreign nationals.

• Full Support: Handles everything from forms to certificate issuance.

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

Important Tips

• Register within 60 days to avoid penalties.

• Double-check all documents to avoid delays.

• Ensure witnesses have valid Delhi residence proof.

• For name changes (e.g., bride’s name), update all documents.

• Online registration is easy but may need technical help. LLC can assist.

Conclusion

Marriage registration in Delhi is a simple process with the right guidance. Legal Light Consulting ensures your marriage is legally recognised without stress. Contact LLC for expert help with Hindu, interfaith, or NRI marriages.

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