Court Marriage Guide: Process, Fees and FAQs

What Is a Court Marriage 

• Court marriage in India happens under the Special Marriage Act, 1954 — a secular law that allows any two consenting adults (21 years for men, 18 for women) to marry, irrespective of religion, caste, or faith. It skips the priest, pandit, or maulvi — and replaces rituals with registration, signatures, and legal protection. Why choose it: Interfaith or inter-caste couples
• Those facing family or social pressure
• NRIs or foreign nationals
• Widowed, divorced, or second-time marriages
• Anyone preferring a simple, no-drama ceremony
• Court marriage is your legal shield against forced opposition, dowry demands, and social interference.

Documents You'll Need 

Step-by-Step Process

• Notice of Intended Marriage
  • Submit it to the Marriage Registrar of the district where either partner has lived for at least 30 days.
  • Tip: Keep residence proof handy; officers often cross-check.
• Publication of Notice
  The notice is displayed publicly at the SDM office. Anyone with a legal objection (not parental drama) has 30 days to respond.
• Handling Objections (If Any)
  If objections arise, the officer must decide within 30 days. Myth-buster: Families can't block marriage unless there's fraud, coercion, or underage issues.
• Declaration and Ceremony
  • After the 30-day period, the couple and three witnesses sign a declaration. No rituals. No fuss. Just signatures and vows if you like.
  • Pro Tip: Choose calm, neutral witnesses — not anyone controversial.
• Marriage Certificate
  Issued on the spot or within a few days — legally valid across India and abroad.

Facing threats?

• File a police complaint or approach the District Magistrate for safe-house protection.
• You can also file a writ petition in the High Court seeking police protection.

Court Marriage Fees (State-Wise Examples)

(Check your local SDM or district registrar office website for current rates.)

Practical FAQs – Court Marriage 

1. Can I marry without telling my parents?

Yes. No parental consent is required if both are adults.

2. Can we apply from different cities?

No. One partner must reside 30+ days in the registrar's district.

3. Can marriage happen in a weekend?

No. The 30-day notice period is legally mandatory.

4. Is the certificate valid abroad?

Yes. Get it apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs for use overseas.

5. Is religious conversion required?

No. The Special Marriage Act is secular — no conversion needed.

6. Can we skip the 30-day notice?

No. It's mandatory. Urgent marriages can only happen through Arya Samaj or the religious route, not via court.

7. Can interfaith couples marry under this Act?

That's exactly what it's for — no conversion, no rituals.

8. Can Hindus also do court marriages?

Yes. It's open to everyone, regardless of religion.

9. Who can be a witness?

Any three adults (friends, colleagues, neighbours) with valid ID and address proof.

10. Can one witness sign for both partners?

No. Three distinct witnesses must sign in person.

11. How can NRIs marry in court?

NRI must show a valid visa, an NOC from the embassy, and 30-day residence proof in India.

12. Can I change my name after marriage?

Yes — by filing an affidavit and publishing it in the Gazette of India.

13. Do I automatically get my spouse's surname?

No. You can keep your maiden name legally.

14. Can we apply in a different state?

Yes, if one partner shows 30+ days' residence proof in that state.

15. What if the registrar refuses?

File a complaint with the District Magistrate or escalate through RTI or High Court.

16. Is Aadhaar mandatory?

No, but it's the easiest to use. Passport or voter ID is also accepted.

17. What if I changed religion recently?

Submit your conversion certificate or affidavit and ensure your documents reflect new details.

18. Is a lawyer necessary?

Not legally — but highly recommended if:

• Facing family threats
• Interfaith couple
• Foreign partner involved