Court marriage is a legal way for two people to get married without any religious ceremony. It is done in front of a marriage officer and according to the law. In Delhi NCR, court marriage is becoming popular because it is simple, quick, and valid under Indian law.

What is Court Marriage?

Court marriage is a legal union between a man and a woman (or same-sex partners in some cases), performed under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. It does not require any rituals or religious customs. The couple only needs to follow the legal process and sign the marriage papers in front of the marriage officer.

Who Can Do Court Marriage?

Anyone can apply for court marriage if:

• Both partners are above the legal age:

  • 21 years for males

  • 18 years for females

• Both partners are mentally fit.

• They are not married to someone else.

• They are marrying with free will (no pressure).

• They are not closely related as per law.

It can be between:

• Indian citizens

• An Indian and a foreign national

• Inter-caste or inter-religion couples

Documents Required for Court Marriage in Delhi NCR

Here is a list of documents both partners must submit:

For both parties:

• Aadhaar Card or Passport or Voter ID (as ID proof)

• Birth certificate or 10th class certificate (as age proof)

• Passport-sized photos (4 each)

• Proof of residence (e.g., electricity bill, rent agreement)

• If divorced: Divorce decree

• If widowed: Death certificate of spouse

• In case of foreign national: No Objection Certificate (NOC) and visa/residence proof

For Witnesses (3 people required):

• ID proof (Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID)

• Passport-sized photos

Court Marriage Process in Delhi NCR

Step 1: Notice of Intended Marriage

The couple must fill and submit the application (Form under Special Marriage Act) to the marriage registrar in the district where one partner has lived for at least 30 days.

Step 2: 30-Day Notice Period

Once the notice is submitted, it is displayed at the registrar’s office for 30 days. This is to allow anyone to raise an objection.

Step 3: Objection Handling (if any)

If no objection is raised, the marriage can proceed. If an objection is raised, the officer will examine it and give a decision.

Step 4: Marriage Ceremony

After 30 days, both parties and three witnesses must be present at the office on the decided date. They will sign the marriage papers.

Step 5: Marriage Certificate

Once the papers are signed, the officer will issue the court marriage certificate, which is a legal proof of your marriage.

Time Required for Court Marriage

Usually, the process takes around 30-40 days, including the 30-day notice period. However, some people offer same-day court marriage services through Arya Samaj marriage followed by registration, but that is a separate process.

Fees for Court Marriage in Delhi NCR

Government fees for court marriage are quite low:

• Notice Fee – Around ₹100-₹150

• Marriage Registration Fee – ₹500 to ₹1000 (varies slightly by district)

If you hire a lawyer or agent to help with the process, their service charge may be extra.

Advantages of Court Marriage

• Simple and straightforward process

• No need for religious ceremony

• Legally valid all over India and abroad

• Helps couples from different castes or religions

• Provides protection under the law

Conclusion

Court marriage in Delhi NCR is a legal, safe, and easy way for couples to get married. Whether it’s an inter-caste marriage, interfaith marriage, or a simple love marriage, court marriage offers a proper legal path. Make sure you have all the documents ready and follow the process carefully. You can also take help from a legal expert to make it smooth and stress-free.

If you’re planning to get married soon, court marriage is a smart and modern choice!