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

Legal Light Consulting (LLC), a trusted law firm in Delhi since 2019, helps couples register their marriages easily under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. This law is for couples of different religions or foreign nationals.

Registering your marriage makes it legally valid and protects your rights. This guide explains the rules, documents, and steps for marriage registration in Delhi.

Who Can Register a Marriage under the Special Marriage Act?

To register your marriage in Delhi under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, you must follow these rules:

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

• The marriage must have taken place in Delhi.

• The couple must be of different religions, or both can be foreign nationals (no Indian citizenship required in this case).

• 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.

• The bride and groom must not be closely related unless their customs allow it.

• The couple must be living together as husband and wife.

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

• Both bride and groom, along with three witnesses who are permanent Delhi residents, must be present at the registration office to confirm the marriage.

Special Rules for Foreign Nationals:

If both the bride and groom are foreign nationals, they must provide:

• Proof of living in Delhi (residence proof).

• Valid visas on the registration date.

• An affidavit (sworn statement) verified by their country’s embassy in India or by an Executive Magistrate using their passports if the embassy does not attest.

Documents You Need

Here’s a simple list of documents 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 (for both):

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

3. Date of Birth Proof (for both):

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

4. Witness Identity and Residence Proof:

   • Same as bride and groom’s identity and residence proof (three witnesses required).

5. Other Documents (if needed):

   • Divorce decree if either is divorced.

   • Death certificate if either is a widow/widower.

   • For foreign nationals: Embassy certificate showing marital status and nationality, plus valid visas and affidavits.

6. Marriage Proof:

   • Certificate from a priest, pandit, maulvi, or gurudwara for religious marriages, or proof of a court marriage.

7. 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 details of the ceremony.

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

     • Not related within prohibited degrees.

     • No pressure was used for the marriage.

     • All documents are genuine.

8. 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 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 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. Verification:

   • A 30-day public notice is posted at the SDM office and sent to the couple’s addresses. Any objections are resolved during this period.

4. Appointment Day:

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

   • Witnesses confirm the marriage took place.

5. Get the Certificate:

   • After verification and resolving any objections, 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.

• Useful for NRIs and Foreign Nationals: Valid for international use, especially for court marriages.

Why Choose Legal Light Consulting?

Legal Light Consulting makes marriage registration simple:

• Expert Lawyers: Guides you through all steps, especially for court marriages.

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

• Clear Pricing: No hidden fees.

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

• Full Support: From forms to certificate issuance.

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

Important Tips

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

• Check all documents to avoid delays.

• Ensure three witnesses have valid Delhi residence proof.

• For NRI or foreign national court marriages, contact Legal Light Consulting for expert support.

Conclusion

Marriage registration in Delhi under the Special Marriage Act is straightforward with the right guidance. Legal Light Consulting ensures your marriage, whether interfaith or involving foreign nationals, is legally recognized without stress. Contact LLC for expert help with court marriages and NRI court marriages in Delhi.

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