How to Apply for Court Marriage Online in India
Court marriage in India is a legal way for couples to get married under the Special Marriage Act, 1954 irrespective of religion, caste, or creed. With the introduction of digital facilities, applying for court marriage has become easier as many states now allow couples to initiate the application process online through government portals.
Eligibility Criteria for Court Marriage in India
Before applying, make sure both partners meet the following conditions:
-
Age Requirement: Groom must be 21 years or above, Bride must be 18 years or above.
-
Marital Status: Both should be unmarried, or legally divorced, or widowed.
-
Consent: Marriage must be based on free will and mutual consent.
-
Prohibited Relationships: The couple should not fall under prohibited degrees of relationship as per Hindu Marriage Act or Special Marriage Act.
-
Residency: At least one partner should reside in the district where the marriage is applied for.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Court Marriage Online
Step 1: Visit the Official Marriage Registration Portal
-
Go to your state government’s marriage registration website.
-
For example:
-
Maharashtra: https://aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in
-
Uttar Pradesh: http://igrsup.gov.in
-
Step 2: Register and Fill Marriage Application Form
-
Create an account on the portal.
-
Select “Apply for Marriage Registration / Court Marriage.”
-
Fill in details like name, age, address, religion, and marital status of both parties.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents Online
You will need scanned copies of:
-
Age proof (Birth Certificate / Passport / Aadhaar / School Certificate).
-
Address proof (Voter ID / Aadhaar / Driving License / Passport / Rent Agreement).
-
Passport-size photographs (bride and groom).
-
Affidavits declaring marital status, date of birth, and nationality.
-
Divorce decree / death certificate (if previously married).
-
Witness ID proofs (3 witnesses required at the time of marriage).
Step 4: Pay the Fees Online
-
Fees vary by state, generally between ₹500 – ₹1500.
-
Payment can be made online via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
Step 5: Book an Appointment with Marriage Registrar
-
After submitting the application, you’ll get an acknowledgment slip.
-
Choose an appointment date for verification and solemnization.
Step 6: Physical Appearance & Solemnization
-
Both partners, along with three witnesses, must appear before the Marriage Registrar on the scheduled date.
-
The marriage officer will verify documents and solemnize the marriage.
-
The couple signs the marriage register, and a marriage certificate is issued.
Documents Checklist for Court Marriage in India
-
Proof of age (Birth certificate / Passport / Aadhaar / School certificate).
-
Proof of residence (Aadhaar / Voter ID / Passport / Driving license).
-
Passport-size photographs of both parties.
-
Witnesses’ ID proofs (Aadhaar / Voter ID).
-
Affidavit of marital status (single/divorced/widow).
-
Death certificate of spouse (if widow/widower).
-
Divorce decree (if divorced).
Legal Provisions for Court Marriage in India
Court marriages are governed by the Special Marriage Act, 1954, which allows:
-
Inter-caste marriages
-
Inter-religious marriages
-
Registration without traditional rituals
Under Section 5, a Notice of Intended Marriage must be given to the marriage officer of the district, followed by a 30-day waiting period during which objections (if any) can be raised.
Benefits of Court Marriage
-
Legally valid across India.
-
Protects rights of both partners.
-
Simple, transparent, and cost-effective.
-
Recognized for visas, passports, and legal matters.
FAQs on Court Marriage in India
Q1: Can we apply for court marriage completely online?
Ans: No, the application can be initiated online, but physical presence is mandatory for solemnization.
Q2: How long does court marriage take in India?
Ans: It usually takes 30-60 days, depending on the notice period and registrar’s schedule.
Q3: Can NRIs apply for court marriage in India?
Ans: Yes, NRIs can apply by submitting passport, visa, and proof of residence.
Q4: Is witness mandatory for court marriage?
Ans: Yes, minimum 3 witnesses with valid ID proofs are required.
Applying for a court marriage online in India is a straightforward process if you meet the eligibility criteria and prepare your documents in advance. Start by registering on your state’s official portal, submit the necessary forms and documents, pay the fees online, and book your appointment with the marriage registrar. After verification and solemnization, you will receive your marriage certificate, which is legally valid everywhere in India.
Disclaimer
This blog is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice, nor does it promote or solicit any legal services. Court marriage procedures and requirements may vary by state in India. Readers are encouraged to consult the official government portal of their respective state or seek guidance from authorized legal professionals before proceeding with their application.