Court Marriage · Delhi
Documents Required for Court Marriage in Delhi (2026 Checklist)
A complete, up-to-date guide to the documents, fees, witnesses and timeline for court marriage in Delhi under the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
Planning a court marriage in Delhi and not sure which papers to arrange? Missing or wrongly attested documents are the single biggest reason applications get delayed at the SDM office. This guide gives you the full, current list of documents required for court marriage in Delhi, along with the fees, the number of witnesses, the 30-day notice period and answers to the questions couples ask most.
What “court marriage” means in Delhi
In everyday language, “court marriage” refers to a civil marriage solemnised directly before a Marriage Officer (the SDM) under the Special Marriage Act, 1954 — with no religious ceremony. It is available to any two adults regardless of religion, caste or community, which makes it the standard route for inter-faith and inter-caste couples in Delhi. A couple who has already had a religious wedding (Hindu, Arya Samaj, etc.) instead registers that marriage, which requires a slightly different set of papers and is usually faster.
Whichever route applies to you, the documents below are what the Delhi SDM office will ask for. Keep both originals and self-attested photocopies, and note that most documents must be attested by a Gazetted Officer.
Complete document checklist for court marriage in Delhi
Here is the full list of documents required for court marriage in Delhi under the Special Marriage Act. Both the bride and the groom must provide their own set:
- Marriage application / notice of intended marriage — the prescribed form, signed by both the bride and the groom.
- Proof of date of birth (both parties) — any one of: 10th/matriculation certificate, birth certificate, passport, PAN card, or driving licence. The groom must have completed 21 years and the bride 18 years.
- Proof of residence (both parties) — Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, ration card, electricity/water bill, or a registered rent agreement.
- Proof of 30 days’ residence in Delhi — for at least one party, since the Special Marriage Act requires the notice to be filed where one partner has lived for 30 days or more (a ration card, utility bill or police verification can serve as proof).
- Passport-size photographs — typically 2 to 4 of each party (some offices ask for Gazetted-Officer-attested copies).
- Affidavits from both parties — stating date of birth, present marital status (single / divorced / widowed), nationality, and that the parties are not within the prohibited degrees of relationship.
- Aadhaar card of both parties — increasingly required as standard identity proof.
- Separate identity proof — such as PAN, voter ID or passport, in addition to Aadhaar.
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Documents required for witnesses
A court marriage under the Special Marriage Act needs three witnesses present at solemnisation. Each witness should bring:
- A valid photo identity proof (Aadhaar, voter ID, passport or driving licence).
- Address proof.
- One or two passport-size photographs.
- A PAN card, where the office requests it.
The names of the witnesses are usually submitted a day in advance, so line them up early.
Additional documents for special cases
If a party is divorced
Attach a certified copy of the decree of divorce from the court.
If a party is widowed
Attach the death certificate of the former spouse.
If a party is a foreign national or NRI
In addition to the usual set, a foreign national generally needs a valid passport and visa, proof of stay in India, and a “no-impediment” / single-status certificate from their embassy. Requirements are stricter, so start early.
Arya Samaj marriage
If you marry at an Arya Samaj mandir, you receive an Arya Samaj certificate, but you should still register the marriage with the Registrar under the Hindu Marriage Act to get the official government certificate that banks, passport offices and embassies accept.
Witnesses & timeline at a glance
| Aspect | Special Marriage Act (court marriage) | Hindu Marriage Act (registration) |
|---|---|---|
| Witnesses | 3 witnesses | Usually fewer; a Gazetted Officer may be required |
| Notice / waiting period | 30-day public notice | No notice period |
| Residence proof (30 days) | Required | Not required |
| Typical timeline | ~45–60 days (includes 30-day notice) | ~15 days |
Government fees and exact document requirements are set by the Delhi administration and can change, and individual SDM offices may ask for minor extra papers. Always confirm the current checklist with the concerned SDM office before you file.
Step-by-step: how court marriage works in Delhi
- File the notice of intended marriage at the SDM office of the district where one of you has lived for at least 30 days, with the documents above.
- 30-day notice period — the notice is displayed for objections. If a valid objection is raised, the SDM inquires into it.
- Solemnisation — if there is no valid objection after 30 days, the marriage is solemnised before the SDM in the presence of the three witnesses.
- Marriage certificate — the SDM issues the marriage certificate, which is conclusive legal proof of your marriage and is accepted for passports, visas, banks and name changes.
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Frequently asked questions
What documents are required for court marriage in Delhi?
You need a signed marriage application, proof of date of birth (matriculation certificate, birth certificate or passport), proof of residence, proof of 30 days’ residence in Delhi for at least one party, passport-size photographs, affidavits of date of birth and marital status, and Aadhaar/identity proof — for both the bride and groom. Three witnesses with their own ID and address proof are also required.
What is the minimum age for court marriage in Delhi?
The groom must have completed 21 years and the bride must have completed 18 years. Age is verified through a birth certificate, 10th-class certificate or passport.
How many witnesses are needed for court marriage in Delhi?
Three witnesses are required at the time of solemnisation under the Special Marriage Act. Each witness should carry a valid photo ID, address proof and a passport-size photograph.
Is there a 30-day waiting period for court marriage in Delhi?
Yes. Under the Special Marriage Act a 30-day public notice is issued after you file, during which objections can be raised. If there is no valid objection, the marriage is solemnised after 30 days. Registration of an already-solemnised Hindu marriage does not have this notice period.
Do we need to be residents of Delhi for court marriage?
At least one of the two parties must have resided in Delhi for 30 days or more before filing the notice, and you should carry proof of that residence (such as a utility bill, ration card or police verification).
Can we do a court marriage in Delhi without parents’ consent?
Yes. Once both parties meet the minimum age (groom 21, bride 18), no parental consent is required. Adults have the legal right to marry a partner of their choice.
Can inter-religion or inter-caste couples do a court marriage in Delhi?
Yes. The Special Marriage Act is a secular law open to any two persons regardless of religion or caste, and neither partner has to convert. Inter-caste and inter-faith couples commonly use this route.
What is the fee for court marriage in Delhi?
The government fee is modest — around ₹100 for solemnisation under the Special Marriage Act (registration fees are even lower). Exact charges are set by the Delhi administration and can change, so confirm the current fee at the SDM office.
Is an Arya Samaj marriage valid, and do we still need to register it?
An Arya Samaj marriage is legally valid, but the Arya Samaj certificate is proof of the ceremony, not the government certificate. You should register the marriage with the Registrar under the Hindu Marriage Act to obtain the official certificate accepted by passport offices, banks and embassies.
This article is general information updated for 2026 and is not legal advice. Marriage procedures are administered by the Delhi government and individual SDM offices, so documents, fees and timelines can change. Please confirm current requirements with the concerned SDM office or a qualified advocate before filing.
Talk to us before you file
Bring us the situation rather than the paperwork. Call +91 62999 49724 and we will tell you which of the above actually applies to you — and what your particular SDM office will ask for on the day.