Documents Guide · Every Service
Documents Required for Marriage Registration in India — Service by Service
One clear checklist for every kind of marriage we handle — court marriage, Special Marriage Act, Arya Samaj, Hindu and Muslim marriage, marriage certificate, inter-caste, inter-religion, conversion, NRI and foreigner marriage. See exactly which papers, witnesses, timeline and fees apply to your case, with a link to the full guide for each.
Find your marriage service and its documents
Every page on this website is listed here with the extra documents it needs and how long it usually takes. Tap a service to jump to its full checklist, or open its complete guide for the step-by-step process.
| Marriage service | Key documents (beyond the six core papers) | Usual timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Court Marriage in India | Six core papers + route proof (religion or 30-day residence) | Same-day to ~60 days |
| Special Marriage Act, 1954 | Core papers + Notice of Intended Marriage + 30-day residence proof + 3 witnesses | ~30–35 days |
| Arya Samaj Marriage | Core papers + 4 photos each + 2 witnesses + shuddhi (if needed) | Ceremony same-day; registration 15–30 days |
| Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 | Core papers + ceremony proof + priest certificate | ~14–21 days |
| Muslim Marriage (Nikah) | Core papers + Nikahnama + 2 witnesses + mehr details | Nikah same-day; certificate 7–15 days |
| Marriage Certificate | Core papers + proof of marriage + affidavit of marriage | ~14–21 days |
| Inter-Caste Marriage | Core papers (caste certificate only for incentive scheme) | As per chosen route |
| Inter-Religion Marriage | Core papers + Special Marriage Act notice (no conversion needed) | ~30–35 days |
| Conversion Marriage | Core papers + shuddhi / conversion certificate | Ceremony same-day; registration 15–30 days |
| NRI Court Marriage | Core papers + passport/visa + single-status certificate + 30-day stay | ~35–60 days |
| NRI Marriage Registration | Core papers + both passports + wedding proof + overseas address | A few weeks |
| Court Marriage for Foreigners | Core papers + passport/visa + apostilled single-status + embassy NOC | ~40–70 days |
The six core documents every marriage file needs
Before we get to the service-specific papers, these six items sit at the base of almost every marriage registration in India. Get these right and consistent first, because most rejections happen here — a mismatched name or a weak age proof — not on the specialised papers.
1. Age proof
Birth certificate, Class 10 certificate or passport showing date of birth. The bride must be 18+ and the groom 21+. This is the single most-checked paper.
2. Identity proof
Aadhaar, PAN, passport, voter ID or driving licence — with the name spelled the same way across all of them.
3. Address proof
Aadhaar, a recent utility bill, rent agreement, ration card or passport for the correct district.
4. Photographs
Recent passport-size colour photos — keep 6 to 8 each. Some offices specify size and a plain background.
5. Marital-status affidavit
A sworn statement that you are unmarried, divorced or widowed, with the supporting decree or death certificate if either applies.
6. Witnesses
Two to three witnesses, each carrying photo ID and address proof, ready to attend and sign in person.
Documents Required for Court Marriage in India
Court marriage is the umbrella name couples use for a legally registered marriage. In practice your file follows one of two laws: the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 when both partners are Hindu, Buddhist, Jain or Sikh, or the Special Marriage Act, 1954 for any couple regardless of religion. The core papers are the same; only the route and the timeline change. Below is the base checklist every court-marriage file needs.
Papers to carry
- Age proof for each partner — birth certificate, Class 10 (matriculation) certificate, or passport (bride 18+, groom 21+)
- Identity proof each — Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID or driving licence
- Address proof each — Aadhaar, latest electricity/water bill, rent agreement, ration card or passport
- Recent passport-size colour photographs (keep 6–8 each; some offices want a plain background)
- Marital-status affidavit — declaring you are unmarried, divorced or widowed
- Two to three witnesses, each with photo ID and address proof
- Proof that decides your route — both partners’ religion for the Hindu Marriage Act, or a 30-day residence proof for the Special Marriage Act
- Divorce decree (if divorced) or spouse’s death certificate (if widowed)
Timeline & fees
How long it takes: Arya Samaj ceremony plus Hindu Marriage Act registration can be same-day to a few days; the Special Marriage Act route takes about 35–60 days because of the 30-day notice.
Typical assisted fee: Rs. 5,100 to Rs. 6,100 for the assisted Arya Samaj + registration route; SDM route from Rs. 11,000.
Documents Required for Special Marriage Act, 1954
The Special Marriage Act lets any two Indian adults marry without changing religion. Because it is a civil marriage, the paperwork is a little heavier: you file a Notice of Intended Marriage with the Marriage Officer of a district where at least one partner has lived for 30 days, the notice is displayed for 30 days for objections, and the marriage is solemnised after that in front of three witnesses.
Papers to carry
- Age proof for each partner — birth certificate, Class 10 (matriculation) certificate, or passport (bride 18+, groom 21+)
- Identity proof each — Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID or driving licence
- Address proof each — Aadhaar, latest electricity/water bill, rent agreement, ration card or passport
- Recent passport-size colour photographs (keep 6–8 each; some offices want a plain background)
- Marital-status affidavit — declaring you are unmarried, divorced or widowed
- Notice of Intended Marriage signed by both partners (given to the Marriage Officer)
- Proof of 30-day residence in the notice district — Aadhaar, rent agreement, utility bill or ration card
- Affidavit of date of birth, marital status, and that you are not within prohibited degrees of relationship
- Three witnesses with photo ID and address proof, present on the day of solemnisation
- Passport and valid visa if either partner is a foreign national
Timeline & fees
How long it takes: About 30–35 days from the date of notice (the mandatory objection window), then the certificate is issued on the day of solemnisation.
Typical assisted fee: Assisted SDM / Special Marriage Act file from Rs. 11,000 depending on city and appearances.
Documents Required for Arya Samaj Marriage
An Arya Samaj marriage is a Vedic-rite ceremony valid under the Arya Marriage Validation Act, 1937. The ceremony is quick and the Arya Samaj certificate is issued the same day, but that certificate is not the government record — you still register the marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act at the SDM afterwards. Keep the ceremony papers and the registration papers ready together.
Papers to carry
- Age proof for each partner — birth certificate, Class 10 (matriculation) certificate, or passport (bride 18+, groom 21+)
- Identity proof each — Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID or driving licence
- Address proof each — Aadhaar, latest electricity/water bill, rent agreement, ration card or passport
- Recent passport-size colour photographs (keep 6–8 each; some offices want a plain background)
- Marital-status affidavit — declaring you are unmarried, divorced or widowed
- Two to three witnesses, each with photo ID and address proof
- Four passport-size photographs of each partner for the ceremony record
- Two witnesses who know both partners, each with Aadhaar and a photograph
- Conversion / shuddhi certificate if one partner is not Hindu by birth (for the Vedic ceremony)
- Divorce decree or spouse’s death certificate if either partner was married before
Timeline & fees
How long it takes: The ceremony and the Arya Samaj certificate are same-day; legal registration under the Hindu Marriage Act at the SDM usually follows within 15–30 days.
Typical assisted fee: Arya Samaj assisted service from Rs. 3,100 onwards.
Documents Required for Hindu Marriage & Hindu Marriage Act 1955
When both partners are Hindu, Buddhist, Jain or Sikh and the wedding ceremony has already taken place, the marriage is registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. This is a registration of an existing marriage, so alongside the usual IDs you must show evidence that the ceremony happened.
Papers to carry
- Age proof for each partner — birth certificate, Class 10 (matriculation) certificate, or passport (bride 18+, groom 21+)
- Identity proof each — Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID or driving licence
- Address proof each — Aadhaar, latest electricity/water bill, rent agreement, ration card or passport
- Recent passport-size colour photographs (keep 6–8 each; some offices want a plain background)
- Marital-status affidavit — declaring you are unmarried, divorced or widowed
- Two to three witnesses, each with photo ID and address proof
- Wedding invitation card, if you have one
- A marriage photograph or other evidence that the ceremony took place
- Certificate from the priest / pandit who performed the ceremony
- Aadhaar of both partners (used by most Delhi SDM offices for the online slot)
Timeline & fees
How long it takes: After you apply at the SDM / Registrar, the certificate is typically issued within about 14–21 days in Delhi.
Typical assisted fee: Assisted Hindu Marriage Act registration from Rs. 5,100.
Read the full Hindu Marriage & Hindu Marriage Act 1955 guide →
Documents Required for Muslim Marriage (Nikah) & Registration
A Nikah is solemnised under Muslim personal law by a Qazi, and the Nikahnama is the contract that records it. To get a government marriage certificate the Nikah is then registered under the state Muslim Marriage Registration rules. Keep the Nikahnama and the witness details safe — the registration is built on them.
Papers to carry
- Age proof for each partner — birth certificate, Class 10 (matriculation) certificate, or passport (bride 18+, groom 21+)
- Identity proof each — Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID or driving licence
- Address proof each — Aadhaar, latest electricity/water bill, rent agreement, ration card or passport
- Recent passport-size colour photographs (keep 6–8 each; some offices want a plain background)
- Marital-status affidavit — declaring you are unmarried, divorced or widowed
- Two to three witnesses, each with photo ID and address proof
- Nikahnama (marriage contract) signed by the bride, groom, the Qazi and the witnesses
- Two adult Muslim witnesses (commonly two male, or one male and two female) with ID
- Details of mehr (dower) as recorded in the Nikahnama
- Affidavit of the marriage for registration under the state Muslim Marriage Registration Act
Timeline & fees
How long it takes: The Nikah is completed on the day; the registered certificate usually follows in about 7–15 days.
Typical assisted fee: Assisted Nikah registration — ask for a quote based on your city.
Read the full Muslim Marriage (Nikah) & Registration guide →
Documents Required for Marriage Certificate
A marriage certificate is the single government document that proves your marriage for a passport, visa, joint bank account, name change or immigration. If your wedding has already happened — by any rite — you can apply for the certificate by proving the ceremony took place and that both partners are eligible.
Papers to carry
- Age proof for each partner — birth certificate, Class 10 (matriculation) certificate, or passport (bride 18+, groom 21+)
- Identity proof each — Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID or driving licence
- Address proof each — Aadhaar, latest electricity/water bill, rent agreement, ration card or passport
- Recent passport-size colour photographs (keep 6–8 each; some offices want a plain background)
- Marital-status affidavit — declaring you are unmarried, divorced or widowed
- Two to three witnesses, each with photo ID and address proof
- Proof of the marriage — photographs, invitation card, and the priest / Qazi / Arya Samaj certificate
- Affidavit stating the place and date of the marriage
- At least two witnesses who attended the wedding, with ID
- Existing ceremony certificate (Arya Samaj certificate or Nikahnama) if you have one
Timeline & fees
How long it takes: In Delhi the certificate is generally issued within about 14–21 days of a complete application.
Typical assisted fee: Assisted marriage-certificate service — quote on your route and city.
Documents Required for Inter-Caste Marriage
Caste is not a legal barrier to marriage in India. An inter-caste couple marries under exactly the same laws as anyone else — Arya Samaj plus Hindu Marriage Act, or the Special Marriage Act — and needs the same core documents. Caste certificates only come in if you plan to claim a state inter-caste marriage incentive.
Papers to carry
- Age proof for each partner — birth certificate, Class 10 (matriculation) certificate, or passport (bride 18+, groom 21+)
- Identity proof each — Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID or driving licence
- Address proof each — Aadhaar, latest electricity/water bill, rent agreement, ration card or passport
- Recent passport-size colour photographs (keep 6–8 each; some offices want a plain background)
- Marital-status affidavit — declaring you are unmarried, divorced or widowed
- Two to three witnesses, each with photo ID and address proof
- Caste certificates of both partners — only if you intend to apply for a state inter-caste marriage incentive scheme
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either partner was married before
Timeline & fees
How long it takes: Same as your chosen route: Arya Samaj + Hindu Marriage Act in a few days, or the Special Marriage Act in about 30–35 days.
Typical assisted fee: From Rs. 3,100 (Arya Samaj) or Rs. 11,000 (SDM), depending on route.
Documents Required for Inter-Religion Marriage
Two people of different religions have two clean options: marry under the Special Marriage Act with no conversion at all, or convert one partner and marry under the matching personal law. The Special Marriage Act is the most common because nobody has to change faith; it only asks for the notice and residence papers on top of the usual IDs.
Papers to carry
- Age proof for each partner — birth certificate, Class 10 (matriculation) certificate, or passport (bride 18+, groom 21+)
- Identity proof each — Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID or driving licence
- Address proof each — Aadhaar, latest electricity/water bill, rent agreement, ration card or passport
- Recent passport-size colour photographs (keep 6–8 each; some offices want a plain background)
- Marital-status affidavit — declaring you are unmarried, divorced or widowed
- Notice of Intended Marriage and 30-day residence proof (Special Marriage Act route)
- Conversion / shuddhi certificate — only if you choose the conversion route instead
- Three witnesses with ID and address proof for the solemnisation
- Passport and visa if either partner is a foreign national
Timeline & fees
How long it takes: Special Marriage Act route about 30–35 days; conversion + Arya Samaj route can be much faster.
Typical assisted fee: Assisted Special Marriage Act file from Rs. 11,000; conversion route from Rs. 3,100.
Documents Required for Conversion Marriage
Some couples prefer one partner to adopt the other’s faith so they can marry under a single personal law and register quickly. For a Vedic marriage this means a shuddhi / conversion certificate from the Arya Samaj, followed by the ceremony and Hindu Marriage Act registration. It is faster than the Special Marriage Act because there is no 30-day notice.
Papers to carry
- Age proof for each partner — birth certificate, Class 10 (matriculation) certificate, or passport (bride 18+, groom 21+)
- Identity proof each — Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID or driving licence
- Address proof each — Aadhaar, latest electricity/water bill, rent agreement, ration card or passport
- Recent passport-size colour photographs (keep 6–8 each; some offices want a plain background)
- Marital-status affidavit — declaring you are unmarried, divorced or widowed
- Two to three witnesses, each with photo ID and address proof
- Conversion / shuddhi certificate from the Arya Samaj for the converting partner
- Four photographs each for the ceremony record
- Two witnesses with ID for both the ceremony and the registration
Timeline & fees
How long it takes: Conversion and ceremony are same-day; Hindu Marriage Act registration usually within 15–30 days.
Typical assisted fee: From Rs. 3,100 including the shuddhi and ceremony assistance.
Documents Required for NRI Court Marriage
When one partner is an NRI or a foreign national and you want to marry in India, the marriage almost always runs under the Special Marriage Act. The extra papers are about proving the overseas partner is free to marry and has stayed in India long enough for the notice.
Papers to carry
- Age proof for each partner — birth certificate, Class 10 (matriculation) certificate, or passport (bride 18+, groom 21+)
- Identity proof each — Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID or driving licence
- Address proof each — Aadhaar, latest electricity/water bill, rent agreement, ration card or passport
- Recent passport-size colour photographs (keep 6–8 each; some offices want a plain background)
- Marital-status affidavit — declaring you are unmarried, divorced or widowed
- Two to three witnesses, each with photo ID and address proof
- Valid passport and current Indian visa of the NRI / foreign partner
- OCI or PIO card, if the partner holds one
- Proof of at least 30 days’ stay in India for the notice (hotel/rent proof, entry stamp)
- Single-status / no-impediment certificate from the home country, apostilled or attested
- Three witnesses with ID and address proof
Timeline & fees
How long it takes: Driven by the Special Marriage Act 30-day notice, so plan for roughly 35–60 days including document attestation.
Typical assisted fee: Assisted NRI court marriage from Rs. 30,000+ depending on country and attestations.
Documents Required for NRI Marriage Registration
If you are already married and one partner lives abroad, you register the existing marriage in India so you have a certificate accepted for spouse visas and immigration. The route follows the ceremony you had — Hindu Marriage Act for a Hindu wedding, or the Special Marriage Act — with added overseas proofs.
Papers to carry
- Age proof for each partner — birth certificate, Class 10 (matriculation) certificate, or passport (bride 18+, groom 21+)
- Identity proof each — Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID or driving licence
- Address proof each — Aadhaar, latest electricity/water bill, rent agreement, ration card or passport
- Recent passport-size colour photographs (keep 6–8 each; some offices want a plain background)
- Marital-status affidavit — declaring you are unmarried, divorced or widowed
- Two to three witnesses, each with photo ID and address proof
- Both partners’ passports and the NRI partner’s visa / residence proof abroad
- Evidence of the wedding — photographs, invitation and priest / Qazi certificate
- Overseas address proof for the NRI partner
- Affidavits of marriage and marital status
Timeline & fees
How long it takes: Registration of an existing marriage is faster than a fresh Special Marriage Act notice — often within a few weeks once papers are complete.
Typical assisted fee: Assisted NRI registration — quote depends on route and attestations.
Documents Required for Court Marriage for Foreigners
A foreign citizen can marry in India under the Special Marriage Act, but the office will want firm proof that the foreign partner is legally single and lawfully in the country. The single-status certificate and its attestation are the parts that most often cause delay, so start them early.
Papers to carry
- Age proof for each partner — birth certificate, Class 10 (matriculation) certificate, or passport (bride 18+, groom 21+)
- Identity proof each — Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID or driving licence
- Address proof each — Aadhaar, latest electricity/water bill, rent agreement, ration card or passport
- Recent passport-size colour photographs (keep 6–8 each; some offices want a plain background)
- Marital-status affidavit — declaring you are unmarried, divorced or widowed
- Two to three witnesses, each with photo ID and address proof
- Foreign partner’s passport and a valid Indian visa
- Certificate of No Impediment / single-status certificate from the embassy or home country, apostilled
- No-Objection Certificate from the embassy where required
- Proof of 30 days’ residence in India for the notice
- Three witnesses (usually Indian) with ID and address proof
Timeline & fees
How long it takes: Special Marriage Act 30-day notice plus embassy attestation time — realistically 40–70 days end to end.
Typical assisted fee: Assisted foreigner marriage from Rs. 30,000+ depending on the embassy process.
Extra papers for special situations
If you were married before. A divorced partner must attach the final divorce decree — not an interim order — and a widowed partner needs the late spouse’s death certificate. Until these are on file, no office will register a second marriage.
If your name has changed. A name that differs between your age proof, Aadhaar and passport must be linked with a gazette notification or an affidavit before you submit, or the certificate may be issued in the wrong name and reject at the passport or visa stage.
If a partner is a foreign national or NRI. Add the passport, a valid Indian visa, proof of 30 days’ stay for a Special Marriage Act notice, and a single-status or no-impediment certificate from the home country — usually apostilled or attested by the embassy. Start the attestation early; it is the slowest step.
If one partner is not Hindu for an Arya Samaj ceremony. A shuddhi / conversion certificate is needed for the Vedic rite. For couples who do not want conversion at all, the Special Marriage Act is the cleaner path.
Why consistency matters more than a thick file
A file full of papers that contradict each other is weaker than a lean file where everything agrees. Line up your age proof, identity proof and address proof side by side and confirm the name spelling, the date of birth and the address tell one story. A single-letter difference between your Aadhaar and passport is enough to hold up a registration. Fix any mismatch through a correction, a supporting document or an affidavit before you submit — it is far easier than correcting a certificate after it is issued.
Questions & Answers
Documents FAQ — People Also Ask
Which single document delays marriage files the most?
A weak or mismatched age proof. Offices want a clear date of birth on a birth certificate, Class 10 certificate or passport — and it must match your Aadhaar and other IDs. Age proof and name mismatches cause more repeat visits than any missing photograph.
Is Aadhaar enough for a marriage certificate?
Aadhaar is accepted almost everywhere for identity and address, but many offices do not accept it as age proof. Carry a birth certificate, Class 10 certificate or passport for age alongside your Aadhaar. We confirm what your specific office accepts.
How many witnesses do I need, and what do they bring?
Most routes need two witnesses; the Special Marriage Act needs three. Each witness carries their own photo ID and address proof and must attend in person to sign. For a marriage certificate, witnesses should be people who actually attended the wedding.
Do we need a 30-day notice for every court marriage?
No. The 30-day notice applies only to the Special Marriage Act. An Arya Samaj marriage registered under the Hindu Marriage Act has no such waiting period, which is why it is usually faster.
What documents prove our marriage already happened?
Wedding photographs, the invitation card, and a certificate from the priest, Qazi or Arya Samaj who performed the ceremony. For a Nikah, the Nikahnama is the key proof. These let you apply for the government certificate for an existing marriage.
What do divorced or widowed applicants add?
A divorced partner attaches the final divorce decree; a widowed partner attaches the spouse’s death certificate. Both must be final and clear copies. An interim or pending order is not accepted.
What extra papers do NRIs and foreigners need?
A valid passport and Indian visa, proof of 30 days’ stay in India for the Special Marriage Act notice, and a single-status or no-impediment certificate from the home country — usually apostilled or attested by the embassy. Some embassies also issue a No-Objection Certificate.
Can an inter-caste or inter-religion couple use the same documents?
Yes. Caste and religion are not legal barriers. Inter-caste couples use the standard papers; inter-religion couples usually use the Special Marriage Act, which needs only the notice and residence proof on top of the core documents — no conversion required.
Do we have to convert religion to get married?
Usually not. The Special Marriage Act lets two people of any religion marry without either converting. Conversion is only one optional route, chosen by couples who prefer to marry and register under a single personal law.
Is a single-status certificate always required?
It is required when a partner is a foreign national, and often for NRIs, to prove they are free to marry. Resident Indians usually meet this with a self-declared marital-status affidavit instead.
How long is a marriage certificate valid?
A marriage certificate does not expire — it is a permanent record. What matters is that the details on it exactly match your other IDs, especially for passport, visa and immigration use.
Can you check my documents before I visit the office?
Yes, and we recommend it. Send us your city, the marriage you want and the papers you have. We mark each item ready, doubtful or missing and confirm your route — this free review usually saves at least one wasted trip.
Are my documents stored on this website?
No. This site does not store any documents or personal data. The contact form simply opens WhatsApp with your details so you stay in control, and you share images only when we ask.
Who actually issues the marriage certificate?
The competent authority under the relevant law — the Marriage Officer, Registrar of Marriages or SDM. We are an advocate-assisted documentation service: we prepare and check your file and guide the process, but the certificate is issued by the government office.
Send your documents for a free check
Share your city, the marriage you want, your preferred date and the papers you already have. We’ll tell you what is ready, what is missing and what timeline is realistic — before you visit any office.