The cost of a court marriage in India is highly affordable compared to a traditional wedding, but the total amount depends on whether you handle the paperwork yourself or hire a lawyer.
In 2026, here is the breakdown of the expenses you can expect in Delhi.
1. Official Government Fees
If you manage the process directly through the e-District Delhi portal and the SDM office, the government fees are minimal.
| Service Type | Official Fee (Approx.) |
| Hindu Marriage Act (Registration) | ₹100 |
| Special Marriage Act (Court Marriage) | ₹150 |
| Marriage Certificate Issuance | ₹100 |
| Late Registration Fee | ₹250 – ₹1,000 (if registering after 60 days) |
2. Professional & Administrative Costs
While the government fees are low, there are “real-world” costs involved in preparing the legal documents required by the SDM.
- Affidavits & Notary: You need separate notarized affidavits for the bride and groom. This usually costs between ₹500 and ₹1,000 including the stamp paper and notary charges.
- Lawyer/Consultant Fees: If you hire a lawyer to handle the scheduling, document drafting, and filing, they typically charge between ₹5,000 and ₹15,000. For inter-religion marriages or cases involving foreigners, these fees can go up to ₹25,000.
- Miscellaneous: Photocopies, passport-sized photos, and travel to the SDM office usually add another ₹500–₹1,000.
3. The “Tatkal” (Urgent) Option
In Delhi, if you have already performed a religious ceremony and need the government certificate urgently (within 24 hours), there is a fast-track option.
- Tatkal Fee: Approximately ₹10,000.
- Total with Lawyer: If using an agent for a “same-day” certificate, expect the total package to be around ₹15,000–₹20,000.
4. Total Estimated Budget
| Scenario | Total Cost Estimate |
| DIY (Doing it yourself) | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 |
| With Basic Legal Assistance | ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 |
| Inter-Faith / Foreigner Case | ₹15,000 – ₹30,000 |
Key Money-Saving Tips
- Use the e-District Portal: Applying directly through the Delhi Government website saves you from paying middleman fees for simple form filling.
- Draft Your Own Affidavits: You can find standard marriage affidavit templates online. Print them on ₹10 or ₹100 stamp paper and get them signed by a local notary yourself to save on lawyer markups.
- Avoid “Touts”: You will see people outside SDM offices promising “instant” certificates. These are often overpriced and may involve forged documents. Always pay fees through the official portal or at the designated government cash counter.
Are you planning to handle the paperwork yourself to keep costs low, or are you looking for a lawyer to ensure there are no technical errors in your application?