Getting married in a Delhi court follows a structured legal process primarily governed by the Special Marriage Act, 1954. In 2026, the process is largely digitized through the Delhi e-District portal to improve transparency and speed.
Here is the direct, step-by-step guide to the procedure.
1. Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, ensure you meet the legal requirements:
- Age: The groom must be at least 21 years old; the bride must be at least 18 years old.
- Consent: Both parties must be of sound mind and capable of giving free consent.
- Marital Status: Neither party should have a living spouse (must be unmarried, divorced, or widowed).
- Prohibited Relationships: The parties should not be within “prohibited degrees of relationship” unless custom allows it.
- Residency: At least one of the parties must have resided in the specific Delhi district for at least 30 days before filing the notice.
2. Step-by-Step Procedure (2026)
Step 1: Online Registration
Visit the Delhi e-District Portal (edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in).
- Register and log in.
- Select the service “Registration of Marriage“ under the Revenue Department.
- Fill in the details for the “Notice of Intended Marriage.”
Step 2: Filing the Notice
Both parties must visit the office of the Marriage Officer (Sub-Divisional Magistrate/SDM) in the district where at least one of you resides.
- Submit the signed notice form along with the required documents.
- Pay the nominal fee (usually ₹100–₹150).
Step 3: The 30-Day Notice Period
The Marriage Officer will display your notice on the office notice board for 30 days.
- This is a mandatory waiting period to allow for any “legal objections” (e.g., if someone is already married).
- Objections based on religion or caste are legally invalid and will be dismissed.
Step 4: Final Appointment & Solemnization
If no valid objections are raised within 30 days, you can book your final appointment.
- Presence Required: Both parties and three witnesses must appear before the SDM.
- Declaration: You will sign a declaration in the presence of the Marriage Officer.
- Ceremony: The officer will solemnize the marriage (no religious rituals are required).
Step 5: Issuance of Certificate
The Marriage Certificate is typically issued on the same day or within a few days. In 2026, these certificates feature a secure QR code for instant digital verification.
3. Required Documents
You will need original and photocopies of the following:
| Document | Purpose | Examples |
| Age Proof | Verify 18/21 years | 10th Marksheet, Birth Certificate, or Passport. |
| Address Proof | Verify Delhi Residency | Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Rent Agreement. |
| Photographs | Identity | 4-6 recent passport-size photos of each. |
| Affidavits | Legal Status | Separate notarized affidavits declaring age, marital status, and nationality. |
| Witness Docs | Verification | Aadhaar card and 2 photos for each of the 3 witnesses. |
| Divorce/Death Cert | If applicable | Original Divorce Decree or Death Certificate of previous spouse. |
4. Key Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
| Applicable Law | Special Marriage Act, 1954 |
| Witnesses Required | 3 Witnesses (must have valid IDs) |
| Mandatory Wait Time | 30 Days (Notice Period) |
| Total Process Time | 35 – 45 Days |
| Official Portal | edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in |
Expert Tip: If you are looking for a faster route, many couples choose to marry via an Arya Samaj Mandir first (which can be done in one day) and then apply for marriage registration under the Hindu Marriage Act. This avoids the 30-day notice period, and you can get your government certificate within 1–3 working days.