In Delhi, the number of witnesses required depends on the specific law under which you are getting married. Since “Court Marriage” typically refers to the Special Marriage Act, the standard requirement is three witnesses.+1
Here is the breakdown for each scenario in 2026:
1. Court Marriage (Special Marriage Act, 1954)
This is for couples of different religions, or those who prefer a direct civil ceremony without religious rituals.
- Witnesses Required: 3
- Role: They must be present at the SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) office on the day of solemnization to sign the marriage register and declaration.
2. Marriage Registration (Hindu Marriage Act, 1955)
This is for couples who have already performed a religious ceremony (e.g., Arya Samaj or Temple wedding) and now want to register it legally in court.
- Witnesses Required: 2
- Role: They must have attended the wedding ceremony and will certify that the marriage took place.
Witness Eligibility & Requirements
To qualify as a witness in Delhi, the individuals must meet these criteria:
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old (some districts in Delhi prefer 21+, so it is safer to bring adults over 21).
- Relation: They can be anyone—parents, siblings, relatives, friends, or colleagues.
- Residency: At least one witness should ideally have a permanent residence proof of Delhi.
Documents Needed for Witnesses
Each witness must carry the following (original + self-attested photocopies):
- Identity Proof: PAN Card (mandatory in most Delhi offices).
- Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Passport.
- Photographs: 1–2 passport-sized color photographs.
Note: Ensure that the witnesses carry their original PAN Card, as the Marriage Officer often verifies this to prevent identity fraud. If a witness is a foreign national, they must carry a valid Passport and Visa.+1