The process of court marriage in Haryana is governed by the Special Marriage Act, 1954. It is a secular process, meaning it is open to all regardless of religion, and it does not require any religious rituals.
In 2026, the process typically takes 35 to 45 days due to a mandatory notice period. Here is the step-by-step breakdown:
1. Eligibility Criteria
- Age: The groom must be at least 21 years old and the bride at least 18 years old.
- Residency: At least one of the parties must have lived in the district where you are applying for at least 30 days before the application.
- Status: Both must be currently single (unmarried, divorced, or widowed).
- Relations: The parties must not fall within the “degrees of prohibited relationship” (close blood relatives).
2. The Step-by-Step Process
- Notice of Intended Marriage: The couple visits the office of the Marriage Officer (usually the SDM or Deputy Commissioner) in the district where one of them resides. You submit a written notice of your intention to marry.+1
- Public Notice (30 Days): The Marriage Officer publishes this notice by pinning it to a public notice board in the office. This starts a 30-day waiting period during which any person can object to the marriage on legal grounds (e.g., age or existing marriage).+1
- Handling Objections: If an objection is raised, the Marriage Officer investigates it within 30 days. If no objection is raised (or if it is found to be invalid), the process moves to the final stage.+1
- Solemnization: After the 30-day period expires, the couple must appear before the Marriage Officer with 3 witnesses.
- Declaration & Certificate: The couple and the witnesses sign a declaration. The Marriage Officer then issues the Marriage Certificate, which is conclusive legal proof of the union.+1
3. Documents Required
For the Couple:
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Passport.
- Address Proof: Voter ID, Utility Bill, or Rent Agreement (to prove 30-day residency).
- Age Proof: Birth Certificate, 10th Class Marksheet, or Passport.
- Photographs: 4–6 passport-sized photos each.
- Affidavit: A notarized statement declaring age, marital status, and that you are not related within prohibited degrees.
For the 3 Witnesses:
- Identity and Address Proof (Aadhaar/PAN).
- One passport-sized photograph each.
Key Fees & Locations
- Fees: Generally ranges between ₹500 to ₹1,500 (plus any lawyer or notary charges).
- Common Locations: In Haryana, popular marriage registration offices are in Gurugram (Gurgaon), Faridabad, Panchkula, and Rohtak.
Pro Tip for 2026: Haryana’s “Antyodaya Saral” portal often allows you to book appointments or track your application status online, but the physical presence of both parties and witnesses is mandatory for the final signature and solemnization.
Are you looking to get married under the Special Marriage Act (direct court marriage), or have you already had a religious ceremony and just need to register it?