Special Marriage Act, 1954
Special Marriage Act Registration in Delhi
A civil marriage law that applies to any two people regardless of religion — the route most inter-faith, inter-caste, and civil marriages take, guided by Advocate Monal Prasad.
Who This Is For
Built for couples the personal marriage laws don't fit
- Inter-religious couples
- Inter-caste couples
- Couples who want a civil marriage without a religious ceremony
- NRI, OCI, or foreign national marriages (see our dedicated NRI & foreign national guidance)
Documents
What you'll need
- Age proof (10th certificate, birth certificate, or passport) and address proof for both partners
- PAN card, Aadhaar card, and passport, along with 6 recent passport-size coloured photographs
- Signed affidavit from each partner
- Proof of at least 30 days' residence in the district
- Divorce decree or death certificate, if either partner was previously married
- Three witnesses with the same set of ID documents
Process
What to expect, step by step
-
01
Consultation
We confirm your eligibility and walk you through exactly what the notice process involves.
-
02
Notice of intended marriage
A notice is filed with the Marriage Officer at the SDM office.
-
03
30-day notice period
The notice is published, and there is a window during which objections can be filed.
-
04
Document verification
Your documents and affidavits are checked in full before the registration date is confirmed.
-
05
Solemnisation & registration
Both partners and three witnesses appear before the Marriage Officer for solemnisation and registration.
-
06
Certificate issuance
Once approved, your official marriage certificate is issued and handed to you.
FAQ
Common questions
I've heard the Special Marriage Act requires a public notice before marriage. Is that true, and is it a privacy risk?
Yes, the Special Marriage Act currently requires a 30-day notice to be published, during which objections can be filed. This has been a genuine concern for couples worried about family interference, and it's currently being challenged in court. Until the law changes, it remains a mandatory step.
Do my parents need to give consent for an inter-caste or inter-religion marriage?
No — once both partners are legal adults (21+ for men, 18+ for women), the marriage is valid without parental consent, regardless of caste or religion. If you're concerned about family objections during the process — particularly the public notice period under the Special Marriage Act — we can talk you through the safest way to proceed and what legal protections are available.
How many witnesses do I need, and what do they need to bring?
Both the Hindu Marriage Act and Special Marriage Act require witnesses (typically two, sometimes three for the Special Marriage Act) who are adults and can produce valid ID and address proof. Witnesses don't need to be related to you — friends or colleagues are fine.
Related
Other registration routes
Get Started
Start with a confidential consultation
Reach out with a few details about your situation, and we'll get back to you to arrange a consultation.
Book a Consultation