How to Marry in India

India Marriage Law Requirements

What are the legal requirements to get married in India?
Legal age for marriage is 18 years for both men and women.
Bride and Groom may not be related by blood, marriage or adoption.
There are 3 marriage acts, Hindu, Christian and Special (for mixed faith marriages).
Two witnesses are required for a registrar wedding.

How long do I have to be resident in India before I can get married?
Special Licence marriage: File the papers below with the marriage registrar. A notice of intent to marry is then posted for 30 days, after which the marriage can take place.
Hindu marriage: you must both be Hindu to marry under this act
Christian marriage: you must both be Christian to marry under this act. If a minister marries you you must notify them in writing of your intent to marry, then a notice of intent to marry (banns) is posted for 3 consecutive Sundays before the wedding takes place. If a registrar marries you the marriage notice will be posted in the registrar’s office for one month before the ceremony.

Getting a marriage licence
This depends on the type of licence you require, see above for details.

What legal papers do I need to take with me?
Passports.
Full Birth Certificates.
Affidavits stating you are both single and free to marry (if not Indian then you may require a Certificate of No Impediment from your Embassy).
Certificates from the local police station that you have both lived in the area for at least 3o days.
If you have been divorced then the final divorce papers must be shown.
If you are widowed then the death certificate of your previous spouse must be shown.