India isn't an easy country in which to marry as there are three different types of marriage licence, and you do have to have lived there for at least 30 days before you can marry. Most non-resident couples get legally married at home and then have a non-legal blessing in India as it's a lot less hassle!
Below are the legalities for marrying in India, to help you plan your ideal wedding abroad.
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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.
Please note: this information is for guidance purposes only and liable to change without notice. Please check with your wedding planner in resort or the relevant embassy of the country in which you intend to marry for up to date details before you marry.
Order affidavits here.
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India Marriage Registrar's Office
Each area has its own Registrar's Office, and you
must go to the one in the area in which you wish
to marry.
