Marriage registration in Delhi
Whether you have already married in a ceremony or want a court marriage, Advocate Karan Dua advises on the right Act, prepares your papers, files at the correct SDM office and attends the appointment with you.
Ask about tatkal registration early
Delhi’s 2014 Order provides for tatkal registration. Eligibility, fees and timing are set by the SDM office, so no date can be promised. Tell us your deadline, such as a visa appointment, and we will advise.
Hindu Marriage Act or Special Marriage Act
The right Act depends on the religion of both parties and on whether a ceremony has already taken place.
Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
For couples who are both Hindu, Buddhist, Jain or Sikh and have already married in a valid ceremony. The marriage must have taken place in Delhi, and one party must be a permanent resident of the district of the Marriage Officer.
Registers an existing marriageSpecial Marriage Act, 1954
A civil law for all communities, including interfaith couples, NRIs and marriages with foreign nationals. Notice is given to the SDM, and the marriage is solemnised and registered after the 30-day notice period if no objection is upheld.
Solemnises and registersA marriage certificate is the proof you need
In Seema v. Ashwani Kumar (2006), the Supreme Court directed that marriages be compulsorily registered. In Delhi, the 2014 Order applies the rule.
Passport & visa
Needed for spouse visas and passport changes.
Change of name
Official proof for updating records after marriage.
Benefits & insurance
Employment, insurance and nomination claims.
Legal proof
Evidence of marriage in property, inheritance and family-court matters.
How registration works, step by step
The Delhi government normally responds within about 15 days for Hindu Marriage Act applications. Under the Special Marriage Act, registration follows the 30-day notice period.
Consultation
Choosing the correct Act and SDM office based on religion, ceremony and residence.
Documents
A personal checklist, with a review of every paper before filing.
Application or notice
Preparing the application, affidavits and declarations, and filing at the SDM office.
SDM appointment
Attending with both parties and the required witnesses. Under the SMA, the marriage is solemnised here.
Certificate
Collecting the marriage certificate once registration is complete.
NRI, interfaith and second marriages
These cases need extra papers. Getting them right at the start avoids repeat visits to the SDM office.
NRI & foreign nationals
Passport, visa and any embassy or High Commission document the SDM office requires.
Interfaith couples
Registered under the Special Marriage Act, with no conversion required.
Previously married
A divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse is needed.
Objections
Where an objection is raised in the SMA notice period, the chambers responds before the Marriage Officer.
Documents checklist
Tap a document to mark it as ready. The exact list differs slightly between the two Acts.
0 of 5 ready
The SDM office
Common questions
What is the difference between HMA and SMA registration?▾
The Hindu Marriage Act registers a marriage already solemnised, for couples who are both Hindu, Buddhist, Jain or Sikh. The Special Marriage Act is a civil law for all communities, and needs a 30-day notice period before the marriage is solemnised and registered.
How long does marriage registration take in Delhi?▾
Delhi government guidance mentions a response in about 15 days for Hindu Marriage Act applications. For the Special Marriage Act, registration happens 30 days after the notice, once any objection is decided. Actual timing depends on the SDM office.
Is a court marriage the same as SMA registration?▾
Yes. A court marriage is a marriage solemnised and registered before the Marriage Officer under the Special Marriage Act. No religious ceremony is needed.
Can an NRI or a foreign national marry under the SMA in Delhi?▾
Yes. The Act covers marriages between Indian citizens and foreign nationals. Extra documents, such as passport, visa and an embassy document, are usually needed. The chambers will confirm what the SDM office wants in your case.
Do I need a lawyer to register my marriage?▾
It is not compulsory. A lawyer helps in choosing the correct Act, preparing papers, handling objections and avoiding repeat visits, especially in NRI, interfaith or previously-married cases.
Speak to the Advocate
O-11A, Basement, Jangpura Extension, New Delhi 110014. Mon to Sat, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, by prior appointment. Video consultations available.