How to Legally Marry an Indian in India

Our notarized documents.

One of the most confusing parts about marrying an Indian, as a foreigner in India, is actually figuring out how to go about it.

All marriages involving a foreigner in India fall under the Special Marriages Act 1954. This means that you’ll have to apply to the marriage registration office in your local area to get married.

The process under the Act is as follows:

• At least 30 days, but no more than three months, before you intend to get married you’ll need to go to the marriage registration office in your area and submit a Notice of Intention to get married.
• There’s a 30 day residency requirement, which means that either the bride or the groom has to be living in the locality for at least 30 days prior to submitting the Notice of Intention. This is usually evidenced by address on passport or ration card. Otherwise, a certificate needs to be obtained from the local police station.
• At the registry office, along with the above, you’ll need to submit certified copies (by a notary public) of passports and birth certificates, and two passport sized photographs each.
• In addition, evidence of eligibility to be married is usually required for foreigners. Anyone who hasn’t been married before should obtain a single status affidavit (in the US), a Certificate of No Impediment (in the UK), or Certificate of No Record (in Australia). If you’re divorced, you’ll need to produce the Decree Absolute, or if you’re widowed, a copy of the death certificate.
• If no objections to the marriage are received within 30 days of the Notice of Intention being submitted, a civil ceremony at the registry office can then take place. This is called solemnizing the marriage. Three witnesses are required. They have to provide passport sized photographs, as well as identification and proof of address.
• The marriage certificate is usually issued a couple of weeks after the wedding.

In Mumbai, there are two marriage registration offices — one in Fort for people who live in south Mumbai, and one in Bandra for people who live in the suburbs.

Check out our experience at the Mumbai Registrar of Marriage here.

The next challenge — getting a new visa after marriage!

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1. 4 Hours at the Mumbai Registrar of Marriage
2. Our Mumbai Registry Marriage
3. Another Ordinary Day at the Mumbai FRRO
4. Funny India Photo: When Propper is not Proper
5. The Difficulty of Dating an Indian Part 2
6. Enrolling to Vote in India
7. Funny Photo: A Humble Request from Flat Owner
8. Another Round of Frustration at the FRRO

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