Court Marriage in Delhi 2026: A Real Step-by-Step Guide for Couples

Step 1: Choose the route

Before anything else, decide whether you are using the Hindu Marriage Act (often an Arya Samaj ceremony, then registration) or the Special Marriage Act (a civil marriage with a 30-day notice). This single choice shapes your documents, timeline and privacy.

Step 2: Gather and check documents

Collect a photo ID, a separate date-of-birth proof and an address proof for each partner, plus photographs and witnesses. Then check them against each other — names and dates must match exactly. This is where most delays are prevented.

Step 3: Notice or ceremony

On the Special Marriage Act route, file the notice and let the 30 days run. On the Hindu Marriage Act route, complete the Arya Samaj ceremony. Each path is straightforward once the documents are clean.

Step 4: The appointment

Attend the office in person with your witnesses for verification and signing. This part cannot be done by proxy — the law requires your presence.

Step 5: Receive the certificate

Once issued, the government marriage certificate is yours, accepted everywhere for passport, visa, bank and official use. Keep it safe and obtain extra certified copies if you will need them simultaneously.