Special Marriage
Special Marriage Act, 1954 – A Legal Framework for Civil Marriages in India
Couples who wish to marry without following any religious rituals can opt for a civil marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. This Act provides a legal way for individuals of different religions, castes, or nationalities to solemnize their marriage in a secular and lawful manner.
When a marriage between an Indian citizen and a foreign national is to be performed in India, a notice of intended marriage must be filed with the Marriage Registrar of their choice. This notice is then publicly displayed for 30 days, as required by law. After the 30-day notice period, if no objections are raised, the Registrar is authorized to solemnize the marriage.
The notice of intended marriage can only be submitted in India if at least one of the partners resides permanently and the other temporarily within the country.
In cases where one partner lives abroad, the process works as follows:
- The partner residing in India collects and fills out the Marriage Notice Form from the local Marriage Registration Office.
- This form is then sent to the partner living in the foreign country, who must also complete it.
- After filling, the form is sent back to India and re-submitted to the same Marriage Registrar’s office.
- Once the mandatory 30-day notice period has passed, the couple is legally eligible to marry under the Act.
Upon completion of the ceremony, a Marriage Certificate is issued, signed by the couple, witnesses, and the Registrar. This certificate serves as official proof of marriage and is also required for visa or immigration purposes in foreign countries.
The Special Marriage Act of 1954 ensures that love and commitment between two individuals are recognized beyond the boundaries of religion and nationality, making it one of the most inclusive and progressive marriage laws in India.
Special Marriage Registration
Start your Special Marriage registration now — quick, legal, and hassle-free!
Call Us:- +91 98253 07630 | +91 89805 06633 | +91 81283 04041
Frequently Asked Questions
A Special Marriage is a legal union between two individuals of different religions, castes, or communities, solemnized under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. It allows couples to marry without converting their religion.
Any two individuals — whether of different or the same religion — can marry under this Act, provided:
The bride is at least 18 years old
The groom is at least 21 years old
Both are unmarried and give free consent
They meet the required legal and residency conditions
We provide complete guidance and support — from preparing documents, filing the notice of intended marriage, and coordinating with the marriage registrar to helping with witness arrangements and certificate collection.
You will need:
Proof of age (birth certificate, passport, etc.)
Proof of residence
Passport-size photographs of both partners
ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, or passport)
Marital status affidavit (unmarried/divorced/widowed)
Witness ID and address proofs
Our team helps verify and organize all these documents for smooth processing.
Submit a Notice of Intended Marriage to the Marriage Officer where either partner has resided for at least 30 days.
The notice is published publicly for 30 days.
If there are no objections, the marriage can be solemnized and registered.
The couple and three witnesses must be present during registration.
Arya Vivaah Sanskar helps you through each of these steps.
The process typically takes 30–45 days, depending on the location and document verification. We assist in ensuring timely completion without errors or delays.
No. One of the main benefits of the Special Marriage Act is that it does not require religious conversion. Both partners can retain their respective faiths.
Yes, NRIs can marry Indian citizens or other NRIs under the Special Marriage Act if they meet the residency requirement of at least 30 days in India before submitting the notice.
Yes, once registered under the Special Marriage Act, your marriage certificate is legally valid across India and internationally. You can also get it attested or apostilled for use abroad.
Because we simplify the entire process — from document assistance to legal registration — with transparency, confidentiality, and professionalism, ensuring your marriage is recognized and stress-free.