Court Marriage vs Registered Marriage: Key Differences, Eligibility and Process in 2026

Court marriage in India and registered marriage serve different legal needs. Court marriage allows couples to marry directly through a legal process. Registered marriage records an existing religious ceremony with the marriage registrar. Understanding these differences helps couples avoid delays, prepare correct documents, and follow the proper legal steps under Indian law. Each path has unique requirements, from notice periods to proof of ceremonies, making it essential to choose the route that aligns with your relationship status and personal preferences.

Difference Between Court Marriage and Registry Marriage in India

To understand the fundamental difference between court marriage and registry marriage, it is helpful to. The following table highlights the main points of distinction.

Eligibility Criteria for Court Marriage and Registry Marriage

While both processes lead to a legal marriage, the eligibility criteria have slight but important variations that couples must meet.

Eligibility Criteria for Court Marriage

• Age: The male partner must be at least 21 years old, and the female partner must be at least 18 years old.
• Marital Status: Neither party should have a living spouse at the time of the marriage.
• Mental Fitness: Both individuals must be of sound mind and capable of giving valid consent.
• Prohibited Relationship: The couple must not fall within the degrees of prohibited relationship as defined by law.
• Residency: At least one partner must have resided in the district where the application is filed for at least 30 days.

Eligibility Criteria for Registered Marriage

• Pre-existing Marriage: The couple must have already solemnised their marriage through a religious or traditional ceremony.
• Personal Law Criteria: Both partners must meet the eligibility criteria of their applicable personal law. For instance, under the Hindu Marriage Act, both partners must be Hindus.
• Age: The age requirements (21 for males, 18 for females) are the same. [3]
• Mental Fitness and Consent: Both partners must have given their consent to the marriage without force and be of sound mind.

Documents Required for Court Marriage and Registry Marriage

The paperwork for each process differs slightly, primarily concerning the proof of the marriage ceremony itself.

Documents Required for Court Marriage

• Application Form: Duly filled and signed by both partners.
• Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Voter ID for both partners.
• Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Utility Bills, or Rent Agreement for both partners.
• Age Proof: Birth Certificate or Class 10th Marksheet for both partners.
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos of both partners.
• Affidavits: Separate affidavits from each partner regarding their age, marital status, and consent.
• Witness Documents: ID proof, address proof, and photographs of the three witnesses.

Documents Required for Registered Marriage

• Application Form: Duly filled and signed by both partners.
• Identity, Address, and Age Proof: Same as for a court marriage for both partners.
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos of both partners and a joint wedding photograph.
• Proof of Ceremony: A wedding invitation card, a certificate from the priest/religious institution, or photographs of the wedding ceremony.
• Witness Documents: ID proof for the two witnesses who attended the original ceremony.

Procedure to Apply for Court and Registered Marriage

The application process is the most significant area of the court marriage vs marriage registration difference.

Court Marriage Procedure in India 

• Step 1: File a "Notice of Intended Marriage" with the Marriage Registrar in the district where one of the partners has lived for at least 30 days.
• Step 2: The Registrar displays the notice publicly for a 30-day period, inviting any potential objections.
• Step 3: If no valid objections are raised, the couple and their three witnesses appear before the Registrar on the appointed day after the 30-day period.
• Step 4: The couple signs a declaration in front of the Registrar and witnesses. The marriage is then solemnised, and the Marriage Certificate Delhi or of the respective jurisdiction is issued immediately. This is the standard Court Marriage Procedure in India.

Registry Marriage Procedure in India

• Step 1: The couple first completes their marriage according to their religious or traditional customs.
• Step 2: They then apply for marriage registration at the Sub-Registrar's office in whose jurisdiction the marriage took place or where they reside. An option to start the process via the marriage certificate online application portals may be available in some cities.
• Step 3: They submit the application form along with all documents, including proof of the wedding ceremony.
• Step 4: The Registrar verifies the documents and, if everything is in order, registers the marriage and issues the certificate, often on the same day.

Affidavit & Notary Requirement

For both types of marriage, an Affidavit for Marriage Certificate is often a mandatory document. This legal statement, sworn before a Notary Public, declares the partners' ages, nationality, marital status (unmarried/divorced), and confirms that they are marrying with mutual consent. Notarization authenticates the document, making it legally valid for the Registrar's office.

Court Marriage or Registry Marriage: Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between court marriage and registered marriage depends on personal circumstances, religious preferences, and how the couple plans to solemnise the marriage. Understanding the purpose of each option helps make a practical, legally sound decision.

Choose court marriage if:

• You and your partner belong to different religions or castes.
• You prefer a simple, secular, and cost-effective legal ceremony.
• You do not wish to have a separate traditional wedding.
• You want the legal process itself to be your official wedding.

Choose a registered marriage if:

• You have already celebrated your wedding through religious or customary rituals.
• You want to obtain a legal certificate for your existing marriage for official purposes.
• You and your partner belong to the same religion and are marrying under your personal law.

Legal Validity and Documentation

Both a court marriage and a registered marriage result in a legally binding marriage certificate that holds the same value in the eyes of the law.

• The marriage certificate is the ultimate proof of marriage.
• It is essential for all legal and official purposes, including applying for passports, visas, joint bank accounts, and claiming insurance or inheritance.
• It provides legal protection to both spouses, especially in matters of divorce, alimony, and child custody. The certificate is also a crucial document for NRI Marriage Registration.

Time Taken: Court Marriage vs Registry Marriage

The time required for marriage registration varies depending on the process. Court marriage in India takes 30 to 45 days due to the mandatory notice period and verification. Registry marriage is faster, usually completing within 1 to 3 working days, as it records an already solemnised wedding. [3]

Court Marriage vs Registry Marriage for NRIs 

For NRIs, court marriage in India involves longer timelines and prior notice, while registry marriage suits couples who completed a religious ceremony and want faster legal registration.

Both options result in a legally valid marriage certificate. The certificate is accepted for international purposes, including visa applications, PR processing, and spouse sponsorship. 

Mandatory Requirements for NRI Marriage Registration

Recent regulations make timely marriage registration essential for NRIs marrying Indian citizens.

Essential Documents for NRI Marriage Registration

NRIs must submit additional documents for verification and overseas acceptance.

Note: Proper documentation ensures smooth processing in India and abroad.

How Can NoBroker Help with Marriage Registration Affidavits? 

Marriage registration requires precise affidavits and strict compliance with the applicable marriage laws. Even minor errors can delay approval or cause rejection. NoBroker supports couples with legally accurate affidavit drafting, notary coordination, and end-to-end documentation guidance. Dedicated experts ensure alignment with registrar requirements for both court and registry marriages, ensuring a smooth, compliant, and time-efficient process.

• Accurate drafting of marriage registration affidavits as per legal norms
• Coordination with authorised notaries for verification and attestation
• Complete guidance on required documents and submission process
• Dedicated support for both court marriage and registry marriage procedures