Marriage Affidavit & Legal Document Preparation

A notarised affidavit is a sworn declaration on stamp paper (₹100) signed by you and attested by a licensed notary public. For court marriage, both parties prepare a joint affidavit declaring full names, ages, current marital status, addresses and willingness. Notaries are available near every court complex — turnaround is 30-45 minutes.

Standard documents for each partner: Aadhaar Card (with current address), age proof (birth certificate or 10th board mark sheet or passport), address proof (utility bill, rental agreement, or Aadhaar), 6 passport-size photographs, PAN card, and a joint affidavit on ₹100 stamp paper. Three witnesses bring their own Aadhaar plus 2 photos each.

Acceptable residence proofs include Aadhaar with the current district address, rental agreement (registered), utility bills (electricity, water, gas) of the last 3 months, voter ID, or driving license. At least one document must clearly show residence in the relevant district for 30 days before notice filing.

Form III is the prescribed Application for Marriage Registration / Notice of Intended Marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. It is available free at the Marriage Officer's office, downloadable from the Delhi District Courts portal, or your marriage advocate provides a pre-filled version. Both parties must sign Form III in the presence of the Marriage Officer.

Court marriage is the legal registration of a marriage by a Marriage Officer (typically a District Magistrate or SDM) under either the Special Marriage Act, 1954 or the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. Any two adults — Indian citizens or NRIs — who are not within prohibited relationships and are mentally competent can opt for it. The groom must be 21+ and the bride 18+ at the time of registration.

Government statutory fees total ₹500-1,500 (notice, registration, certificate, stamp paper). If you hire a marriage advocate, professional packages range from ₹4,999 (Basic) to ₹14,999 (Premium with NRI/apostille support). Be cautious of anyone quoting under ₹3,000 'all-inclusive same-day' — that is not feasible legally.

The marriage certificate is issued by the Marriage Officer on the day of solemnisation under the Special Marriage Act. Under the Hindu Marriage Act, the certificate is typically issued within 7-15 days of application. Additional certified copies cost ₹100 each. Lost certificates can be reissued by applying at the same court's record room.

Legally, no — court marriage is a documentary process. Practically, an experienced marriage advocate saves you 2-3 weeks, avoids common form-filling mistakes, coordinates the 3 witnesses, drafts the affidavit correctly, and shields you from touts. Most couples save money overall by choosing professional assistance.

The Sub-Divisional Magistrate is a senior government officer (typically IAS or DANICS) designated as the Marriage Officer for their sub-division. The SDM personally signs the marriage register and certificate. SDMs handle Hindu Marriage Act registrations primarily; Special Marriage Act cases are at District Courts.

Notice filing usually requires in-person submission of Form III with documents at the Marriage Officer's office. Some courts have introduced online slot booking, but most still operate counter-based queue tokens. After notice + 30-day wait (SMA only), the Marriage Officer schedules the solemnisation date. Working with a marriage advocate streamlines all booking steps.

All three witnesses must be physically present. If a witness backs out, you must arrange a substitute who also personally knows you, is 21+, and carries original ID with two photos. Witness affidavits-only (without appearance) are not accepted. If you cannot find a third witness, reschedule the appointment.

Yes, only under the Special Marriage Act, 1954 — Section 5 mandates a 30-day public notice. No court in India can waive this period. If urgency is genuine (e.g., approaching wedding visa deadline), some couples opt for the Hindu Marriage Act registration after a quick religious ceremony, which has no statutory waiting period.