Court marriage is a simple and legal way for couples to get married without any religious ceremonies. It is performed under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, ensuring that all legal requirements are met. Whether you belong to different religions or simply want a hassle-free wedding, court marriage is a great option. In this blog, we will explain the step-by-step process for court marriage in Chandigarh, the required documents, eligibility criteria, and other important details.
Step-by-Step Process for Court Marriage in Chandigarh
1. Submit the Notice of Intended Marriage
The first step is to file a notice at the Marriage Registrar’s office in Chandigarh. The notice must be given in the prescribed format under the Special Marriage Act. Either partner must have lived in Chandigarh for at least 30 days before submitting the notice.
2. Publication of the Notice
After receiving the application, the registrar will publish the notice on the office notice board for 30 days. This period allows anyone to raise objections if they have legal grounds against the marriage.
3. Objection Handling (If Any)
If someone raises an objection, the marriage officer will investigate the claim. If there are no valid objections, the couple can proceed with the marriage after 30 days.
4. Signing of Declaration and Marriage Registration
Once the waiting period is over, the couple and three witnesses must appear before the Marriage Registrar. They will sign a declaration in the presence of the officer, after which the marriage will be registered, and the court marriage certificate will be issued.
Eligibility Criteria for Court Marriage in Chandigarh
To ensure a smooth marriage registration process, the couple must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum Age: The groom must be 21 years old, and the bride must be 18 years old.
- Mutual Consent: Both partners must agree to the marriage voluntarily, without any pressure.
- Marital Status: Neither party should have a living spouse at the time of marriage.
- Mental Health: Both individuals must be of sound mind and capable of making independent decisions.
- Prohibited Relationships: The couple should not be related by blood under the legally prohibited relationships unless permitted by their respective customs.
Documents Required for Court Marriage in Chandigarh
To successfully register for a court marriage, you need to submit the following documents:
- Application Form (signed by both partners)
- Age Proof (Birth Certificate, Aadhaar Card, Passport, or School Certificate)
- Address Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driving License, or Utility Bills)
- Passport-size Photographs (4 each of the bride and groom)
- Affidavit of Marital Status (Confirming that both are unmarried/divorced/widowed)
- Divorce Decree or Death Certificate (If applicable, for previously married individuals)
- Witness Documents (ID proof and photographs of three witnesses)
- Copy of Notice Publication (from the Registrar’s office)
Benefits of Court Marriage in Chandigarh
- Legally Recognized: Court marriages are legally binding and recognized across India.
- No Religious Barriers: Couples from different religions can marry without converting.
- Quick Process: The entire process, including the 30-day notice period, is straightforward.
- Marriage Certificate Issued Immediately: The court marriage certificate is valid for all legal and official purposes.
How to Book an Appointment for Court Marriage in Chandigarh?
To book an appointment for court marriage, follow these steps:
- Visit the Marriage Registrar’s Office in Chandigarh.
- Fill out the application form and attach the required documents.
- Submit the form and receive an acknowledgment.
- Wait for the 30-day notice period.
- After approval, appear before the registrar with three witnesses.
- Sign the declaration and receive the court marriage certificate.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Court Marriage in Chandigarh
1. Can a couple from different religions have a court marriage in Chandigarh?
Yes, court marriage allows interfaith couples to marry without converting under the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
2. How long does the court marriage process take?
The entire process takes a minimum of 30 to 35 days, including the notice period.
3. Can I get a court marriage certificate on the same day?
Yes, after the final marriage registration, the court marriage certificate is issued on the same day.
4. Is parental consent required for court marriage?
No, if both partners are legally adults, parental consent is not required.
5. Can a foreigner marry an Indian citizen through court marriage?
Yes, but the foreign partner must provide additional documents like a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their embassy.
Conclusion
Court marriage in Chandigarh is a legal, straightforward, and cost-effective way to get married. By following the Special Marriage Act, 1954, you can ensure a hassle-free marriage registration. Whether you are from different religions, want a simple wedding, or need legal documentation, court marriage is the best option.
