Marriage Registration & Legal Guidance

Your marriage, registered with care, clarity, and complete confidentiality.

Love Locked Legal assists couples across Delhi NCR — of every religion, and including NRIs, OCIs, and foreign nationals — through every step of marriage registration, under the guidance of Advocate Monal Prasad.

Overseen by a practising advocate

All religions, all nationalities

NRI, OCI & foreign national support

Confidential, one-on-one guidance

About

A dedicated advocate, guiding you personally through the process

Love Locked Legal was founded by Advocate Monal Prasad, a practising lawyer (B.A. LL.B. Hons.) based in New Delhi, who personally oversees and supervises every registration from start to finish. Her team carries out the day-to-day process, while Advocate Prasad guides each couple directly on the legal side and ensures everything is done correctly — for one clear, fixed fee — with individual attention given to each couple's circumstances, whether you are marrying under the Special Marriage Act, registering a Hindu marriage, or navigating the additional formalities that apply to NRI, OCI, or foreign national couples.

The aim is simple: to make a process that can otherwise feel confusing and bureaucratic feel clear, respectful, and fully in your control from the first consultation to the day you receive your certificate.

At a glance

  • Practising advocate, B.A. LL.B. (Hons.)
  • Based in Greater Kailash I, New Delhi
  • Serving Delhi NCR
  • Direct, one-on-one case handling

Process

What to expect, step by step

  1. 01

    Consultation

    We discuss your circumstances, confirm the correct registration route, and outline the documents you'll need.

  2. 02

    Document collection & verification

    Your documents and affidavits are prepared and carefully checked before anything is filed.

  3. 03

    Application filing

    Your application is filed with the relevant marriage registrar's office.

  4. 04

    Registrar appointment

    We prepare you for the registrar appointment and, where required, accompany you through it.

  5. 05

    Certificate issuance

    Once approved, your official marriage certificate is issued and handed to you.

Exact timelines vary by registration type and individual case — this is discussed in detail during your consultation.

Who We Serve

Couples from every background, across Delhi NCR

All religions Inter-faith couples Indian nationals NRIs OCIs Foreign nationals Delhi Gurugram Noida & the wider NCR

FAQ

Common questions

Which law should I register my marriage under — the Hindu Marriage Act or the Special Marriage Act?

If both partners are Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, or Sikh, and the marriage has already been solemnised (through a religious or traditional ceremony), the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 usually applies and registration is quicker. If you come from different religions, one of you is not Indian, or you want a purely civil marriage without a religious ceremony, the Special Marriage Act, 1954 applies. We can tell you which route fits your situation in a short consultation.

What documents do I need for marriage registration in Delhi?

For both partners: PAN card, Aadhaar card, and passport, along with 6 recent passport-size coloured photographs. If the marriage ceremony has already been conducted, you'll also need proof of the marriage — wedding photographs and the invitation card. Witnesses need to provide the same set of documents (PAN card, Aadhaar card, passport, and photographs). Widows or widowers have one extra step: a certified divorce decree or death certificate. We provide an exact, personalised checklist once we know your circumstances.

How long does marriage registration take in Delhi?

Under the Hindu Marriage Act, it can often be completed within a few working days (3–7 days) once documents are verified. Under the Special Marriage Act, the law requires a 30-day public notice period before registration, so the process typically takes 30–60 days. A same-day ("Tatkal") certificate is possible in certain cases under the Hindu Marriage Act where the couple can produce full documentation and a valid reason for urgency.

What does marriage registration cost?

The cost depends on the registration route you take (Hindu Marriage Act, Special Marriage Act, or Tatkal), how urgent your timeline is, and any additional documentation or coordination your case needs — for instance, NRI paperwork or a delayed registration. We disclose exact fees only during a consultation, once we understand your specific situation. What you're really paying for when you engage a professional is correct documentation, appointment handling, and avoiding rejections or delays. We'll give you a clear, upfront quote before starting any work.

Is a Tatkal (same-day) marriage certificate genuine and legally valid?

Yes — a Tatkal certificate issued through the proper government process is exactly as valid as one issued through the standard timeline. It simply means your documentation was complete enough for the office to process it faster. Be cautious of anyone promising "instant" certificates without verifying documents at all.

Is an Arya Samaj marriage legally valid, or do I still need to register it separately?

An Arya Samaj wedding is a valid religious ceremony under the Hindu Marriage Act, and the temple will usually issue you a marriage certificate. However, for the marriage to be recognised for official purposes — passports, visas, bank accounts, property, or as proof in court — it still needs to be registered with the government (SDM office), which is a separate step from the temple certificate.

Can I register my marriage in Delhi if my spouse is an NRI, OCI, or foreign national?

Yes. We regularly handle these registrations. In addition to the standard documents, you'll typically need the foreign spouse's passport and visa, proof of single/marital status from their home country or embassy (sometimes apostilled or notarised), and, for a Special Marriage Act registration, proof of at least 30 days' residence in the district. We guide you through exactly what's needed and handle the registration process itself; embassy paperwork is arranged separately by you or the relevant embassy.

Do my parents need to give consent for an inter-caste or inter-religion marriage?

No — once both partners are legal adults (21+ for men, 18+ for women), the marriage is valid without parental consent, regardless of caste or religion. If you're concerned about family objections during the process — particularly the public notice period under the Special Marriage Act — we can talk you through the safest way to proceed and what legal protections are available.

I've heard the Special Marriage Act requires a public notice before marriage. Is that true, and is it a privacy risk?

Yes, the Special Marriage Act currently requires a 30-day notice to be published, during which objections can be filed. This has been a genuine concern for couples worried about family interference, and it's currently being challenged in court. Until the law changes, it remains a mandatory step.

How many witnesses do I need, and what do they need to bring?

Both the Hindu Marriage Act and Special Marriage Act require witnesses (typically two, sometimes three for the Special Marriage Act) who are adults and can produce valid ID and address proof. Witnesses don't need to be related to you — friends or colleagues are fine.

We got married years ago but never registered the marriage. Can we still do it now?

Yes, delayed registration is allowed, though some SDM offices may ask for an additional explanation or affidavit for the delay, and there can be a modest late fee. It doesn't affect the validity of your marriage — it simply formalises the record.

I've lost my original marriage certificate. Can I get a duplicate?

Yes. A certified duplicate copy can be obtained from the SDM office (or Arya Samaj Mandir, if that's where you originally registered) where your marriage was originally recorded, usually by way of an application and affidavit explaining the loss.

There's a spelling mistake / outdated name on my marriage certificate. Can it be corrected?

Yes, minor corrections (spelling errors, address updates) can be made through an application to the registering office, usually supported by an affidavit and the correct supporting documents. Name changes following a formal legal name change follow a slightly different process.

Can I use my marriage certificate for a visa, passport, or bank name update?

Yes — a government-issued marriage certificate is standard proof for passport applications (especially for a name or spouse update), spouse visas, joint bank accounts, and property or insurance nominations.

Is there any registration or certificate for live-in relationships or same-sex couples in Delhi?

Indian law does not currently provide for registration of live-in relationships, and marriage registration under the Hindu Marriage Act or Special Marriage Act is not currently available to same-sex couples, though this is an evolving area of law. If this applies to you, we're happy to discuss what legal protections are currently available.

What is the minimum age for marriage registration?

21 for men and 18 for women, under both the Hindu Marriage Act and the Special Marriage Act. Registration will not be processed if either partner is below this age.

Contact

Start with a confidential consultation

Reach out with a few details about your situation, and we'll get back to you to arrange a consultation.

Office
W-31, Lower Ground Floor,
Greater Kailash I,
New Delhi – 110048

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