Court Marriage Procedure — Step by Step

The steps

1. Check eligibility. Age 21 and 18, no living spouse, sound mind, not within prohibited degrees.
2. Find the right district. Where at least one of you has lived for 30 days.
3. Prepare documents and affidavits.
4. Give notice (section 5). In the prescribed form to the Marriage Officer.
5. Publication (section 6). The notice is entered in the Marriage Notice Book and published.
6. Objection period (section 7). 30 days. Objections must be on legal grounds.
7. Inquiry into objections (sections 8 and 9). If any.
8. Declaration and solemnisation (sections 11 and 12). Both parties and three witnesses sign before the Marriage Officer.
9. Certificate (section 13).

Timeline in practice

The minimum is set by the 30-day notice period. The marriage must take place within three months of the notice, or a fresh notice is needed. Preparation time and appointment availability vary.

Where people go wrong

• Giving notice in a district without real 30-day residence
• Different spellings or dates of birth across documents
• Witnesses arriving without original ID
• Letting the three-month window lapse

Related pages

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: This page gives general information about the law and procedure as understood at the time of writing. It is not legal advice for your situation. Requirements may vary depending on the parties' circumstances, applicable law, jurisdiction and the concerned authority, and rules and forms change from time to time. Please consult an advocate before acting.