Last reviewed: 27 September 2026. Laws and procedures change; check current rules before acting.
Section 5 of the Special Marriage Act says notice must be given to the Marriage Officer of the district where at least one party has resided for at least 30 days immediately before the notice. This single rule decides where you apply.
Only one partner needs to meet it
If one of you lives in South Delhi and the other in Lucknow, you can apply in South Delhi on the strength of the Delhi partner's residence. If a party permanently lives in another district, a copy of the notice may be sent to the Marriage Officer there.
What 'resided' means
It means actually living there, not owning property there or working there. A workplace in Delhi does not qualify a Gurugram resident. A short, genuine stay can count; a paper address with no actual residence does not.
Proof that offices commonly accept
| Situation | Proof often used |
|---|---|
| Own or family home | Aadhaar, voter ID, passport or utility bill at that address |
| Tenant | Registered or notarised rent agreement, with a utility bill or police verification where available |
| Paying guest or hostel | Letter from the PG owner or hostel, with ID proof of the owner; acceptance varies |
| Living with relatives | Relative's address proof plus an affidavit of residence |
Acceptance varies by office. Confirm before you file.
In Delhi, district means sub-division in practice
In Delhi the SDM of your sub-division acts as Marriage Officer. After the 2026 reorganisation, check the current sub-division for your address on the SDM office list.
Couples in different NCR states
If one of you lives in Delhi and the other in Noida or Gurugram, you can choose either district. The Special Marriage Act conditions are the same, but documents and office practice differ. See court marriage across Delhi NCR.
NRIs
An NRI partner rarely meets the residence rule, so the Indian partner usually does. Otherwise at least 30 days' stay before notice plus the 30-day notice period is needed. See NRI marriage procedure.
Related services
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.