Timeline
- Before travel. Collect and attest foreign documents. We review scans in advance.
- Residence. At least one partner lives in the district for 30 days before the notice. If the Indian partner already lives there, this is usually already satisfied.
- Notice. Notice of intended marriage is given with documents. If a party permanently lives outside the district, a copy may be sent to that district's Marriage Officer.
- 30-day notice period. The notice stays open for objections.
- Solemnisation. Both appear with three witnesses within three months of notice.
- Certificate and apostille. Obtain certified copies and apostille for use abroad.
Reducing the time the NRI partner needs in India
If the partner living in India satisfies the residence requirement, the NRI partner's physical presence is mainly needed for verification and solemnisation. Whether the NRI partner must be present at the notice stage depends on the office's practice. We confirm this for your district.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a tourist-style short visit is enough for a new civil marriage.
- Arriving with unattested foreign documents.
- Missing the three-month window after notice.
Related pages
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the notice be filed while the NRI partner is abroad?
It depends on the office's current practice. We check before you plan travel.
What if we cannot come back within three months of notice?
The notice lapses and a fresh notice is required.
Is a religious wedding plus registration quicker?
Often yes, if a genuine ceremony takes place. We explain both options.
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.