Court marriage FAQ — Ahmedabad & Gujarat

The groom must be at least 21 years old and the bride at least 18 years old on the date of marriage.

Proof of age, ID and address proof for both partners, photographs, affidavits on age and marital status, and ID of witnesses. Divorced or widowed partners also need the divorce decree or death certificate. See the full checklist.

Under the Special Marriage Act, about 30–35 days, because of the compulsory 30-day notice period. Registration of a religious marriage in Gujarat depends on the registrar's verification and waiting period under the 2026 rules.

No. Parental consent is not a legal requirement for a valid marriage between adults. Gujarat's 2026 registration rules ask for parent details and notify parents during registration, which we explain before you file.

Yes. Under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, partners of any religion can marry without either of them converting.

There is a small statutory government fee plus our professional fee, which depends on your route and situation. We tell you the total upfront, in writing, before starting.

No. A notarised "marriage agreement" or "maitri karar" is not proof of a legal marriage. You need a marriage under a recognised law and a certificate from the Marriage Officer or Registrar.

Government offices do not usually work on Sundays and public holidays, so filing and solemnisation happen on working days. You can still call us on any day for advice.

Yes. We advise couples from across Gujarat by phone and WhatsApp and help them file in the correct district, including Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot.

Yes. A marriage solemnised under the Special Marriage Act, 1954 or a Hindu marriage registered with the Registrar is legally valid throughout India, and the certificate is accepted for passports, visas and all official records.

Yes. Under the Special Marriage Act, the notice is given in the district where at least one of you has lived for the 30 days before the notice. If that is Ahmedabad, the marriage can happen here even if your partner lives elsewhere.

No. Parents do not have to attend and their consent is not a condition for a valid marriage between adults. Gujarat's 2026 registration rules do ask for some parent details in registration cases — we explain what applies to you.

Three witnesses for a Special Marriage Act marriage. For registration of a Hindu marriage, the Registrar usually requires two witnesses who attended the ceremony. Each witness needs ID and address proof.

Yes. If the groom is 21 or older and the bride is 18 or older, and the other legal conditions are met, parental permission is not needed for a valid marriage. Gujarat's 2026 rules on registration add procedural steps involving parent details; we will explain how they apply to your route.

Under the Special Marriage Act, the notice of intended marriage is published by the Marriage Officer, and under Gujarat's 2026 registration rules parents may be notified in registration cases. We explain exactly what is published or sent, and to whom, before you file anything.

You can approach the local police and, if necessary, the Gujarat High Court for a protection order. We prepare and file these petitions regularly.

Yes. The Special Marriage Act is open to people of any religion. Neither partner needs to convert, and each keeps their own religion after marriage.

Yes. Under the Act, the marriage can only be solemnised after 30 days from publication of the notice. Courts in some other states have questioned the publication of personal details, but the 30-day period itself still applies in Gujarat.

To the Marriage Officer for the district where at least one of you has resided for 30 days. We confirm the correct office and appointment process for your address.

Any three adults with valid ID and address proof — friends, colleagues or relatives. They must be present on the day of the marriage to sign.

Yes. The Gujarat Registration of Marriages Act, 2006 requires marriages solemnised in Gujarat to be registered. Late registration is possible but may involve additional fees and paperwork.

No. A certificate from an Arya Samaj mandir records the ceremony, but it is not a government marriage certificate. You should register the marriage with the Registrar to get an official certificate.

Yes. Late registration is allowed. You will need proof of the marriage (photographs, invitation, affidavits) and, in some cases, additional affidavits explaining the delay.

Yes, between two Hindus (including Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs) who meet the conditions of the Hindu Marriage Act. To prove it officially, register it with the Registrar of Marriages.

The ceremony can usually be done on the same day if documents are ready. The government registration that follows has its own process and waiting period.

No. Under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, partners of different religions can marry without conversion.

No. Parents cannot legally stop the marriage of two adults who meet the conditions of the law. An objection on the ground of caste or religion is not a legal ground.

Yes. As long as at least one partner meets the 30-day residence requirement in the district, the marriage can take place in Ahmedabad. Both partners must attend the marriage itself.

Generally yes, once apostilled. Requirements vary by country, so check the specific embassy's spouse visa checklist; we can help with the apostille.

Apply to the office that registered your marriage for a certified copy, with ID proof and the registration details (number and date if you have them). We can file the application for you.

Yes, by applying to the registering authority with documents proving the correct details and an affidavit.

No. You can marry again only after the divorce decree is granted and, for contested decrees, the appeal period has passed or the appeal is decided.

Yes. Adults living together or intending to marry can seek protection. It is helpful to have proof of age and, if married, proof of the marriage.

Under the Special Marriage Act, roughly 30–35 days from filing the notice, because of the mandatory 30-day notice period. Registration of a religious marriage depends on the registrar's verification period under current Gujarat rules.

Not under the Special Marriage Act — the 30-day notice is compulsory. A religious ceremony can be done the same day, but the government certificate follows only after registration.

Both partners sign the notice. Office practice on personal presence at filing varies; both must be present, with witnesses, on the day of marriage.

Aadhaar works as ID and address proof, but you will usually also need a separate proof of date of birth such as a birth certificate, school leaving certificate or passport.

No. Any adult with valid ID and address proof can be a witness — friends and colleagues are fine.