Consulate General of the United States Kolkata, India

Marriage of an American Citizen in India

The procedure for an American citizen (or any non-Indian) to get married in India depends on whether the parties wish to participate in a religious ceremony or a civil ceremony.  If the government asks you for a “no objection letter”, you can satisfy this request by making an affidavit at the U.S. Consulate General regarding your marital status and eligibility to marry.  Affidavit fees and appointments are required.

•      Make an affidavit (notary) appointment 

Religious Ceremonies

In India, a religious marriage ceremony is generally considered a legal marriage.  However, for marriages registered under the Hindu Marriage Act (affecting Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists), the certificate issued by the temple or gurudwara may not be legally sufficient for all purposes.  Individuals married under the Hindu Marriage Act may seek a formal marriage certificate from the Registrar of Marriages.  If one of the parties is not Indian, the registrar may request a “no objection letter” (see above) and proof of termination of any prior marriages. 

If the parties are married in a Christian, Muslim, Parsi, Jewish, Baha’i or other religious ceremony, the certificate issued by the religious authority (e.g., the church’s marriage certificate, the mosque’s nikah nama, etc.) generally is sufficient proof of marriage, and no certificate from the marriage registrar is necessary.

Civil Ceremonies

Parties who do not wish to marry in a religious ceremony can instead opt for a civil ceremony pursuant to the Special Marriage Act.  Also, individuals of different religions should register the marriage under the Special Marriage Act, even if a religious ceremony has also been performed.  This may also require a “no objection letter” (see above), as well as proof of termination of any previous marriages.

The parties generally are required to wait at least 30 days from the date of the initial application to formalize the marriage so that the marriage officer can publish a newspaper ad allowing for the opportunity for any objections to the marriage to be voiced.

The marriage registrar’s office generally is located in a local community’s court complex or municipal building.

Questions?

Visit the Delhi Government website on registering marriages.