Marriage Laws in India 2026

Updated 2026-05-17 · Manzil Editorial Team

Special Marriage Act 1954

Civil marriage without religious conversion. Applies to any caste / religion / nationality. Process: 30-day public notice + solemnisation in front of 3 witnesses at the Marriage Registrar's office. Timeline: 35-45 days. Most common path for inter-caste and inter-faith couples. Documentation: photo ID, age proof, residence proof, photos, witness IDs.

Hindu Marriage Act 1955

Governs marriages where both partners are Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh or Jain. Marriage performed by Hindu rites (saptapadi + homam). Registration within 90 days at local Marriage Registrar. Inter-caste matches within Hindu fold fully allowed. Divorce on grounds of cruelty, desertion (2+ years), adultery, conversion, mental illness, virulent disease, presumption of death.

Indian Christian Marriage Act 1872

Governs marriages where one partner is Christian. Marriage performed by an ordained priest or by a marriage registrar of the church / state. Registration in the marriage register of the church or state. Specific procedural requirements vary by denomination.

Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act 1937

Governs marriages where both partners are Muslim. Marriage by nikah ceremony in front of two witnesses + mahr (dower) + qubool (acceptance). Registration with Muslim Marriage Registrar recommended. Divorce forms: talaq (instant triple talaq banned 2019), khula (wife-initiated), faskh (judicial), mubarat (mutual).

Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act 1936

Governs marriages where both partners are Parsi. Marriage by ashirvad ceremony. Registration with the local Marriage Registrar. Divorce on specific grounds defined in the Act.

Other related Acts

Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006 — minimum age 21 men / 18 women (proposed change to 21 women under bill). Foreign Marriage Act 1969 — for Indians marrying abroad. Domestic Violence Act 2005 — protection of women in marriage. Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act 1956 — maintenance for women / children.

Which Act applies to inter-faith couples

Special Marriage Act 1954 is the standard path — no religious conversion required. If one partner converts, the personal-law act of the resulting common religion can also apply. SMA is generally cleaner and safer.