# Legal marriage timeline for foreigners

Source: https://www.marryloom.com/tools/special-marriage-act-timeline

Publisher: MarryLoom (https://www.marryloom.com)
Updated: 2026-10-02

Work out when to arrive and give notice, so you can marry under the Special Marriage Act.

Under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, one partner lives in the district for 30 days before giving notice; anyone may object within 30 days of the notice; the marriage is solemnised after that, within 3 months of the notice, before 3 witnesses.

## Example: marrying on 20 February 2027

- **22 December 2026:** Arrive and start living in the district. At least one of you needs to live in the Marriage Officer’s district for 30 days before you give notice. Keep proof of your address from the first day.
- **21 January 2027:** Give notice of intended marriage. Give your notice to the Marriage Officer, who publishes it. This is the last day you can give it and still have the full waiting period before your date.
- **20 February 2027:** Objection period ends. Anyone may object within 30 days of the notice being published.
- **20 February 2027:** Marry before the Marriage Officer. You marry in front of 3 witnesses, after the waiting period and within 3 months of the notice. The marriage is registered the same day.

## Documents offices typically ask for

- Passports and valid Indian visas
- Proof of address in the district for the 30 days (for example, a letter from your hotel or landlord)
- Birth certificates and passport photographs
- A sworn statement of age and marital status
- If previously married, a divorce decree or a death certificate
- For foreign nationals, often a certificate of no impediment or single status from your embassy

General information, not legal advice. Most couples from abroad marry legally at home and hold the ceremony in India.

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