How to get married as fast as possible in India

We all want to get married as fast as possible. Weddings can be stressful, especially with a lot of cultural traditions that would lengthen the already long process of in-person weddings. If you’re not a big fan of big weddings, then you and your partner will love online weddings. With Courtly, you can get officially married in less than an hour! Here’s everything you need to know about getting an online marriage in India.

What is the fastest way to get married in India?

Simple answer: online marriage! If you want to get married online, the process is fairly simple. You will need to apply for your marriage certificate online and pay a fee. You'll also need to provide proof that both parties are over 18 years old, such as a driver's license number or passport number. 

Couples using Courtly can complete the entire process online from anywhere in the world. It is painless, paperless, and usually takes less than 48 hours to obtain a legal, US marriage certificate. 

Are online marriages legal in India?

Traditionally, online marriages are not legally recognized in India. However, with Courtly, you can have an online wedding with a legal US marriage certificate from anywhere around the world which can be recognized in India. This is the same as getting married abroad minus the inconvenience and costly travel expenses.

India recognizes foreign marriage certificates. We strictly abide by the protocol provided by Utah County to ensure your marriage certificate is 100% legal in the US. Virtual couples also have the option to get their marriage certificate signed by an apostille to certify its legitimacy.

Why would I want a U.S. marriage certificate in India?

You can use your U.S. marriage certificate as proof of your marriage both abroad and in India. This will help you when the time comes to apply for a visa and other immigration documents more easily at the Indian consulate. But even if migration isn’t in your plan, having a U.S. marriage certificate just makes the whole marriage process easier and hassle-free. You don’t need to legally register your online marriage in India or wait for 30-days to have a wedding ceremony.

Is there a need to get your online marriage registered in India?

According to the “Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident Indian Bill”, if the marriage occurred outside India, it must be registered with a Marriage Officer, who will be appointed from among the diplomatic officers in a foreign country.  

In the case of a virtual marriage, even with a U.S. marriage certificate, it can be considered as a marriage outside of India. For further clarification, it’s best to contact the officials in your jurisdiction or an immigration or family law attorney. They can help you determine the legal status of your remote appearance wedding and any additional steps or documents you may need for recognition.

What is an Apostille and do I need one?

The Apostille is an international certificate of authentication issued by the country to whose jurisdiction the document pertains to. It ensures that the document is authentic, and it ensures that it can be used in other countries as well. Courtly provides Apostille certification, which can take between 15 to 30 business days to reach India after the online ceremony. 

How to apply for an online marriage in India?

Couples can complete the full marriage process online from any location. Just make sure that you have a good internet connection. Other than that, there are no bells and whistles when it comes to online marriages. This is how the process goes with Courtly:

1. Our concierge will assist you in obtaining your license utilizing our safe ID verification system. To make sure everything is prepared for your big day, we'll look over everything for faults and coordinate with the authorities.
2. Choose a time and date, and we'll match you with one of our certified US officiants.
3. You can have a simple virtual ceremony in the comforts of your own home (or any other location with a reliable internet connection). The whole ceremony itself should just last a few minutes.
4. You'll receive a copy of your US marriage certificate online shortly after your online ceremony, and a print copy will be shipped to you within the following few business days.

How much does it cost to have an online marriage in India?

Compared to the West, Indian weddings are more ornate, colorful, and grandiose. It involves many sacred traditions and rituals. They also tend to last up to a week, with events, meals, and celebrations every day. As a result, they can be expensive. It’s also quite normal in India to invite over a hundred guests. So, traditions trump budgets. 

Online marriage is a penny saver. Courtly provides packages that include everything you'll need for a successful online marriage. For ₹39,599, you will get a valid marriage license, an online ceremony, and a legal, U.S. marriage certificate. If you want to include an apostille stamp or request witnesses, there are additional fees.

What if I want to get married traditionally in India? What are the steps required?

Getting married in India involves several steps that need to be completed before the ceremony can take place. These steps include obtaining legal documentation such as a legal notice and a marriage certificate, performing a marriage ceremony according to the couple's religious or personal preferences, registering the marriage with the local authorities, and applying for a formal marriage certificate. Depending on the couple's religion and personal circumstances, there may be additional requirements such as meeting with a marriage counselor or obtaining consent from parents.

If you are looking for a hassle-free and quick wedding day, then online marriage is the best option. All you need is a valid ID, and a great internet connection, and within 48 hours you can get your marriage certificate. No lengthy waiting period. You'll also save money by not having to pay for travel expenses, grand costumes, or accommodations—you can just stay home! And the best part is that you can avoid all the bureaucracy that comes with traditional, in-person ceremonies.

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