Legal Wedding Age in India: Essential Guide for Men and Women.

Informations You Need to Know.

Before starting your matrimonial journey, it’s essential to understand the legal wedding age in India:

    •    Minimum age for men: 21 yrs
    •    Minimum age for women: 18 yrs

These age limits apply across most religions under national laws (Special Marriage Act, Hindu Marriage Act, Christian Marriage Act, and Parsi Marriage Act)

There has been a proposed bill to raise the minimum age for women to 21 years (to match that of men), but as of July 2025, this has not become law and is still under legislative review.

Key Legal Rules for Marriage

Laws Governing Marriage

- Hindu Marriage Act, 1955: Applies to Hindus (including Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains).

- Special Marriage Act, 1954: Applies to all regardless of religion (court marriage).

- Christian Marriage Act, 1872: Applies to Christians.

- Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936: Applies to Parsis.

- Muslim Personal Law (Shariat): Traditionally based on puberty, but the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act takes precedence for legal recognition in most cases

 Key Provisions

- Monogamy: Both parties must not be married to anyone else at the time of marriage.

- Prohibited Relationships: Marriage is not allowed between close blood relatives (unless customary exceptions exist within the respective religion or law).

- Consent: Both parties must give free and informed consent to the marriage and be of sound mind.

- Registration: Marriages must be registered to gain legal status and benefits. Non-registration can cause issues with inheritance, spousal rights, and the legitimacy of children.

 Required Documents for Marriage Registration

- Valid proof of age (birth certificate, passport, etc.).

- Identification (Aadhaar card, voter ID, etc.).

- Proof of residence.

- Passport-sized photographs.

- Marriage affidavit and, if applicable, divorce order/death certificate of previous spouse.

Penalties for Violation

- Marriage under the legal age is considered child marriage and is voidable, i.e., can be annulled at the request of the minor party upon reaching majority.

- Persons (including parents/guardians and priests) facilitating or conducting child marriages are liable to be punished under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.

For anyone planning a marriage in India, understanding and following these laws is essential to ensure rights, protections, and societal legitimacy.