A marriage performed in Lebanon is recognised in India if valid under the applicable Lebanese religious community law, and civil marriages performed abroad and registered in Lebanon are also recognised. The certificate can be legalised, attested and translated for Indian use. Marrying in India is another option, under the Special Marriage Act, after 30 days of residence in the district.
- Document route
- Lebanese notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalisation, then Indian Embassy attestation
- Time difference
- IST is 2h30 ahead of Lebanon in summer and 3h30 in winter
- Hindu marriages
- Section 8, Hindu Marriage Act 1955
- Civil marriage
- Special Marriage Act 1954
Marriage Registration from Lebanon: how it works
For a Lebanese marriage, we check validity under the community law, arrange legalisation, Embassy attestation and translation, and present the certificate to the Indian authority.
For a marriage in India, we prepare the notice and documents and arrange the solemnisation. Many Lebanese couples of different faiths marry civilly abroad, and an Indian Special Marriage Act marriage is one option.
We also advise on registering the Indian marriage with the Lebanese authorities.
Because Lebanon has no domestic civil marriage, some Lebanese and Indian couples of different faiths choose to marry in Cyprus or India; we advise on which option suits the couple's future residence.
What clients in Lebanon should know
- The Lebanese partner needs proof of single status.
- Use identical name spellings.
- Register in both countries if you will live in both.
Step by step from Lebanon
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Lebanon, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Lebanon
Lebanese notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalisation, then Indian Embassy attestation
Work in India
Our team files, appears and follows up in India, and shares scans of everything filed.
Result and handover
Certified copies and originals are couriered to you in Lebanon where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Lebanon. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on Marriage Registration, or see all services for clients in Lebanon and the Cross-Border Family Law practice area.
Questions from clients in Lebanon
Is a religious marriage in Lebanon valid in India?
Yes, if valid under the applicable community law.
Can we marry civilly in India?
Yes; the Special Marriage Act allows it.
Will Lebanon recognise our Indian civil marriage?
Civil marriages performed abroad can generally be registered in Lebanon.
Should we marry in Cyprus or India?
It depends on where you will live and how each country will register the marriage.