A marriage validly registered in Sri Lanka is generally recognised in India, and its certificate can be authenticated, attested and translated for Indian use. Couples marrying in India can register a Hindu marriage under section 8 of the Hindu Marriage Act or marry under the Special Marriage Act. After two years of a registered marriage, a Sri Lankan spouse can usually apply for an OCI card.
- Document route
- Sri Lankan notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation, then Indian mission attestation
- Time difference
- IST and Sri Lanka time are the same all year
- Hindu marriages
- Section 8, Hindu Marriage Act 1955
- Civil marriage
- Special Marriage Act 1954
Marriage Registration from Sri Lanka: how it works
For a Sri Lankan marriage, we arrange authentication of the certificate by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and attestation by the Indian mission, with an English translation, and present it to the Indian authority, bank or court that needs it. For a Hindu or Christian ceremony in India, we register it with the local registrar using proof of the ceremony, photographs and witnesses.
For a civil marriage in India, we file notice under the Special Marriage Act where one partner has lived for at least 30 days, handle objections, and arrange the solemnisation and certificate. We then advise on visa, OCI and name changes, and on wills and property planning for the couple.
What clients in Sri Lanka should know
- The Sri Lankan partner may need a certificate or affidavit of single status.
- Use identical name spellings in passports, certificates and applications.
- Registration in India makes later succession and property matters much simpler.
Step by step from Sri Lanka
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Sri Lanka, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation, then Indian mission 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 Sri Lanka where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Sri Lanka. 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 Sri Lanka and the Cross-Border Family Law practice area.
Questions from clients in Sri Lanka
Is a marriage registered in Sri Lanka valid in India?
Yes, if valid under Sri Lankan law and both parties had capacity. Authenticate and attest the certificate for Indian use.
Can we register our temple wedding in Tamil Nadu?
Yes, under the Hindu Marriage Act and the state rules, with proof of the ceremony.
When can my Sri Lankan spouse get OCI?
After the marriage has been registered and has lasted at least two years, subject to checks.