I have been planning to write my first article for quite a while, and it had to be on something special. What could be more special than Love? Well — surely the legal journey to it. And specifically, a topic that is quietly but steadily becoming common as we cross global boundaries in relationships.
So the topic of my first article is:
Registration of Marriages in Uttarakhand — especially marriages where one spouse is a foreign national.
This has become even more interesting since the introduction of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, which came into effect on 27 January 2025.
Let’s start by brushing up the basics.
1. How Are Marriages Registered in India?
In India, marriage registration has traditionally depended on personal laws:
- Hindu Marriage Act
- Christian Marriage Act
- Muslim personal law (Nikah)
- Parsi Marriage & Divorce Act
- And the Special Marriage Act (SMA), which is religion-neutral
However, since the introduction of the UCC in Uttarakhand, marriages in the state are now registered under the UCC through a dedicated portal:
👉 UCC Portal, Uttarakhand: https://ucc.uk.gov.in/
But this does NOT mean the Special Marriage Act has disappeared.
Nor does it mean that a foreigner can register a marriage under UCC.
More on that shortly.
2. Wedding vs Marriage Registration — Keeping It Simple
Matches may be made in heaven, but weddings definitely take place here — sometimes around the holy fire, in a church, in a gurudwara, as a Nikah, or in dozens of traditional ways.
A wedding is the celebration or ceremony.
But a marriage becomes legally recognized only when registered with a statutory authority.
Uttarakhand has made the UCC portal extremely convenient — you can register your marriage sitting at home.
However:
Things get tricky when one spouse is a foreign national.
Why?
Because UCC registration requires Aadhaar, and foreigners on a Tourist Visa cannot obtain Aadhaar.
So let’s reduce the confusion.
3. Foreigners Cannot Register Under UCC (For Now)
This is the single biggest issue couples face:
✔ A foreign national cannot get Aadhaar.
✔ Without Aadhaar, you cannot register a marriage under UCC.
✔ Therefore, marriages involving a foreigner must be registered under the Special Marriage Act (SMA).
Even if the wedding already took place, even if it was in Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar — the solution is SMA, not UCC.
4. Special Marriage Act — Your Real Tool
The Special Marriage Act is the central law that governs interfaith, inter-caste, and international marriages in India.
It provides two pathways:
Option 1: The 30-Day Notice Marriage (Solemnization before SDM)
This is for couples who have not had their wedding yet.
**Option 2: Registering an Already Celebrated Marriage
(SMA Section 16 — “marriage celebrated in other forms”)**
This is for couples who:
- Already had a Hindu/Christian/Sikh/Nikah wedding
- Now want to legally register and obtain a certificate
Most officials are familiar with Option 1.
Very few understand Option 2.
This is where confusion begins and delays pile up.
5. Foreign Marriage Act — Not Applicable Here
The Foreign Marriage Act applies to marriages outside India.
Since we’re discussing marriages performed in Uttarakhand, it does not apply.
6. Real-Life Problems Couples Are Facing — and Solutions
Many foreigner + Indian couples face:
- Wrong advice from officials
- Incorrect forms given by lawyers
- Rejection due to Aadhaar issues
- Being told UCC registration is compulsory
- Endless visits to SDM offices
To save you that nightmare, here is a clear, practical guide.
**7. Step-by-Step Guide to Registering Your Marriage
(In Uttarakhand, When One Spouse is a Foreigner)**
Step 1: Hire a lawyer’s that understands Special Marriage Act
This is crucial.
You will require lot of Paperwork
Step 2: Prepare and submit documents at the Marriage (SDM) Office
You will need:
- Passport + valid visa of foreign spouse
- Three witnesses with valid Indian ID (preferably Aadhaar)
- Passport-sized photos
- Proof of residence (rental agreement/host affidavit)
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the foreign spouse’s Embassy
- Affidavits prepared in the correct format based on whether the marriage has already taken place
Step 3: Submit your application and issue the 30-day public notice
Even for Section 16, the 30-day notice still applies.
Step 4: Attend the initial hearing with witnesses
Step 5: After 30 days, attend your final hearing
On approval, your marriage certificate will be issued.
8. Why This Matters So Much
Your marriage certificate will be essential for:
- Spouse visa applications
- OCI card
- Immigration
- Joint banking
- Legal rights in both countries
A delay in registration can disrupt:
- Visa timelines
- Travel plans
- Immigration processing
- Even the legal validity of the marriage abroad
This article and guidance exist to help couples avoid months of unnecessary struggle.
9. Final Thoughts
If you are marrying a foreign national in Uttarakhand, especially post-UCC 2025, remember :
Use the Special Marriage Act
Love should never suffer because of legal paperwork.
And to keep it practical — I handle all these marriage registrations in Dehradun, Rishikesh, and surrounding areas.