Court Marriage in Pakistan: Legal Process, Fees & Requirements (2026)
Court Marriage in Pakistan: Complete Legal Guide (2026)
Institutional Trust by Qanoon Group (Est. 1985)
Court marriage in Pakistan is a fundamental legal right provided to consenting adults. Under the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961, and provincial statutes, it offers a secure and documented pathway for couples to formalize their union with full state protection.
1. Eligibility Criteria for Court Marriage
To ensure your marriage is legally valid and recognized by the High Court and NADRA, the following criteria must be met:
- Legal Age: According to the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act and recent judicial rulings in Punjab and ICT, both the bride and groom must be at least 18 years of age.
- Free Consent: Both parties must enter the union voluntarily. At Qanoon House, we ensure an Affidavit of Free Will is executed to prevent any future legal challenges.
- Mental Soundness: Both individuals must possess the mental capacity to understand the legal contract of marriage.
- Prohibited Degrees: The marriage must not violate the prohibited degrees of relationship as defined in Muslim Personal Law.
2. Essential Documentation Checklist
Before visiting any of our 8 nationwide branches, ensure you have the following documents ready:
Requirement | Details |
Identification | Original CNIC, B-Form, or valid Passport. |
Photographs | 6 recent passport-sized photos of both parties. |
Witnesses | 2 adult Muslim witnesses with valid CNIC copies. |
Marital Status | Divorce decree or Death Certificate (if previously married). |
Affidavits | Sworn declaration of age, consent, and marital status. |
3. The Court Marriage Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Operating under the Qanoon Group’s 40-year legacy, we streamline the process into five professional steps:
- Legal Consultation: Verification of ages and documents at our Head Office or regional branches.
- Affidavit Drafting: Preparation of the “Declaration of Free Will” on legal stamp paper.
- Nikah Solemnization: The ceremony is performed by a Licensed Nikah Registrar (not a judge) to ensure religious and legal compliance.
- Nikah Nama Execution: Immediate issuance of two sealed, original copies of the marriage contract.
- Union Council Registration: Processing the Nikah Nama for the NADRA Marriage Registration Certificate (MRC).
4. Legal Implications and Rights
A court marriage facilitated by professional lawyers provides robust legal security:
- Inheritance & Maintenance: Immediate entitlement to marital rights and dower (Mahr).
- Global Validity: Documents are suitable for visa processing, immigration, and foreign office attestation.
- Protection: Legal safeguards against harassment or forced familial interference.
5. Common Misconceptions (The Truth)
- Myth: Court marriage is performed by a judge.
- Fact: In Pakistan, it is a civil-religious contract performed by a licensed Nikah Registrar.
- Myth: It is illegal without parental consent.
- Fact: Islam and Pakistani Law empower independent adults (18+) to choose their partners.
📍 Visit Your Nearest Qanoon House Branch
For the Holy Ramadhan Special (50% Concession), visit our offices:
- Karachi Head Office: T-219, Supreme Corner, Gulistan-e-Johar. (+92 331 6644789)
- Saddar Branch: 206 Al-Aisha Chambers, Near Sindh High Court. (+92 333 1127837)
- Islamabad Office: G-9 Markaz, Laraib Plaza. (+92 302 6644789)
- Lahore Office: Chauburji Chowk, Al-Mairaj Arcade. (+92 336 3747047)
- Rawalpindi Office: Marir Hassan Chowk. (+92 316 6644789)