Court Marriage In Pakistan The Easiest Way to Get Married in Karachi, Islamabad / Rawalpindi & Lahore
What is Court Marriage in Pakistan?
Court marriage in Pakistan is a formal union of a man and a woman solemnized before a magistrate or marriage registrar under the provisions of the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961. It is a legally binding marriage recognized by the state and Islamic law.
Court marriage is becoming increasingly popular in Pakistan, especially among young people. There are many reasons for this, including:
- Court marriage is a relatively simple and straightforward process.
- Court marriage is less expensive than traditional marriage.
- Court marriage gives women more rights and protections than conventional marriage.
- Court marriage is a viable option for couples who face opposition from their families or communities.
What is Court Marriage in Pakistan?
Court marriage in Pakistan is a formal union of a man and a woman solemnized before a magistrate or marriage registrar under the provisions of the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961. It is a legally binding marriage recognized by the state and Islamic law.
Court marriage is becoming increasingly popular in Pakistan, especially among young people. There are many reasons for this, including:
- Court marriage is a relatively simple and straightforward process.
- Court marriage is less expensive than traditional marriage.
- Court marriage gives women more rights and protections than conventional marriage.
- Court marriage is a viable option for couples who face opposition from their families or communities.
Is Court Marriage Valid for Overseas Pakistanis?
Yes, court marriage in Pakistan is valid for overseas Pakistanis. Overseas Pakistanis can get married in court in Pakistan by following the same procedure as Pakistani residents.
Procedure for court marriage in Pakistan for overseas Pakistanis:
- Apply to court marriage to the local magistrate or marriage registrar in Pakistan.
- Attach the following documents to the application form:
- Copies of the bride and groom’s national identity cards (NICs)
- Two passport-size photographs of the bride and groom
- An affidavit from each party stating that they are consenting to the marriage of their own free will
- A certificate from a registered medical practitioner stating that the bride and groom are free of any contagious diseases
- If the bride is under the age of 21, a consent letter from her guardian
- If the bride and groom are non-Muslims, an affidavit of religious beliefs
- The magistrate or marriage registrar will publish a notice of the intended marriage in a local newspaper in Pakistan.
- Suppose there are no objections to the marriage within 30 days of the publication of the notice. In that case, the magistrate or marriage registrar will solemnize the marriage in the presence of the bride and groom and two witnesses.
- After the marriage is solemnized, the magistrate or marriage registrar will issue a marriage certificate to the bride and groom.
Overseas Pakistanis can get married in court in Pakistan through a power of attorney:
Suppose an overseas Pakistani cannot be present in Pakistan to get married in court. In that case, they can nominate a representative in Pakistan to act on their behalf through a power of attorney. A power of attorney must be attested by a Pakistani embassy or consulate in the country where the overseas Pakistani resides.
Once a power of attorney is attested, the representative can apply to court marriage on behalf of the overseas Pakistani.
The representative must also attach all required documents to the application form, including the overseas Pakistani’s NIC, passport-size photographs, affidavit of consent, and medical certificate.
After the application is submitted, the representative will receive a notice of the intended marriage.
The representative must then publish the notice in a local newspaper in Pakistan.
Suppose there are no objections to the marriage within 30 days of the publication of the notice. In that case, the magistrate or marriage registrar will solemnize the marriage in the presence of the representative and two witnesses.
After the marriage is solemnized, the magistrate or marriage registrar will issue a marriage certificate to the representative.
Eligibility Criteria for Court Marriage in Pakistan
To be eligible for court marriage in Pakistan, both the bride and groom must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Both the bride and groom must be at least 18 years old.
- Mental soundness: The bride and groom must be mentally sound and capable of consenting to the marriage.
- Marital status: The bride and groom must be unmarried at the time of the marriage.
- Relationship: The bride and groom must not be closely related by blood or marriage.
Court Marriage In Pakistan Criteria for Muslims
In addition to the above criteria, Muslim couples getting married in a court of law must also meet the following requirements:
- Religion: Both the bride and groom must be Muslims.
- Guardian’s consent: If the bride is under 21, she must have her guardian’s permission for the marriage.
Court Marriage In Pakistan Criteria for non-Muslims
Non-Muslim couples getting married in a court of law must also meet the following requirements:
- Religion: Both the bride and groom must be non-Muslims.
- Affidavit of religious beliefs: The bride and groom must submit an affidavit stating that they belong to the same religion and that their marriage is under their community’s religious customs and traditions.
What are the documents required for court marriage in Pakistan?
The following documents are required for court marriage in Pakistan:
- Copies of the bride and groom’s national identity cards (NICs)
- Two passport-size photographs of the bride and groom
- An affidavit from each party stating that they are consenting to the marriage of their own free will
- A certificate from a registered medical practitioner stating that the bride and groom are free of any contagious diseases
- If the bride is under the age of 21, a consent letter from her guardian
- If the bride and groom are non-Muslims, an affidavit of religious beliefs
Procedure for Court Marriage in Pakistan
The procedure for court marriage in Pakistan is relatively straightforward. You and your partner must appear before the marriage registrar, along with your CNICs, passport-sized photos, and witnesses. You’ll both sign a marriage declaration, and your witnesses will also sign. After a 30-day notice period, the marriage certificate is issued. It’s important to ensure both individuals are of legal age and willing participants. This process is a legal and simpler alternative to traditional ceremonies. It is open to people of all religions and backgrounds, making it accessible and convenient for many couples in Pakistan.
Court marriage in Pakistan is a simple and straightforward process. It is a legally binding marriage recognized by the state and Islamic law.
Steps involved in court marriage in Pakistan:
- Apply to court marriage to the local magistrate or marriage registrar. The application form can be downloaded from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) website.
- Attach the following documents to the application form:
- Copies of the bride and groom’s national identity cards (NICs)
- Two passport-size photographs of the bride and groom
- An affidavit from each party stating that they are consenting to the marriage of their own free will
- A certificate from a registered medical practitioner stating that the bride and groom are free of any contagious diseases
- If the bride is under the age of 21, a consent letter from her guardian
- If the bride and groom are non-Muslims, an affidavit of religious beliefs
- Once the application form and all required documents have been submitted, the magistrate or marriage registrar will publish a notice of the intended marriage in a local newspaper. Suppose there are no objections to the union within 30 days of the publication of the notice. In that case, the magistrate or marriage registrar will solemnize the marriage in the presence of the bride and groom and two witnesses.
- After the marriage is solemnized, the magistrate or marriage registrar will issue a marriage certificate to the bride and groom.
Cost of Court Marriage in Pakistan
The cost of court marriage in Pakistan is essential for couples seeking a legal and straightforward marriage process. At many court marriage services, including ours, the fee typically ranges from 20,000 to 25,000 PKR. This fee covers various services, such as legal paperwork, documentation, and assistance throughout the court marriage procedure.
Additional Costs for Court Marriage In Pakistan
In addition to the above fees, there may be some additional costs associated with court marriage, such as:
- The cost of obtaining a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner
- The cost of getting a consent letter from the bride’s guardian (if the bride is under the age of 21)
- The cost of obtaining an affidavit of religious beliefs (if the bride and groom are non-Muslims)
Total Cost of Court Marriage in Pakistan
At Qanoon House, we offer an efficient and cost-effective solution for court marriages in Pakistan. The total cost of court marriage in Pakistan is just 30,000 PKR, which covers all the essential services required. This fee includes the legal procedures, documentation, and expert assistance to make your court marriage a hassle-free and affordable experience. We understand the importance of a straightforward and budget-friendly court marriage process, and our team at Qanoon House is dedicated to making this legal journey smooth and accessible for couples in Pakistan.
What are the benefits of court marriage over traditional marriage in Pakistan?
Court marriage in Pakistan is a legal and binding union between a man and a woman solemnized before a magistrate or marriage registrar under the provisions of the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961. It is a simple, straightforward, and affordable process that offers many benefits to couples over traditional marriage, including:
- Convenience: Court marriage is a much more convenient option for couples than traditional marriage. The process is straightforward and can be completed within a few weeks. Traditional marriages, on the other hand, can be very time-consuming and expensive to organize.
- Affordability: Court marriage is much more affordable than traditional marriage. There are no expensive dowries or wedding expenses involved. Traditional marriages, on the other hand, can be very costly, especially if the couple wants to have a large and elaborate wedding ceremony.
- Protection: Court marriage provides women with greater security than traditional marriage. For example, women in court marriages have the right to divorce and to retain their property in the event of a divorce. On the other hand, formal weddings often give women fewer rights and protections.
- Equality: Court marriage is based on the principles of equality and consent. The bride and groom have an equal say in the marriage and must consent to the marriage freely. Traditional marriages, on the other hand, can be more patriarchal and may not give women an equal say in the marriage.
- Recognition: Court marriages are recognized by the state and by Islamic law. This means that couples who get married in court have the same rights and responsibilities as couples who get married in a traditional ceremony. Traditional marriages, on the other hand, may not be recognized by the state if they are not performed under the law.
Additional benefits
In addition to the above benefits, court marriage also offers many other advantages over traditional marriage, such as:
- Privacy: Court marriages are private ceremonies, and only the bride, groom, and two witnesses must be present. Traditional marriages, on the other hand, are often large and elaborate ceremonies with hundreds of guests.
- Flexibility: Court marriages can be solemnized at any time and on any day of the week. On the other hand, traditional weddings are often held on specific dates and times that may not be convenient for the couple or their families.
- Acceptance: Court marriages are becoming increasingly popular in Pakistan and are now widely accepted by society. Conversely, Traditional weddings may be less accepted by society, especially if the couple is from different social classes or religions.
Contact us for exceptional Nikah Khawan services:
Phone: +92 316 1119655
Email: info@qanoonhouse.com
Location: Qanoon House, B-74, Arifi Street, Near The Meadows Banquet, Johar Hill Road, Block 14, Gulistan e Jauhar, Karachi, 75290, Pakistan.