By Advocate Md. Shah Alam · 2026-06-28 · 13 min read
Court marriage — often called registry marriage — in Bangladesh refers to the formal legal registration of a marriage, giving it full force and recognition under the law. Whether you are registering a Muslim nikah at a Kazi office, solemnizing an inter-religious marriage under the Special Marriage Act 1872, or formalising a marriage through an affidavit-based process, this comprehensive 2026 guide covers every step, required document, cost, and legal right you need to know.
The term "court marriage" in Bangladesh is commonly used to describe the legal registration of a marriage, rather than a marriage ceremony performed in a courtroom. In practice, it refers to one of three mechanisms:
All three methods produce a legally recognized marriage under Bangladeshi law. However, they differ in procedure, cost, eligibility, and the courts that have jurisdiction over related disputes.
For Muslim citizens, the Muslim Marriages and Divorces (Registration) Act 1974 governs the registration of nikah. Under this law, every Muslim marriage in Bangladesh must be registered. Failure to register is an offence under Section 5 of the Act, punishable with simple imprisonment up to 2 years or a fine of Tk. 3,000, or both — though in practice enforcement varies.
The Kabinnama (also called Nikah Nama) is the official marriage contract document. It records:
The Kabinnama is the most important document in any subsequent family law proceeding — divorce, mahr claim, inheritance, child custody — and should be kept safely. Certified copies can be obtained from the Kazi office at any time.
The Kazi office process is the standard route for Muslim court marriage in Bangladesh. Here is the step-by-step procedure:
Age Requirements: Under the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2017, the minimum marriage age in Bangladesh is 18 years for females and 21 years for males. The Kazi must verify age through National ID or birth certificate before registering the marriage.
Prior Marriage Check: If either party has been married before, the previous marriage must have been legally dissolved (divorce certificate or death certificate of previous spouse must be produced).
The Special Marriage Act 1872 provides a legal framework for marriages between persons of different religions, or for those who do not wish to marry under their personal religious law. This is the closest equivalent to a truly civil or secular court marriage in Bangladesh.
This type of marriage is particularly relevant for inter-faith couples (e.g., Muslim–Christian, Hindu–Christian) and Bangladeshis marrying foreign nationals.
An affidavit-based court marriage is a practical option when a couple has already married informally (e.g., in a family ceremony without official registration) and now needs documentary proof of their marriage for legal, administrative, or visa purposes. It is also used by couples who want to establish a legal record quickly.
Important Note: An affidavit alone does not substitute for a registered Kabinnama or a Special Marriage Act certificate for all legal purposes. For matters such as passport applications, inheritance proceedings, or overseas visa applications, a properly registered marriage document (Kabinnama or Special Marriage Certificate) is strongly preferred. An affidavit is best used as a supplementary document.
The required documents vary by the type of court marriage. Use the checklist table below to ensure you are fully prepared:
| Document | Kazi (Muslim Nikah) | Special Marriage Act | Affidavit Marriage |
|---|---|---|---|
| National ID Card (both parties) | Required | Required | Required |
| Birth Certificate | Recommended | Required | Recommended |
| Passport-size photographs (4 each) | Required | Required | Required |
| Witnesses (at least 2 per party) | Required | Required (3 total) | Required (2) |
| Divorce Certificate or Death Certificate (if previously married) | Required | Required | Required |
| Wali's (guardian's) consent (bride under 21) | Recommended | Not required | Optional |
| Notice of Intended Marriage (30-day) | Not required | Required | Not required |
| Sworn Affidavit | Not required | Not required | Required |
| Religion conversion certificate (if applicable) | If applicable | Not required | If applicable |
The cost of court marriage in Bangladesh is generally affordable. Below is a comprehensive breakdown for 2026:
| Item | Kazi (Muslim) | Special Marriage Act | Affidavit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Registration Fee | Tk. 200 – 500 | Tk. 500 – 1,500 | N/A |
| Kazi / Registrar Fee | Tk. 1,000 – 5,000 | Tk. 2,000 – 5,000 | N/A |
| Stamp Duty (affidavit/deed) | Tk. 300 | Tk. 300 – 500 | Tk. 300 – 600 |
| Notary / Magistrate Fee (affidavit) | Optional | Not applicable | Tk. 500 – 1,500 |
| Lawyer Fee (document preparation) | Tk. 2,000 – 8,000 | Tk. 5,000 – 15,000 | Tk. 2,000 – 6,000 |
| Certified Copy of Certificate | Tk. 100 – 300 | Tk. 200 – 500 | Tk. 100 – 300 |
| Approximate Total | Tk. 4,000 – 15,000 | Tk. 8,000 – 25,000 | Tk. 3,000 – 10,000 |
These figures are estimates for Dhaka in 2026. Kazi fees are negotiable and can vary significantly between registrars. Lawyers with more experience may charge higher fees but provide more comprehensive assistance.
The time required to complete a court marriage depends on the type chosen:
If any party's NID or birth certificate needs to be obtained first, or if a previous marriage dissolution needs to be documented, additional time will be required before commencing the marriage registration process.
A court marriage in Bangladesh confers full legal rights on both spouses. The key legal consequences include:
Couples seeking to register a court marriage in Bangladesh often face practical hurdles. Here are the most common issues and their solutions:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Family opposition to marriage | Adult parties (18+ bride, 21+ groom) can legally marry without parental consent in Bangladesh. A lawyer can advise on safe registration options. |
| Lost or missing Kabinnama | Apply for a certified copy at the Kazi office where the marriage was registered. If the Kazi is unavailable, the Union Parishad Chairman may have records. |
| One party is a foreign national | The foreign national must produce a valid passport and, if required, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or certificate of single status from their home country's embassy. The Special Marriage Act 1872 is typically used. |
| Previous marriage not dissolved | The previous marriage must be legally dissolved first. For a widow or widower, a death certificate of the former spouse is required. For divorcees, the divorce certificate from the Union Parishad Chairman is required. |
| Kazi refuses to register the marriage | A Kazi cannot arbitrarily refuse registration. Consult a lawyer who can escalate the matter or identify an alternative licensed Kazi in the area. |
| Under-age party | Under the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2017, the marriage cannot be legally registered until the minimum age is reached. A Kazi who registers a child marriage faces criminal liability. |
Advocate Md. Shah Alam, based at his Uttara chamber in Dhaka, provides comprehensive legal assistance for all types of court marriage registration in Bangladesh. Whether you are a Muslim couple registering your nikah, an inter-faith couple seeking a Special Marriage Act 1872 ceremony, or a couple needing to formalise an existing marriage through affidavit, the chamber offers tailored support.
Services provided include:
The Uttara chamber is conveniently located for clients from Uttara, Turag, Dakshinkhan, Airport area, Tongi, and Gazipur. To book a consultation, contact the office here or visit the Family Law service page.
Yes. Under the Special Marriage Act 1872, a marriage can be legally solemnized before a Marriage Registrar without any religious ceremony. This applies to all persons regardless of religion. The resulting Marriage Certificate is fully valid under Bangladeshi law.
Adult parties — a bride aged 18 or above and a groom aged 21 or above — can legally register a marriage without parental consent or knowledge under Bangladeshi law. The Child Marriage Restraint Act 2017 only requires parental involvement for under-age marriages. An experienced lawyer can advise on how to proceed discreetly and safely.
The Kabinnama (also called Nikah Nama) is the official Muslim marriage registration document issued by the licensed Kazi registrar under the Muslim Marriages and Divorces (Registration) Act 1974. It serves as the primary proof of a Muslim marriage in Bangladesh and is equivalent to a marriage certificate for all legal purposes including passport applications, divorce proceedings, and inheritance claims.
A Muslim nikah at the Kazi office can be completed and the Kabinnama issued on the same day, provided all documents and witnesses are present. A Special Marriage Act 1872 marriage requires a mandatory 30-day notice period, making the total process about 35–45 days. An affidavit-based marriage declaration can be done within 1–3 days.
Under classical Islamic law, a Muslim man may marry a Christian or Jewish woman (People of the Book). Such a marriage can be registered with a Kazi in Bangladesh. For a Muslim woman marrying a non-Muslim man, the Special Marriage Act 1872 may be used, though this is legally complex and legal advice should be sought. Conversion to Islam by the non-Muslim party simplifies the process.
You can obtain a certified copy of your Kabinnama from the Kazi office where the marriage was originally registered. The Kazi maintains an official register. If the Kazi is no longer available, the relevant Union Parishad or Ward Commissioner office may have records. A lawyer can assist in the retrieval process and obtain a certified copy for use in legal proceedings.