Court Marriage in Bangladesh 2026: Procedure, Documents, Notary Affidavit & Lawyer Fees

Contrary to common belief, judicial magistrates in Bangladesh do not solemnize marriages directly on the courtroom bench. Instead, court marriage refers to the lawful execution of a sworn Special Affidavit of Marriage affirming mutual free consent, majority, and sound mental health, followed immediately by religious solemnization and official registration with a licensed Marriage Registrar (Kazi).

Both parties must provide the following documentation:

• Proof of Age: Valid NID cards, Smart Cards, passports, or verifiable online digital birth certificates (English/Bangla 17-digit format).
• Photographs: 4 recent passport-size photographs of each party.
• Witness Identifications: Copies of NID cards of at least two adult witnesses of sound mind.
• Divorce or Death Certificate: If either party was previously married, certified Talaknama or death certificate of previous spouse.

Overall expenditure comprises non-judicial stamp paper, notarization fees, professional legal drafting, and statutory registration fees:

• Stamp & Notary Public Costs: Approx. BDT 1,500 - 3,000 depending on stamp denominations.
• Lawyer Drafting & Certification: BDT 2,000 - 5,000 for robust legal protection drafting.
• Statutory Kazi Fee: BDT 1,250 per BDT 100,000 dower (Denmohar) value up to BDT 500,000 as per government gazette rates.

Under Section 5(2) of the Muslim Marriages and Divorces (Registration) Act 1974, failure to register a Muslim marriage is a punishable offence. Relying solely on a notary paper without a registered Nikahnama creates immense legal hurdles during visa processing, passport amendments, inheritance claims, or maintenance disputes.

When adult couples marry against parental wishes, disgruntled families sometimes lodge fabricated abduction charges under Section 7/8 of the Nari-O-Shishu Nirjatan Daman Ain 2000. Having an impeccably drafted affidavit confirming voluntary consent along with official Kabinnama allows the groom to obtain instantaneous Anticipatory Bail (Agam Jamin) from the High Court Division under Section 498 CrPC.

1. Document verification and age verification.
2. Drafting the Marriage Affidavit on official Non-Judicial Stamp.
3. Deposition and affirmation before the Notary Public.
4. Signing the official Marriage Volume (Nikahnama) with the government Marriage Registrar.

To schedule a private, safe, and fully confidential consultation at our Uttara Chamber, contact Advocate Md. Shah Alam directly at 01712655546.