Interfaith marriage with a non Indian

The Legal Process in India. While a religious ceremony in a Sikh temple (Anand Karaj) is culturally significant, for the purposes of an Irish visa, a Gurudwara certificate alone is usually not sufficient. To be recognized by Irish Immigration (ISD), your marriage must be registered with the Indian government. You have two main paths: Hindu Marriage Act (Sikhs fall under this): You can marry in the Gurudwara first and then register the marriage with the local Registrar of Marriages (District Court/SDM). You will receive a government-issued Marriage Certificate. Special Marriage Act (Civil Marriage): This is often recommended for international couples. It involves giving a 30-day notice to the Marriage Registrar. No religious ceremony is required, but you can have one separately. Important: Your final Marriage Certificate must be Apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India before you apply for the Irish visa. This proves to the Irish government that the document is authentic. 2. Requirements for Your Irish Partner Yes, your partner must provide proof that she is legally free to marry. In Ireland, this document is called a Certificate of Freedom to Marry (also known as a Certificat de Coutume). How she obtains it: Application: She must apply online through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Ireland. Statutory Declaration: She will need to complete a statutory declaration (an affidavit) witnessed by a Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths in Ireland (or at the Irish Embassy if she is already in India). Timeline: She should apply at least 4 months before the wedding date. Language: The certificate is issued in English, so no translation will be needed for the Indian authorities.