Guide
We want to marry
without the family, or without the fuss
The phrase court marriage is used for a nikah that is arranged through an advocate and registered straight away, often without the families present. It is not a different kind of marriage. This page shows what it is, what you need, and what happens afterwards.
Where this applies This page covers a marriage performed and registered in Pakistan. Whether the country you live in recognises the marriage, and what it asks for, is a separate question for that country.
What this is about
A court marriage is a nikah like any other: two adults who are free to marry, a nikah performed in front of witnesses, and the marriage registered with the union council. What an advocate adds is the paperwork done properly on the day, and a record that cannot be disputed later: that both were adults, that both consented, and that the marriage was registered at once.
The difficulties come from outside the marriage. Families who object, a threat of a false report, or a bride whose age or earlier marriage is questioned. An advocate deals with those before they become a case, and knows when a court has to be asked for protection.
What has to be in place
What has to be in place.
That both of you are adults and free to marry: no earlier marriage still standing on either side.
Identity documents for both, and proof of age where it might be questioned.
Two witnesses, and a nikah registrar who will register the marriage the same day.
Note Your advocate confirms which of these apply to your case.
The documents you will be asked for
The papers asked for on the day.
- Identity cards or passports of both.
- Proof of age where it is not on the identity document.
- For anyone married before: the divorce certificate or the death certificate of the former spouse.
- Photographs, and the witnesses’ identity documents.
How an advocate helps from where you are
What an advocate does before and after.
- Checks that both are free to marry, so that the nikah cannot be attacked later.
- Arranges the nikah and its registration, and gets the certificate issued.
- Applies to a court for protection where a family threatens either of you.
- Gets the certificate attested for use in the country where you live.
What to ask before you agree
- Will the marriage be registered the same day, and by whom?
- If a family threatens us, what can a court order, and how fast?
- Will the certificate be accepted where I live, and what attestation does it need?
- What do you need from me, and by when?
- What is your fee, and what is not included in it?
More in Ending a marriage
We married abroad. Does it count in Pakistan?Ending a marriage
There is violence at home, and I need protectionEnding a marriageNot sure which one? Start hereEnding a marriage
Also relevant
Words you will meet
- court marriage
- A nikah arranged through an advocate and registered at once, usually without the families.
- nikah nama
- The marriage document. Its columns matter; see the page on nikah nama terms.
- protection
- A court order asked for when a family threatens the couple.
Sources
Official pages read on 11 September 2026. The page says only what these say, and what an advocate does; nothing specific to your case.
Checked
11 September 2026
Pakistan. Sources listed at the end of the page.