Hindu Marriage Act Section 7 — Ceremonies for a Hindu marriage

General

Summary

A Hindu marriage can be performed using the traditional rituals and customs of either the bride or the groom. If those rituals include the Saptapadi, which is the couple taking seven steps together around a sacred fire, the marriage is considered complete and legally binding only after the seventh step is taken.

Official Text

(1) A Hindu marriage may be solemnized in accordance with the customary rites and ceremonies of either party thereto.

(2) Where such rites and ceremonies include the Saptapadi (that is, the taking of seven steps by the bridegroom and the bride jointly before the sacred fire), the marriage becomes complete and binding when the seventh step is taken.