When he married Amala on August 31, 2024, Noel George knew what he wanted: a small, no-frills registration under the Special Marriage Act, followed by an intimate reception. George, a lawyer, and his schoolteacher fiancée, Amala, went through the motions, filing a notice of intended marriage with the marriage officer, observing the 30-day public notice period, and finally solemnising the marriage.

“We spent less than Rs 2 lakh on giving a small reception after the registered marriage,” George told The Indian Express.

George opted for a registered marriage because they liked the secular nature of the law. They aren’t the only ones.…