Weddings in India are grand affairs. From vibrant dĂ©cor and lavish feasts to elegant attire and extensive guest lists—costs can quickly add up. If you’re dreaming of a memorable celebration but worrying about the expenses, a marriage loan could be the perfect solution. This type of personal loan is designed to help individuals finance wedding-related costs, with flexible repayment terms and quick disbursals.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about marriage loans, including features, benefits, eligibility, and interest rates from top lenders.
âś… What is a Marriage Loan?
A marriage loan is a type of unsecured personal loan specifically offered to cover wedding-related expenses. Since it’s unsecured, you don’t need to pledge any collateral. These loans are typically offered with:
- Loan amounts ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹25 lakhs
- Tenure of 1 to 5 years
- Fixed or flexible interest rates
You can use the funds for any wedding-related purpose—venue booking, jewelry purchase, catering, travel, or honeymoon planning.
🎯 Key Features of Marriage Loans
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Loan Amount | ₹50,000 to ₹25,00,000 |
Interest Rate | Starts from 10.25% p.a. |
Tenure | 12 to 60 months |
Processing Fee | 1% – 3% of loan amount |
Collateral Required | No |
Disbursement Time | 24–72 hours (post-approval) |
Prepayment Charges | 0% to 5% (depending on lender) |
🏦 Marriage Loan Interest Rates – 2025
Here’s a comparative table of marriage loan rate of interest from top Indian banks and NBFCs for marriage loans:
Lender | Rate Range (p.a.) | Fixed / Floating | CIBIL/Eligibility | Women / Concessions | Loan Features & Limits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICICI Bank | 10.85% onwards | Fixed | Higher CIBIL gets best rates | None explicit | ₹50 k–₹50 L, minimal docs, quick digital disbursal |
Axis Bank | 9.99% onwards | Fixed | Standard personal loan eligibility | None explicit | Up to ₹40 L, fast approval |
IDFC First Bank | 9.99% onwards | Fixed | CIBIL ≥ 730 preferred | None explicit | Up to ₹10 L, zero foreclosure, digital process |
HDFC Bank | 10.85% onwards (est.) | Fixed | Standard personal loan criteria | Offers “Personal Loan for Women” product | ₹₹₹-, docs required, digital approval |
Yes Bank | 11.25% – 20.99% | Fixed | Standard | None explicit | Margin varies with profile, processing 2.5% |
Indian Bank | 10.35% – 12.90% | Floating/Fixed | Salaried Govt/PSU best rates; pensioners tiered | None explicit | Govt salaries get ~10.35%, tenure up to 5 yrs |
🔍 Key Insights
- Lowest Fixed Rates:
- IDFC First Bank and Axis Bank offer the most competitive fixed rates starting at 9.99%.
- ICICI Bank follows closely at 10.85% .
- Rate Type:
- All lenders listed offer fixed-rate marriage/personal loans for wedding expenses. Indian Bank includes both fixed and floating options.
- CIBIL Impact:
- IDFC First Bank prefers CIBIL scores above 730.
- ICICI’s starting rate applies to borrowers with good credit history.
- Women & Other Concessions:
- Although HDFC offers a Women Personal Loan (applicable for weddings among other needs), dedicated marriage loan discounts aren’t announced publicly.
- Other lenders currently list no explicit gender-based concessions.
- Loan Amounts & Terms:
- ICICI and Axis Bank go up to ₹40–50 L.
- IDFC First offers up to ₹10 L digitally.
- Indian Bank caps especially for govt or PSU employees and pensioners according to tenure tiers up to 5 years.
âś… Recommendations
Scenario | Best Pick |
---|---|
Lowest fixed rates | IDFC First, Axis Bank |
Highest loan amount needed | ICICI Bank or Axis Bank |
Quick, fully-digital process | IDFC First Bank |
Government/pensioner profile | Indian Bank |
Women-focused products | HDFC Women Personal Loan |
Note: Actual interest rates may vary based on credit score, income, and city.
EMI Calculator
Marriage Loan By Government
Some state governments offer financial assistance for marriage under social welfare schemes:
- Tamil Nadu’s Moovalur Ramamirtham Scheme: Financial help for girls’ marriage
- Delhi Ladli Scheme: Support for girl child education & marriage
- Madhya Pradesh Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana: Cash assistance for low-income families
These are not loans but grants or one-time aids, mainly for BPL or specific community beneficiaries.
Pradhan Mantri Marriage Loan
The Pradhan Mantri Marriage Loan is commonly misunderstood, as no official central government scheme under this name currently exists. However, individuals can avail personal loans from public sector banks like SBI, PNB, and Bank of Baroda to fund wedding expenses. These loans offer amounts up to ₹20 lakh with flexible tenures and interest rates starting around 10%. Some state governments provide marriage assistance schemes for economically weaker sections, but these are grants—not loans. If you’re looking for a wedding loan, your best option is a personal loan from a government bank, often promoted under general welfare loan categories.
đź§ľ Eligibility Criteria for Marriage Loans
Most lenders have straightforward eligibility criteria:
- Age: 21–60 years (varies by lender)
- Income: Minimum ₹15,000–₹25,000 per month
- Employment: Salaried or self-employed with minimum 1–2 years of work experience
- Credit Score: 700+ is ideal for better rates
Having a good credit score helps in securing a marriage loan with a lower interest rate.
đź“„ Documents Required
To apply for a marriage loan, you typically need:
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card or Passport
- Salary slips or bank statements (last 3–6 months)
- Income Tax Return (for self-employed)
- Proof of wedding expenditure (optional)
📊 EMI Calculation Example
Let’s understand the monthly EMI using an example:
- Loan Amount: ₹5,00,000
- Tenure: 3 years
- Interest Rate: 12% p.a.
Monthly EMI = ₹16,607
Total Payable = ₹5,97,858
Interest Paid = ₹97,858
Use an online EMI calculator to adjust for your needs.
đź’ˇ Tips to Get the Best Marriage Loan Offer
Here are some ways to get a better deal on marriage loans:
- Check Your Credit Score – Aim for 700+ for better terms.
- Compare Lenders – Don’t settle for the first offer.
- Choose Shorter Tenure – Reduces interest burden.
- Negotiate Charges – Processing and prepayment charges are often negotiable.
- Apply Online – Digital lenders may offer faster approvals and better rates.
đź’° When Should You Take a Marriage Loan?
Consider applying for a marriage loan in the following situations:
- You’ve planned the wedding budget but face a short-term liquidity crunch.
- You don’t want to liquidate investments or borrow from relatives.
- Your credit score is healthy and you’re confident of repayment.
A marriage loan ensures you don’t compromise on your special day due to lack of funds.
đźš« Things to Watch Out For
Before signing the dotted line, be aware of:
- Hidden charges: Always read the fine print
- Late fees: Missing EMIs can affect your credit score
- Over-borrowing: Borrow only what you need
- Pre-closure terms: Check for penalties
FAQs
A. A marriage loan is a tailored personal loan designed to fund wedding expenses. It’s unsecured—no collateral is needed—and can be used for venues, decorations, outfits, travel, etc.
A. Typically, borrowers can get between ₹50,000 and ₹20 lakh, depending on lender policies and personal eligibility. Some platforms may go up to ₹50 lakh.
A. Marriage loan rates vary widely—from 10% to 24% per annum—depending on the lender, applicant credit profile, and loan tenure. Banks generally offer lower rates than NBFCs.
A. Most marriage/personal loans carry fixed interest rates, so EMI payments remain consistent throughout the loan term.
A. These are unsecured loans and usually don’t require collateral. However, some lenders may demand security for high loan amounts or if credit history is weak.
A. Loan terms typically range from 12 to 60 months (1–5 years), helping to manage EMIs within your budget.
A. Eligibility criteria usually include:
Age 21–60 years
A steady income (₹15k–₹25k+ monthly)
Good credit score (≥700)
1–2 years of employment history (or business history for self-employed individuals)
A. The process is usually fast: approval in a few hours to 1 day, and funds are often disbursed within 1–2 working days, especially with digital applications.
A. Yes. Some lenders allow joint applications with a fiancé or spouse, which may enhance eligibility and loan limits.
A. Yes, borrowers can prepay or close the loan early, though some lenders may charge a nominal prepayment fee—typically a small percentage of the outstanding balance.
A. The loan remains active. Funds may be repurposed for other uses, but EMI obligations continue as scheduled.
A. Experts often advise using savings rather than taking new debt. If using savings would lead to penalties (e.g., from investments), a small loan can be considered.
🔚 Final Thoughts
A marriage loan can be a lifesaver for families planning big celebrations but lacking immediate funds. With responsible planning, timely repayment, and a bit of research, you can use this financial tool to host your dream wedding without financial stress.
Always compare lenders, calculate your EMI beforehand, and choose a tenure that suits your income.