IPRS & MUSIC COPYRIGHT / 06 MIN READ · OCTOBER 9, 2026 · BY BEON

Does IPRS Issue Licences or Collect Royalties for Marriages in India?

Weddings in India often include DJs, live singers, recorded Bollywood songs, dance performances and music played during different ceremonies. Because copyrighted music is frequently used at these events, families, wedding planners and venue owners sometimes wonder whether they need an IPRS licence or must pay music royalties.

Does IPRS Charge Licence Fees for Marriages?

IPRS states that it does not collect royalties or charge licence fees for events or functions declared as marriage processions or social festivities associated with a marriage, in accordance with the applicable legal exemption.

IPRS also provides an online application process for obtaining a free-of-cost no-objection certificate or licence for qualifying exempt events.

Official source: https://iprs.org/get-your-license/

It is important to distinguish between an exempt marriage-related celebration and a separate commercial entertainment event.

What Does Indian Copyright Law Say About Wedding Music?

Indian copyright law makes an exception for music performed or played during a genuine marriage ceremony and the social festivities linked to it.

This exception is relevant when deciding whether music at a wedding event needs a licence.

Each event should be checked against the exception and the facts of that event.

Which Wedding Events May Qualify?

Depending on the facts, qualifying marriage-related functions may include:

Marriage ceremonies
Wedding processions
Social festivities associated with a marriage
Related celebrations that fall within the legal exception

A concert, ticketed public show or independent promotional event does not become exempt merely because it takes place near a wedding date or at a wedding venue.

What About DJs and Recorded Bollywood Songs?

A wedding DJ may play commercially released songs during a qualifying marriage-related celebration. The commercial release of a song does not, by itself, remove the legal exception that may apply to the qualifying event.

However, making promotional videos, commercially exploiting wedding footage, broadcasting the event or using music in separate advertising campaigns may involve different copyright questions.

A licence or exception applicable to playing music at a wedding should not automatically be treated as permission for every later use of the same music.

Do Wedding Venues Need to Pay IPRS Fees?

Where the particular use falls within the marriage-related exception, IPRS states that it does not charge royalties or licence fees for qualifying events.

However, a venue may have other contractual obligations or use music for purposes outside the exception. Venue owners and wedding planners should establish which activities are covered.

How Can You Obtain an IPRS NOC for a Wedding?

IPRS provides an online NOC application for events exempted by law, including qualifying marriage processions and wedding-related social festivities.

Visit the official IPRS website.
Open the licensing or NOC application section.
Select the relevant option for an exempt marriage-related event.
Provide accurate details about the event.
Follow the instructions and retain the resulting documentation.

The NOC process should not be confused with a paid commercial music licence.

Weddings vs Commercial Events: Where the Line Can Blur

Many Indian weddings are large, multi-day affairs, and some functions start to look like public entertainment events. The more an event looks like a commercial show, the more carefully you should check your position. Consider these examples:

A family sangeet in a banquet hall is a social festival linked to the marriage.
A ticketed DJ night held the same evening, open to outside guests, is a separate commercial event.
A wedding function sponsored by a brand and promoted publicly may need extra checking.
A livestream of the wedding for a wider audience may involve different questions from the event itself.

If you are not sure which side of the line your event falls on, ask IPRS through the official channels before the event.

Tips for Wedding Planners and Venues

Ask the family in writing whether the function is a genuine wedding event.
Apply for the free NOC where relevant and keep a copy with you on the day.
Keep any ticketed, sponsored or promotional events separate from the wedding functions.
Tell your DJ and artists what the NOC covers and what it does not.
Check the venue contract for any other music-related conditions.

What About Wedding Videos and Reels?

Playing music at a wedding is one thing. Posting a highlight reel with a popular song on social media is another. Platform rules and rights can apply separately to online use. Do not assume the wedding exception covers what you post later. Check the platform's music terms and rights guidance before you publish.

A Simple Checklist for Families Planning a Wedding

If you are organising a wedding and want to stay on the safe side, a few simple steps can save trouble later:

List all the functions where music will be played, such as the sangeet, mehendi, baraat and reception.
Identify which functions are part of the marriage celebrations and which, if any, are open public or ticketed events.
Apply for the free IPRS NOC where it is relevant to your event.
Tell your wedding planner, venue and DJ about the NOC and keep a copy handy.
Check the venue contract for any other music-related conditions.
Decide in advance what music-related content you plan to post online afterwards.

Taking ten minutes to do this before the wedding is much easier than answering questions in the middle of the celebrations.

For a broader look at who needs a licence, read our guide on who is required to obtain an IPRS licence.

Conclusion

IPRS states that it does not collect royalties or charge licence fees for qualifying marriage processions and social festivities associated with marriages under the applicable legal exception.

Families and event organisers should confirm that their specific activities fall within the exception and distinguish wedding celebrations from separate commercial uses of music.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an IPRS licence required for a wedding DJ?

A licence is generally not required for music use covered by the legal exception for qualifying marriage ceremonies and associated social festivities.

Does IPRS charge wedding royalty fees?

IPRS states that it does not charge royalties or licence fees for qualifying exempt marriage-related events.

Can I obtain an IPRS NOC for a wedding?

IPRS provides an online NOC process for qualifying exempt events.

Does the wedding exemption cover every use of music?

No. Separate commercial, promotional or other uses should be assessed independently.

Is a sangeet or reception covered by the wedding exemption?

It can be, if it is a genuine social festivity linked to the marriage. If you are unsure, check IPRS guidance and apply for the NOC.

Should I keep a copy of the IPRS NOC?

Yes. Keep the NOC and related documents safe so you can show them if anyone asks about music at the event.

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Disclaimer. The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. BeON shall not be held responsible for any loss, damage, legal claim, or action taken based on the information provided herein. Copyright laws, licensing requirements, and tariff rates may change from time to time. Readers are advised to verify all information on the official IPRS website and other relevant official sources before taking any action. Where necessary, readers should consult a qualified legal professional to understand their specific circumstances. BeON does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or current applicability of the information presented in this article.