Court Marriage in Nepal

Introduction

Court marriage in Nepal is a legally recognized method of marriage registration conducted under the National Civil Code, 2017 (2074). Marriage registration is mandatory in Nepal and applies equally to:

  • Nepali citizens residing in Nepal

  • Nepali citizens living abroad

  • Foreign nationals intending to marry in Nepal

1. Governing Law for Marriage Registration in Nepal

Marriage registration in Nepal is governed by Sections 67–84 (Chapter on Marriage) of the National Civil Code, 2017 (2074).

These provisions regulate:

  • Court marriage

  • Registration of traditional or religious marriages

  • Marriage registration through Nepali embassies or consulates

2. Is Marriage Registration Compulsory in Nepal?

Yes.
Under Section 73 of the National Civil Code, marriage registration is compulsory.

Marriage may be registered with any of the following authorities:

  • District Court

  • Local Ward Office

  • Nepali Embassy or Consulate (for couples residing abroad)

The concerned authority must issue a marriage registration certificate within 15 days of application submission.

3. Types of Marriage Registration in Nepal

Marriage registration in Nepal can be completed through the following methods:

3.1 Court Marriage (Marriage Before Court)

This applies to couples who have not performed traditional or religious marriage rituals and wish to legally marry through the District Court.

3.2 Registration of Traditional or Religious Marriage

Couples already married through social or religious ceremonies must register their marriage at the local Ward Office to obtain legal recognition.

3.3 Marriage Registration Through Embassy or Consulate

Nepali citizens residing abroad may apply for marriage registration through Nepali embassies or consulates under Sections 76 and 77 of the Civil Code (though practical implementation remains limited).

4. Eligibility Criteria for Court Marriage in Nepal

To register a court marriage in Nepal, both individuals must meet the following conditions:

  • Both parties must be single (unmarried, legally divorced, or widowed)

  • Minimum age: 20 years for both male and female

  • Free and mutual consent to accept each other as husband and wife

  • No prohibited blood relationship under Nepali law

Failure to meet any of these conditions may result in rejection of the application.

5. Court Marriage Between Two Nepali Citizens

5.1 Procedure

  1. Obtain a Single Status Certificate from the respective Ward Offices

  2. Submit a court marriage application to the District Court

  3. Verification of documents and eligibility by the court

  4. Signing of the Deed of Consent by both parties and witnesses

  5. Issuance of the Court Marriage Certificate

Timeline: Usually completed within 1–2 working days

5.2 Required Documents

  • Notarized copies of citizenship certificates (both parties)

  • Single status certificate from Ward Office

  • Notarized citizenship copies of two witnesses

  • Temporary residence certificate (if applying outside permanent district)

  • Passport-size photographs

  • Divorce decree (if previously married)

6. Court Marriage Involving Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals are legally permitted to marry in Nepal, subject to additional documentation requirements.

6.1 Additional Documents for Foreigners

  • No-Objection / Single Status Letter from respective embassy in Nepal

  • Valid passport and visa

  • Proof of minimum 15 days’ residence in Nepal

  • Temporary residence certificate from Ward Office

  • Notarized Nepali translation of the foreign country’s marriage law

  • Witness identification documents

Estimated Timeline:
Approximately 19–24 days, considering the mandatory residence requirement.
(The court procedure itself generally takes 1–2 working days.)

6.2 Tentative Government Fees (Subject to Change)

ParticularsFee (NPR)
Single status certificate            As per local municipality
Temporary residence (Nepali)            2,000
Temporary residence (Foreigner)            10,000
Court registration fee                                            500

7. Step-by-Step Court Marriage Registration Process

Step 1: Document Preparation
Collect and verify all required documents, including citizenship, single status certificates, embassy letters (for foreigners), and witness details.

Step 2: Application Submission
File the marriage registration application at the relevant District Court.

Step 3: Signing of Deed of Consent
Both parties and two witnesses sign the deed before the Marriage Registration Officer.

Step 4: Court Review
The judge verifies documents, consent, and compliance with legal requirements.

Step 5: Issuance of Marriage Certificate
Upon approval, the court issues the official marriage registration certificate.

Step 6: Ward Office Registration (Optional but Recommended)
The court-issued certificate may be registered at the local Ward Office for updated civil records.

8. Registration of Traditional Marriage Through Ward Office

Couples already married through religious or social rituals must:

  • Submit an application to their permanent Ward Office

  • Provide proof of marriage (photographs, witnesses, certificates)

Registration ensures full legal recognition under Nepali law.

9. Notarization and Use of Marriage Certificate Abroad

For international use, the marriage certificate must be:

  1. Notarized at the Department of National Personal Record (Rastriya Kitabkhana)

  2. Attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal

10. Re-Marriage Conditions in Nepal

A person may remarry if:

  • The previous marriage has been legally dissolved

  • The spouse has passed away

  • Legal separation has occurred through partition

Conclusion

Court marriage in Nepal offers a clear, lawful, and efficient pathway to formalize marital relationships for both Nepali citizens and foreign nationals. Compliance with legal requirements, proper documentation, and professional legal guidance are crucial to avoid delays or rejection.


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