Court Marriage and Divorce in Nepal

1.    Introduction

Marriage is not only a social or religious union in Nepal but also a legal institution recognized by the state. When marriage is registered officially in court, it is known as a Court Marriage — a lawful union between two consenting adults under the supervision of a District Court. Court Marriage provides a legal certificate that validates the relationship and safeguards the rights and responsibilities of both partners under the National  Civil Code, 2074 (2017).

2.    Legal Basis

Court Marriage in Nepal is governed by Part 4, Chapter 3 (Marriage Chapter) of the National  Civil Code, 2074. According to Section 70, a marriage shall be valid only if:

1)    Both the man and the woman consent to accept each other as husband and wife.

2)    Both are above 20 years of age.

3)    Neither is already legally married to another person.

4)    Both are not close blood relatives (as defined by law).

5)    Only when these conditions are met can the court legally register the marriage.

3.    Court Marriage Process for Nepali Citizens

For Nepali citizens, the process of court marriage is simple and can be completed within a few days.

Below are the step-by-step procedures:

1)    Application Submission:

Both the man and the woman must jointly apply at the District Court where either of them resides.

2)    Submission of Documents:

All required documents must be submitted with the application (see below for list).

3)    Presence of Witnesses:

Two witnesses (one from each side) must be present during the registration.

4)    Verification by Court:

The court verifies the details, documents, and consent of both parties.

5)    Issuance of Marriage Certificate:

Once all requirements are fulfilled, the court issues an Official Marriage Certificate, which serves as legal proof of marriage.

4.    Required Documents (for Nepali Citizens)

Ø Citizenship certificates of both bride and groom

Ø Unmarried or marital status certificate from Ward Office

Ø Four passport-size photographs (each)

Ø Citizenship copies of two witnesses

Ø Application form and court fee receipt

Ø Recommendation letter from respective Ward Office (sometimes required)

These documents must be clear, recent, and duly signed by the concerned authorities.

5.    Court Marriage Between a Nepali and a Foreigner

Ø Court Marriage involving a foreign national requires additional steps and documents.

Ø Foreigners can legally marry Nepali citizens in Nepal if they meet the requirements under Nepali law.

     Additional Documents Required:

Ø Valid Passport and Visa (copy and original for verification)

Ø No Objection Letter / Unmarried Certificate issued by the foreigner’s Embassy or Government

Ø Proof of Continuous Stay in Nepal for at least 15 days (Immigration record or Hotel receipt)

Ø Translation of Foreign Marriage Law (if required by court)

Ø Two witnesses with identification documents

All foreign documents must be translated into Nepali and notarized or attested by the concerned embassy and Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

6.    Court Marriage Between Two Foreign Nationals in Nepal

Ø Two foreign nationals can also get married in Nepal, provided they both meet the legal age and other criteria.

    They must both submit:

Ø Valid passports and visas

Ø No objection letters from respective embassies

Ø Proof of residence in Nepal (minimum 15 days)

Ø Passport-size photographs

Ø Witnesses and court fees

The process is conducted at the Kathmandu District Court or other relevant District Courts, depending on residence.

7.    Duration and Cost

For Nepali citizens: 1 to 3 working days after document submission

For Nepali + Foreigner couples: Usually 1-3 days (excluding residence requirement)

Court Fee: NPR 500 – 1,000 (approx.)

Lawyer Services: Nepali 10000 to 30000 Nepali Rupees

Foreigners: 250 – 500 (US Dollars)

Translation, notarization, and embassy certification may cost extra depending on the case.

Court Marriage in Nepal is a modern, transparent, and legally secure way to formalize a marriage. It provides legal certainty, especially for intercultural or international couples, and aligns personal relationships with the protection of the law.

Whether you are a Nepali citizen, a foreigner, or part of an intercultural couple, understanding the process, required documents, and legal provisions can make your marriage registration smooth and stress-free.

8.    Divorce and Family Law Services

Court Marriage also opens legal pathways for divorce, property division, and spousal rights.

In case of dispute, the same District Court handles:

Divorce petitions (by mutual consent or through legal proceedings)

Property and alimony settlements

Child custody and guardianship matters

9.    Advantages of Court Marriage

Legally recognized and valid in Nepal and abroad

Ensures equal rights and responsibilities for both spouses

Simplifies visa and immigration procedures for foreign spouses

Provides clear legal protection in case of dispute or separation

Avoids unnecessary social or religious barriers