Court Marriage in Nepal: A Complete and Chronological Legal Guide

Introduction

Court marriage in Nepal is the formal act of registering a marriage before the District Court, making the union legally valid and legally enforceable. Unlike traditional or religious marriages, a court-registered marriage provides an official Marriage Registration Certificate, which is essential for legal rights, foreign immigration processes, property matters, and recognition in other jurisdictions.

A key prerequisite for court marriage is the submission of a Single Status Certificate (Affidavit of Eligibility for Marriage), proving that each individual is legally free to marry. The process applies to both Nepali citizens and foreigners, though foreigners must meet additional requirements, including a verified copy of the marriage law from their home country.

1. Marriage Through a Court of Law

Court marriage is performed in accordance with the National Civil Code, 2017 (2074). Once a marriage is registered, both spouses gain legal rights and obligations defined under Nepali family law. Although traditional marriages may also be recorded at ward offices or municipalities, court registration remains the strongest form of legal protection, especially for those intending to use the certificate abroad.

2. Where to Register a Court Marriage

Marriage can be registered in any of the 77 District Courts of Nepal.

You may register in:

• The district of your permanent residence (as per your citizenship), or
• A district where you are a temporary resident, provided you have a Temporary Residence Letter issued after staying at least 15 days in that locality.

To register outside your permanent district, you must obtain a Recommendation Letter from the Ward Office of your temporary residence showing proof of stay.

3. Recognition of Marriage Registered in Ward or Municipality

Ward Offices and Rural/Municipal Governments are authorized to record:

• Births
• Deaths
• Traditional/religious marriages

However, for legal, immigration, or international purposes, a District Court Marriage Certificate is strongly recommended. If you are planning to travel abroad or require stronger legal proof, a court-registered marriage is essential.

4. Chronological Procedure for Court Marriage in Nepal

The following steps must be followed to successfully register your marriage in a District Court:

Step 1: Obtain Proof That You Are Single

Both individuals must provide:

• Single Status Certificate (from Ward Office for Nepalis)
• Or Divorce Decree, if previously married
• Or Death Certificate of the former spouse, in case of widowhood

Nepal strictly prohibits polygamy under the Civil Code, therefore proof of single status is mandatory.

To obtain the certificate:

• Submit an application to the Ward Office/Municipality
• Receive an original Recommendation Letter indicating your single status

Step 2: Prepare Witnesses

You must bring two witnesses, each with:

• Their original citizenship
• A notarized copy of their citizenship

Witnesses are required to physically appear before the court on the day of marriage.

Step 3: Notarization and Authentication

Before submitting documents to the court:

• All copies must be notarized by a Notary Public
• Foreign documents must be translated into English or Nepali (if not already) and notarized under home-country laws

Step 4: Temporary Residence Proof (If Needed)

If you live outside your permanent address:

• Apply for a Temporary Residence Letter from your Ward Office
• You must show you have stayed in that district for at least 15 days

This requirement applies to both Nepali citizens and foreigners.

Step 5: Submit Application to the District Court

Submit:

• Application form under Article 77 of the Civil Code
• Personal details of each party (name, DOB, parents' and grandparents' names, previous marital status)
• Details of two witnesses
• Passport-size photographs

All documents must be prepared in Nepali language.

5. Requirements for Foreigners Marrying in Nepal

Foreign citizens must meet additional legal requirements:

1. Single Status / Eligibility to Marry Certificate

Foreigners must submit:

• A letter from their embassy confirming single status OR
• A government document from their home country confirming they are unmarried/divorced/widowed

This document must:

• Be in English or Nepali
• Be notarized and authenticated as per home-country law

2. Copy of Home-Country Marriage Law

The foreigner must provide a certified and notarized copy of their country’s marriage law, translated into English or Nepali if needed.

3. Mandatory 15-Day Stay in Nepal

Foreigners must stay in Nepal for at least 15 days before applying. Immigration records (passport, visa, arrival stamp) will be verified.

4. Temporary Residence Letter

After 15 days, foreigners must obtain:

• A Temporary Residence Letter from the Ward Office of the district where they will register their marriage.

6. Online Court Marriage in Nepal: Is It Possible?

Despite growing global trends in virtual marriage systems, Nepal does not allow online marriage registration. Key parts of the legal procedure require physical presence:

a. Consent Declaration

Under Article 79 of the Civil Code, both parties must:

• Declare acceptance as husband and wife
• Sign the declaration in front of a judge
• Provide signatures and thumbprints of witnesses

This cannot be completed online.

b. Application Submission

Applications must be submitted physically, in Nepali, with photos attached.

c. Witness Appearance

Witnesses must physically appear with original IDs.

You may hire a lawyer to prepare documents in advance, but the couple and witnesses must appear in court on the specified dates.

7. Court Marriage Fees in Nepal

1. Single Status Certificate

• Rural Municipality: NPR 300–1000
• Municipalities/Metro Areas: NPR 1000–2000

2. Temporary Residence Letter

• Nepali citizens: NPR 2000
• Foreign citizens: NPR 3000–10,000 (varies by municipality)
• Kathmandu Metropolitan City generally charges NPR 10,000 for foreigners

3. Court Registration Fee

• NPR 500

4. Legal Representation (optional)

• Approx. NPR 5,000 (varies by lawyer/firm)

8. How Lawyers Assist with the Process

A lawyer can:

• Prepare all required documents
• Guide you on notarization and embassy procedures
• Fix the court date
• Ensure quick processing

Most couples need to visit court only twice:

1. For filing the application
2. For receiving the Court Marriage Certificate

9. Conclusion

Court marriage in Nepal has become increasingly important for securing legal protection, international recognition, and compliance with modern legal processes. Whether you are a Nepali citizen or a foreigner, proper documentation, notarization, and adherence to court procedures are essential.

If you face difficulty or require expert handling, consulting a family law practitioner ensures smooth navigation of the entire process—from documentation to obtaining your marriage certificate.