Court Marriage: Step by step

Nepali citizens living abroad, as well as foreign citizens, can register their marriage in Nepal. For foreign citizens wishing to marry in Nepal, certain documents are required. These include a No-Objection Letter from the relevant embassy or consulate in Nepal, a translated and notarized copy of the Marriage Law of their country in the Nepali language (documents in English will be translated by a notary), proof of residence in Nepal for a minimum of 15 days from the local ward office, and a copy of a valid passport with visa. According to Section 76(2) of the National Civil Code, 2017, couples residing abroad may also submit an application for marriage registration at a Nepalese embassy or consulate.

Court marriage in Nepal applies to couples who have not undergone traditional marriage and wish to formalize their union legally. The required documents for court marriage include the application for marriage registration, passport-size photos, photocopies of citizenship certificates, a letter from the ward office confirming that both individuals are unmarried or divorcees, a No-Objection Letter from the concerned embassy or consulate for foreigners, and, if marrying outside their permanent address, a minimum 15-day temporary residence letter from the local ward office.

Husband and wife residing in Nepal can obtain a marriage certificate from their local ward office. Similarly, Nepali citizens living abroad can apply for marriage registration at the Nepalese embassy or consulate. By law, all Nepali citizens must register their marriage within a specific period to ensure legal validity.

The process of marriage registration, whether for traditional or court marriage, follows the procedures outlined in the National Civil Code. Couples must first fulfill all eligibility criteria before submitting their application, as applications not meeting these requirements will be rejected. Once eligible, couples must submit the completed application form to the local ward office or Marriage Registration Officer, a process that usually takes about two weeks. Either the man or woman must have resided in the jurisdiction of the ward office for at least 15 days prior to submission. After this, all required documents must be submitted, including the application, passport-size photos, photocopies of citizenship, letters confirming marital status, and No-Objection Letters for foreign nationals.

After verification, the District Court reviews the application and decides on the validity of the marriage within a week. During the registration process, three witnesses must sign a deed of declaration along with the Marriage Registration Officer. Upon approval and completion of all procedures, a marriage certificate is issued within seven days.

Couples married through social or religious rituals must also register their marriage at the ward office of their permanent residence, providing proof of the traditional ceremony to ensure legal recognition. While Sections 76 and 77 of the Civil Code allow couples residing abroad to register their court marriage at a Nepalese embassy or consulate, in practice, such registrations are rarely carried out.

In conclusion, marriage registration in Nepal is open to Nepali citizens residing in Nepal, Nepali citizens living abroad, and foreign citizens wishing to marry in Nepal. The process involves submitting the required documents to the Marriage Registration Officer, after which the application is reviewed by both the officer and the judge. The process requires witnesses, a deed of consent, and supporting documentation. Couples may also utilize law firms or independent services to facilitate court marriage registration.