A Quick Summary
Court marriage in Nepal is a legal union formalized under the Muluki Civil Code 2074. The process takes 2-7 days for Nepalis and 1-2 months for foreign nationals. The government fee is NPR 500, and couples must apply at the District Court where they reside. Both parties must be at least 20 years old.
Court Marriage in Nepal: Complete Process, Cost & Legal Requirements (2026)
Court marriage in Nepal or Marriage Registration in Nepal represents a legal union between two individuals formalized through the district court system. This modern approach to marriage registration has gained significant popularity among couples seeking a streamlined, legally recognized matrimonial process without traditional ceremonial requirements.
Whether you are a Nepali citizen or a foreigner looking to marry in Kathmandu or Pokhara, understanding the legal landscape is crucial for a smooth registration.
What is Court Marriage in Nepal?
The marrying couple appears before a competent court having jurisdiction and signs the marriage register maintained by the court in front of a judge. This process eliminates traditional ceremonial requirements while ensuring full legal recognition of the marriage immediately.
Key Benefits of Court Marriage
|
Benefit |
Description |
|
Legal Recognition |
Immediate legal status under Nepal Civil Code |
|
Time Efficiency |
Process completed within 2-7 days for citizens |
|
Cost Effective |
Government fee of NPR 500 plus nominal legal fees |
|
Documentation |
Official marriage certificate issued same day |
|
International Validity |
Recognized globally for visa and immigration purposes |
How to Apply for Court Marriage in Nepal: Step-by-Step Process
To apply for court marriage in Nepal, follow these four essential steps: prepare documents, file a petition at the District Court, undergo court review, and complete the registration ceremony.
Step 1: Document Preparation and Verification
Before initiating the court marriage process, both parties must prepare essential documents. The documentation requirements vary based on citizenship status.
Required Documents for Nepali Citizens
- Citizenship Certificate: Original copies for both parties (Identity verification)
- Unmarried Certificate: From ward office of permanent address (Marital status confirmation)
- Passport Photos: 4 pieces each (passport size) for official records
- Birth Certificate: Age verification documents for legal compliance
- Witness Documents: Two witnesses with citizenship certificates
Additional Documents for Foreign Citizens Foreign nationals face additional documentation requirements:
|
Document |
Requirement |
Processing Time |
|
Affidavit of Eligibility |
From respective embassy showing eligibility to marry |
3-5 days |
|
No Objection Letter |
From home country's embassy |
5-7 days |
|
Passport Copy |
Valid passport with Nepal visa |
Immediate |
|
Residence Proof |
15-day minimum stay in district |
Documentation required |
Step 2: Filing Application at District Court
File a petition at the district court with all prepared documents. For residents of the Kathmandu Valley, applications are typically filed at the District Court Kathmandu, Lalitpur, or Bhaktapur depending on your residence.
The application must include:
- Completed marriage application form
- All supporting documents
- Court fee payment receipt
- Witness information and documents
Step 3: Court Review and Verification Process
The district court conducts a thorough review to ensure compliance with Nepal's civil law requirements. This verification includes:
- Age Verification: Both parties must be 20 years or older as per National Civil Code 2074.
- Relationship Status: No existing matrimonial relationship for either party.
- Legal Impediments: Parties must not be relatives punishable by law on incest.
- Mutual Consent: Both parties must agree to accept each other as husband and wife.
Step 4: Marriage Ceremony and Registration
Presence of witnesses and residence verification occurs during the final ceremony. The court marriage includes:
- Witness Requirement: Two witnesses present during registration
- Court Appearance: Both parties appear before the judge
- Deed of Consent: Both individuals, along with witnesses, sign the Deed of Consent
- Certificate Issuance: Marriage registration certificate issued same day
Process of Court Marriage in between two Nepalese spouse
- STEP 1: Receive the single status documents from respective ward by both the Spouse.
- STEP 2: Submission of application before the District Court of Nepal.
- STEP 3: After the submission of application, Court will Examine the documents.
- STEP 4: Upon the Examinations, the Court will grant the Court Marriage Certificate.
What are the Legal Requirements for Court Marriage in Nepal?
Age Requirements Under Nepal Civil Law
The legal age for marriage in Nepal is 20 years for both men and women under the Civil Code 2017. This requirement reflects Nepal's commitment to preventing child marriage and ensuring mature decision-making.
Consent and Mental Capacity
Marriage law in Nepal emphasizes voluntary consent. Key requirements include:
- Free Consent: No coercion or force
- Mental Capacity: Both parties mentally capable of understanding marriage implications
- Legal Competence: Absence of legal disqualifications
Prohibited Relationships
Nepal's civil law prohibits marriages between close blood relatives, adoptive family members within prohibited degrees, and persons already married (polygamy prohibited).
Residency Requirements
Applicants must have stayed at least 15 days in the respective district where the application is filed. For example, if you are applying in Pokhara, you must provide proof of 15 days residence in Kaski district.
How Much Does Court Marriage Cost in Nepal?
Government Fees Structure (2026)
|
Fee Category |
Amount (NPR) |
Purpose |
|
Court Registration Fee |
500 |
Government processing |
|
Certificate Fee |
100-200 |
Official documentation |
|
Stamp Paper |
100 |
Legal documentation |
|
Miscellaneous Charges |
200-500 |
Administrative costs |
For a detailed breakdown of legal service fees, check our guide on [Lawyer Fees in Nepal]
Legal Service Fees
Legal fees vary depending on the law firm and complexity of the case:
- Simple Cases: NPR 15,000 - 25,000
- Foreign National Cases: NPR 50,000 -100,000
- Complex Documentation: NPR 60,000 - 130,000
How Long Does Court Marriage Take in Nepal?
The timeline varies significantly based on citizenship:
Timeline for Nepali Citizens
- Document Preparation: 3-5 days
- Application Filing: 1 day
- Court Processing: 2-3 working days
- Total Duration: 5-7 days
Timeline for Foreign Citizens Foreign nationals face extended processing periods due to embassy verification:
- Pre-arrival Documentation: 2-4 weeks
- Residency Requirement: 15 days minimum
- Document Processing: 18 days to 1 month
- Total Duration: 1-2 months
Popular Districts for Court Marriage in Nepal
Choosing the right district court can impact processing speed and convenience.
|
District |
Advantages |
Processing Time |
|
Experienced courts, lawyer availability |
2-3 days |
|
|
Efficient processing, modern facilities |
2-3 days |
|
|
Traditional significance, streamlined process |
3-4 days |
|
|
Tourist-friendly, English-speaking staff |
3-5 days |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the minimum age for court marriage in Nepal?
A: The minimum age for court marriage in Nepal is 20 years for both men and women under the National Civil Code 2074. This applies to all citizens regardless of gender.
Q: How to register marriage online in Nepal?
A: Online marriage registration is not currently possible in Nepal. All court marriages require physical appearance before the district court judge with proper documentation and witnesses.
Q: What is the difference between court marriage and traditional marriage?
A: Court marriage is a legal process handled by the District Court providing immediate certification, while traditional marriage is a religious or cultural ceremony that often requires separate registration for legal validity.
Q: What happens if documents are incomplete for court marriage?
A: Incomplete documentation results in application rejection. Common issues include missing unmarried certificates, expired identification documents, or insufficient witness documentation.
Q: Can same-sex couples have court marriage in Nepal?
A: As of 2026, same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in Nepal, though discussions are ongoing in the Supreme Court. Current marriage law recognizes only heterosexual unions.
Court Marriage for Different Scenarios
- Inter-caste & Inter-religious Marriage
- International Marriage Recognition
- NRN Marriage
Expert Tips for Successful Court Marriage
- Advance Planning: Begin document collection 2-3 weeks early.
- Hire Local Experts: If marrying in Kathmandu, hire a lawyer familiar with the specific district court judges.
- Translation Services: Use certified translators for foreign documents to avoid rejection.
Conclusion
Court marriage in Nepal offers couples a modern, efficient, and legally robust path to matrimonial union. By understanding the legal requirements, costs, and documentation outlined above, couples can ensure a smooth registration process. Whether you are in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or elsewhere, following this guide will help secure your legal rights and marriage certificate efficiently.
