Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Legal Framework for Court Marriage in Nepal
- 3 Eligibility Criteria for Court Marriage in Nepal
- 4 Required Documents for Court Marriage
- 5 Step-by-Step Process of Court Marriage in Nepal
- 6 Timeframe & Cost of Court Marriage in Nepal
- 7 Court Marriage for Foreign Nationals in Nepal
- 8 Challenges & Common Issues in Court Marriage
- 9 Benefits of Hiring a Professional Service for Court Marriage
- 10 FAQs on Court Marriage in Nepal
- 11 Conclusion
Introduction
Court marriage in Nepal is a legal process that allows couples to register their marriage through the District Court. It is a straightforward and legally recognized alternative to traditional marriage ceremonies. This method is especially beneficial for couples who want a quick, hassle-free, and legally binding marriage process.
Whether you are a Nepali citizen or a foreign national looking to get married in Nepal, this guide will help you understand the legal requirements, procedures, costs, and benefits of court marriage in Nepal.
Legal Framework for Court Marriage in Nepal
Court marriage in Nepal is governed by the Muluki Civil Code 2074 (2017). According to the law:
- Both partners must meet the legal marriage requirements.
- The marriage must be voluntary and free from coercion.
- The couple must register their marriage at the District Court to obtain a legally recognized marriage certificate.
This law applies to both Nepali citizens and foreign nationals who wish to marry in Nepal.
Eligibility Criteria for Court Marriage in Nepal
To be eligible for court marriage in Nepal, both partners must fulfill the following conditions:
For Nepali Citizens
✔ Both individuals must be at least 20 years old.
✔ They should not be closely related by blood (as per Nepali law).
✔ Both must provide consent for the marriage.
✔ There should be no existing marriage for either partner.
For Foreign Nationals
✔ Must be legally eligible to marry in Nepal.
✔ Must provide an Unmarried Certificate or Affidavit of Singleness from their home country.
✔ Should comply with Nepali immigration laws.
Required Documents for Court Marriage
To complete the court marriage process, the following documents are required:
For Nepali Citizens
✅ Citizenship Certificates of both partners.
✅ Unmarried Certificate (if required).
✅ Four passport-size photos of both individuals.
✅ Witness (one person with citizenship copy).
For Foreign Nationals
✅ Valid Passport and Visa.
✅ Affidavit of Singleness (from the respective embassy).
✅ No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the embassy.
✅ Immigration and travel records.
✅ Passport-size photographs (4 copies each).
All foreign documents must be translated into Nepali and notarized for validation.
Step-by-Step Process of Court Marriage in Nepal
Follow these steps to complete the court marriage process:
Step 1: Document Submission at the District Court
- Visit the District Court with all required documents.
- Submit a marriage application with necessary fees.
Step 2: Document Verification & Approval
- The court reviews and verifies submitted documents.
- If any documents are missing or invalid, additional verification is required.
Step 3: Marriage Declaration & Witness Testimony
- The couple appears before the judge.
- Witnesses testify to the validity of the marriage.
- The judge grants legal approval.
Step 4: Issuance of Marriage Certificate
- After approval, the marriage certificate is issued.
- This document serves as legal proof of marriage.
The entire process usually takes 1–5 days, depending on document verification.
Timeframe & Cost of Court Marriage in Nepal
Timeframe:
- Standard Processing: 1–5 working days.
- For Foreign Nationals: Might take longer due to document verification.
Cost Breakdown:
- Government Fees: NPR 500–2,000 (varies by district).
- Lawyer/Consultant Fees (optional): NPR 5,000–15,000 (if you hire a legal expert).
Court Marriage for Foreign Nationals in Nepal
Foreigners can legally marry in Nepal, but they must follow additional procedures:
✔ Obtain an Affidavit of Singleness from their home country.
✔ Verify documents at the Nepali Department of Immigration.
✔ Complete court registration following standard procedures.
After marriage, the couple can apply for a Nepali marriage certificate to be recognized internationally.
Challenges & Common Issues in Court Marriage
- Document rejection: Missing or incorrect documents may delay the process.
- Inter-caste and inter-religious marriages: While legally accepted, families may oppose.
- Foreign document authentication: Takes extra time for verification and notarization.
- Underage marriages: Marriage under 20 years old is strictly prohibited in Nepal.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Service for Court Marriage
Hiring a legal expert or marriage consultant can help:
✅ Ensure hassle-free documentation.
✅ Avoid unnecessary delays in the process.
✅ Provide legal consultation for any issues.
✅ Assist foreigners in getting embassy clearance.
If you want a smooth and quick court marriage, hiring a legal expert is highly recommended!
FAQs on Court Marriage in Nepal
❓ Can a tourist get married in Nepal?
✅ Yes, but they must have valid documents, including an Unmarried Certificate and No Objection Certificate (NOC).
❓ Is a court marriage certificate valid internationally?
✅ Yes, the certificate issued by the Nepali District Court is legally valid worldwide.
❓ Can same-sex couples marry legally in Nepal?
✅ As per the latest legal updates, Nepal recognizes same-sex marriages, but official procedures are still being developed.
❓ What if one partner is under 20 years old?
❌ The court will not approve the marriage as it is legally prohibited in Nepal.
Conclusion
Court marriage in Nepal is a quick, easy, and legally binding process for couples who want to register their marriage legally. Whether you are a Nepali citizen or a foreign national, understanding the legal requirements, documents, and procedures will help you complete the process smoothly.
Need assistance with court marriage in Nepal? Contact us today for professional guidance and a stress-free marriage registration process!
Call/WhatsApp: +977-9706695301
Address: Putalisadak – 28, Kathmandu
Website: https://lawscholarsnepal.edu.np