Court Marriage Registration Process in Nepal

Marriage is the legally, socially, and often religiously recognized union between two persons that establishes rights and obligations between the spouses, between them and their children, and between them and their respective families.

What is the legal age for a person to get married in Nepal?

The standard age to get married according to the law of Nepal is after completion of 20 years.

Marriage may be concluded in the following scenario:-

• If the man and woman agree to accept each other as husband and wife.
• If the man and woman are not relatives punishable by law on incest.
• If a man and woman's matrimonial relationship doesn’t exist.
• If both have attained twenty years of age.

In Nepal, marriage is not accepted in case of same-sex as well.

Marriage in Nepal can be conducted in two ways.

1. Marriage registration through court i.e. Court Marriage.
2. Marriage through social/religious rituals.
   • After marrying, the couple must get it registered in the ward office of their permanent residence
   • In the case of foreigners, they must get registered in a consulate or embassy.

Process of Court Marriage Registration in Nepal

Step 1: Fulfilling the Requirements for Eligibility

Both of the parties have to meet the eligibility criteria in Marriage as mentioned above.

Step 2: Submission of Application

First of all, the couple has to submit the application to the concerned district court to initiate the process of marriage.

Step 3: Residence Verification

The application presented to the court is verified to ascertain the jurisdiction of the court.

Either the man or woman must have resided for at least 15 days within the district, where the process of marriage registration has started or either one among the couple should have a document presenting the permanent residence in that particular district.

Step 4: Decision and Consent Deed

The application is sent to the judge for verification of eligibility for marriage then the couple is asked to sign the marriage consent deed and declare the marriage as a valid marriage from that date thereafter.

Step 5: Issuance of Marriage Certificate

After the marriage is approved and all procedures have been completed the authority issues a marriage registration certificate.

Documents required for Court Marriage Registration in Nepal

Marriage between Nepali couple

1. Application for registration
2. 4 Passport size photos
3. Citizenship
4. Single status document.
5. Temporary residence letter ( if required)
6. Citizenship of witness.

Marriage between Nepali and foreign citizen couple

1. No objection letter for foreigners.
2. 4 Passport size photos
3. Passport with visa
4. Citizenship of Nepali
5. Temporary residence letter (at least for 15 days)
6. Citizenship of witness.
7. Marriage law of their nation in English translation. ( for foreigners)

Marriage between Foreign couple in Nepal

1. No objection letter for foreigners.
2. 4 Passport size photos
3. Passport with visa
4. Passport with visa
5. Citizenship of witness.
6. Marriage law of their nation in English translation. ( for foreigners)

The marriage registration process in Nepal ensures that marriages are legally recognized and provide clear rights and obligations for the spouses. Both Nepali citizens and foreign nationals have to meet the eligibility criteria: being over 20 years of age and residing in the district where the marriage is being registered. The application, verification of residence, and a decision from the judge are required in the process. The couple then signs the consent deed, which gives validity to the marriage, and a marriage certificate is issued. Documents required may differ according to the nationality of the marrying parties, and different requirements are necessary for foreigners. This process serves to legalize the marriages, ensuring that they are officially recognized and protecting individual and family rights. It is the means by which social and legal order are maintained, affording equal standing and protection under the law for both parties.