Marriage Registration Process in Nepal - Legal Guide 2025

Marriage is the legally, socially, and often religiously recognized union between two persons that establishes rights and obligations between the spouses, their children, and their respective families. In Nepal, marriage is more than just a personal commitment, it is a legally recognized contract governed by civil law and, in many cases, cultural and religious traditions.

Legal Age for Marriage in Nepal

According to the law of Nepal, the legal age for marriage is 20 years for both men and women. No person is allowed to marry before completing this age, regardless of parental or personal consent.

Eligibility Criteria for Marriage

Marriage may be concluded in Nepal under the following conditions:

• Both individuals must agree to accept each other as husband and wife.

• They must not be close relatives as prohibited by law concerning incest.

• Neither party should already be in a legally recognized matrimonial relationship.

• Both individuals must be 20 years or older.

Update 2025: Status of Same-Sex Marriage in Nepal

As of April 2025, same-sex marriages are still not registered by the courts in Nepal. However, they can now be registered in the local ward office if the couple conducts a religious ceremony. This is a progressive shift, recognizing such unions at the local administrative level, although not yet fully legalized nationwide.

Types of Marriage in Nepal

Marriage in Nepal can be conducted in two recognized ways:

Regardless of the type, all marriages must be registered in the ward office of the couple's permanent residence to ensure legal recognition.

Special Note for Foreign Nationals: In the case of foreign nationals, marriage must be registered at the respective consulate or embassy if not done through a district court or ward office.

Step-by-Step Process for Marriage Registration in Nepal

Step 1: Fulfilling Eligibility Requirements

Before proceeding, both parties must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria mentioned above. This includes age, consent, non-relation, and marital status.

Step 2: Submission of Application to the District Court

The marriage process begins with the submission of an application to the concerned district court. This applies to couples choosing court marriage as their method of union.

Step 3: Residence Verification

Verification is carried out to confirm that the court has jurisdiction over the applicants. Either one of the parties must have lived in the district for at least 15 days prior to the application or possess documentation confirming permanent residence in that district.

Step 4: Decision and Consent Deed

The application is reviewed by a judge to verify the eligibility of both parties. If approved, the couple signs a marriage consent deed, which officially declares their union as valid from that date.

Step 5: Issuance of Marriage Certificate

Once all requirements are met and consent is recorded, the court issues a marriage certificate, officially recognizing the marriage.

Documents Required for Court Marriage Registration

Marriage Between Two Nepali Citizens

• Application for registration

• Four passport-size photos of each person

• Citizenship certificates of both parties

• Single status declaration

• Temporary residence letter (if applicable)

• Citizenship certificate of a witness

Marriage Between a Nepali and a Foreign Citizen

• No objection letter from the foreign national’s embassy

• Four passport-size photos of each person

• A passport with a valid visa of a foreign national

• Citizenship certificate of a Nepali citizen

• Temporary residence letter (at least 15 days)

• Citizenship of a witness

• English translation of the marriage laws from the foreigner’s country

Marriage Between Two Foreign Citizens

• No objection letters from both embassies

• Four passport-size photos of each person

• Valid passports with visas

• Citizenship certificate of a witness

• English translations of both countries’ marriage laws

Why Marriage Registration Is Essential in Nepal

Marriage registration in Nepal is more than a formality; it is a process that ensures legal recognition and protection for both spouses. It grants the couple rights in property, inheritance, taxation, and parental responsibilities. For foreign nationals, it helps facilitate visa processes, residence permits, and travel documentation.

By registering a marriage, couples safeguard their legal status and family rights, ensuring recognition from the state and clarity in any legal matters related to the marriage.

Legal Security Through Proper Marriage Registration

The marriage registration process in Nepal ensures that unions are not just socially recognized but also legally valid. Whether it’s a court marriage or a traditional ceremony followed by ward office registration, this legal acknowledgment is vital. With recent changes in 2025 regarding same-sex marriage recognition at the ward level, Nepal is gradually becoming more inclusive in its legal framework.

This process helps maintain legal, social, and familial order while protecting the rights of each individual. Marriage registration isn't just a bureaucratic task—it's an important step toward legal recognition and future stability.