Court Marriage Registration Process in Nepal

Court marriage registration in Nepal is a legal process where a man and woman formalize their marriage by registering it in the relevant district court. The couple submits an application with necessary documents, and the court conducts inquiries to decide whether the marriage can be legally approved within seven days. If approved, a deed of consent is signed by both parties and witnesses, confirming their agreement. The marriage is then officially registered, and a marriage certificate is issued.

This article provides information about criteria, required documents, and process of Court Marriage in Nepal, both for Nepali citizens and foreign nationals.

Eligibility Criteria for Court Marriage in Nepal

To legally register a court marriage in Nepal, individuals must meet the following eligibility requirements as per the National Civil Code, 2017:

1. Mutual Consent: Both individuals must voluntarily agree to the marriage.
2. Minimum Age Requirement: Both parties must be at least 20 years old.
3. Marital Status: Both individuals must be single (unmarried, legally divorced, or widowed).
4. No Prohibited Blood Relations: The couple must not be closely related by blood, as defined by Nepalese law on incest.

By fulfilling these legal requirements, couples can proceed with court marriage in Nepal, ensuring a legally recognized and valid union.

Documents Required for Court Marriage in Nepal

Required documents for marriage registration of Nepali citizen in Nepal:

1. A completed and signed application form for court marriage in Nepal
2. Original and notarized copies of citizenship certificates.
3. Single status certificate issued by the local ward office.
4. Citizenship certificates of two witnesses.
5. Temporary residence certificate (if applying in a district other than their permanent residence).
6. Four recent passport-sized photographs.

Required documents for marriage registration of foreigners in Nepal:

1. A completed and signed application form for court marriage in Nepal.
2. Original and notarized copies of the foreigner’s passport and visa.
3. No Objection Letter from the relevant embassy in Nepal.
4. Notarized and Nepali-translated copies of the foreigner’s home country’s marriage law.
5. Proof of residence in Nepal for a minimum of 15 days.
6. Original and notarized copies of Citizenship certificate / Passport of two witnesses.

Step-by-Step Process of Court Marriage in Nepal

Step 1: Preparation of Document

Before filing the application, both individuals must gather and verify the necessary documents including a single status document, a notarized copy of the applicant’s citizenship along with the witness’s citizenship for Nepali citizens, and, for foreign nationals, a no- objection letter from their embassy, a temporary residence verification letter, a valid passport, and a valid visa.

Step 2: Filing an Application at the District Court

The couple must submit an application along with the necessary documents at the relevant district court in Nepal. The court schedules a hearing within a day or two to verify the documents and eligibility.

Step 3: Sign the Deed of Consent

During the marriage registration process, both individuals, along with two witnesses, must sign a Deed of Consent.

Step 4: Court Hearing

The applicants must appear before the judge for the hearing, where the judge reviews the submitted documents and verifies that all legal requirements are met. If necessary, the judge may question the applicants and the witnesses to ensure compliance. Once everything is in order, the judge grants approval for the marriage.

Step 5: Issuance of Marriage Certificate

If all requirements are met, the court registers the marriage and issues an official court marriage certificate, serving as legal proof of marriage.

Step 6: Marriage Registration in Ward Office of Nepal

Once court marriage certificate is issued and obtained, it can be registered in concerned ward office of Nepal. Concerned ward office will provide new marriage certificate on the basis of court marriage certificate issued from court.

Conclusion

Process of Court Marriage provides a legal and hassle-free way to formalize a marital union. Whether you are a Nepali citizen or a foreigner, you can register a marriage in Nepal at the concerned district court by fulfilling court marriage registration process of Nepal.

If you're planning court marriage registration in Nepal, make sure you meet all the necessary criteria and prepare your documents accordingly to avoid delays and move forward with smooth process of marriage registration. By following this legal process, you can ensure your marriage is legally registered, valid and recognized in Nepal and abroad without any complications.