Court marriage, also referred to as paper marriage, is an increasingly popular legal route for couples in Nepal, including both Nepali citizens and foreign nationals. The matters relating to court marriage in Nepal is governed by the National Civil (Code) Act, 2074 (2017).
This article outlines the legal basis, procedural steps, required documents, and special considerations for both domestic applicants for court marriage in Nepal.
A. Legal Basis
National Civil (Code) Act, 2074 (2017) law permits individuals to register their marriage either through:
- Court marriage, which involves applying directly to the District Court; or
- Social/religious marriage registration, which involves registering a marriage conducted through cultural or religious rituals at the local level ward office.
Although the law also allows for registration at a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate, this practice is not yet widely adopted.
B. Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for court marriage, both parties must:
- Be at least 20 years old;
- Be unmarried at the time of registration (or legally divorced); and
- Mutually agree to enter into marriage.
C. Step-by-Step Registration Process
The court marriage process is relatively straightforward but requires precise documentation and physical presence of both applicants.
A step-by-step procedure for registration of court marriage in Nepal is provided below:
| S.N. | Procedure |
| 1. | Obtain Single Status Certificate from each applicant’s ward office. |
| 2. | Apply at the District Court, submitting all required documents. |
| 3. | The court examines the documents and may seek clarification if needed. |
| 4. | Upon satisfaction, the court grants the marriage certificate. |
| 5. | Both parties and two witnesses must be physically present on the day of certificate issuance. |
D. Required Documents and Timeline
The documents required for completion of court marriage procedure are as follows:
| S.N. | Document | Notes |
| 1. | Citizenship certificates (notarized) | For both parties |
| 2. | Single status letter | Issued by Ward Office |
| 3. | Witness citizenship (notarized) | One from each party |
| 4. | Temporary residence letter | If applying in a different district |
| 5. | Passport-size photos | 4 each |
| 6. | Divorce decree | If applicable |
Timeline: 2-3 working days.
E. Legal Validity and International Recognition
A marriage certificate issued through a court marriage in Nepal is legally binding and recognised for all civil and administrative purposes within Nepal.
F. Fees and Charges
| Service | Fee (NPR) |
| Single Status Certificate | Varies by municipality |
| Temporary Residence Certificate (Nepali) | NPR 2,000 |
| Court Registration | NPR 500 |
Final Thoughts
Court marriage provides Nepali citizens with a straightforward and legally recognized way to formalize their unions without extensive rituals. By preparing proper documentation and understanding the process, couples can efficiently navigate court marriage registration.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, advertisement, personal communication, solicitation or inducement. No attorney-client relationship is created through this content. Gandhi & Associates assumes no liability for any consequences resulting from actions taken based on information contained herein.
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