Marriage Registration in Nepal - Complete Legal Guide 2026 Updated

This article will help you know about the documents, legal procedures, etc., required for marriage registration in Nepal, along with the Court Marriage Process. You can register your marriage either in a court or in the concerned ward office. The documents and procedure differ for Nepali couples, Nepali-foreigner couples, and foreign couples.

In Nepal, marriage registration is governed by the Muluki Civil Code 2074. Section 76 of te Muluki Civil Code, 2074 has the provision of marriage registration in the concerned ward office, Section 77, Section 78, Section 79, Section 80 has the provision of the court marriage in Nepal.

Who can marry in Nepal?

• The male or female who does not have a husband or wife,
• Both parties must freely consent to the marriage.
• The male and female who have completed the age of twenty years.

Marriage Registration in Nepal at a Glance

Documents required for Marriage Registration in Nepal - Traditional Marriage

The documents required for marriage registration in Nepal are:

• Application of registration
• Passport-size photo of husband and wife
• Citizenship of husband and wife
• Submit the evidence related to the marriage ceremony, like marriage photos.
• Citizenship of parents of husband and wife (not compulsory)
• Migration certificate if the marriage is to be registered in a place besides the native residence.
• Population Card of Husband.

Process of Marriage Registration in Nepal - Traditional Marriage

The process of marriage registration in Nepal is:

• Submit an application form for marriage registration in Nepal at the ward office or the marriage registration office of your permanent residence.
• Submit evidence of the marriage ceremony and the parties to the marriage, and at least three witnesses shall sign a deed of declaration in a prescribed format and submit it to the Ward Office. The Ward Office shall also put its signature on this document.
• After applying for the required documents, the ward office or marriage registration officer will examine them and provide a marriage certificate within 15 days.

Court Marriage Registration in Nepal - Nepali Couple

Document Required for Court Marriage Registration in Nepal

• Citizenship of both parties
• Citizenship of witnesses (any two)
• Passport-size photo of the couple (4-4 photos each)
• A letter from the ward office of the permanent address of both males and females, mentioning that both males and females are unmarried or divorced.
• A letter from the ward office of temporary residence if the court marriage is to be registered at a temporary address.

Process of Court Marriage Registration in Nepal

Step by step court marriage registration process in Nepal are:

• A letter from the ward office of both males and females mentioned that both males and females are unmarried or divorced. (Unmarried or Single Certificate)
• Fill out the application form at the district court where you are registering
• The application can also be filed from a temporary residence. The couple must have stayed in the temporary address for at least 15 days before the court marriage. (A temporary residence certificate is made from the temporary ward office)
• A deed of declaration by both marrying parties should be signed, accepting each other as husband and wife
• If all the requirements are fulfilled and verified, the marriage registration officer will issue a marriage certificate in court after the judge verifies it.

Documents needed for Court Marriage Registration of a Nepali and a Foreigner

• A letter from his/her ward office mentioning that he/she is unmarried for Nepali citizens
• NOC/CNI/Affidavit is required for foreigners. NOC is brought through the respective embassy located in Nepal
• Citizenship/Passport of both couples
• A passport-size photo of the couple
• Original passports of foreigners
• Visa of Nepal for foreigners
• The marriage law of respective foreigners
• Minimum 15-day stay certificate ( Temporary Residence Certificate ) from the ward office for foreigners where he is willing to marry.
• Minimum 15-day stay certificate for Nepali ( Asthai Basobaas Kagaj ) if he/she want to get married away from their permanent residence.

Note: To know more about the Unmarried Certificate and Temporary Residence Certificate, Visit Process of Making an Unmarried Certificate and Process of Making Temporary Residence Certificate, respectively.

Process of Court Marriage Registration of a Nepali and a Foreigner

• An Unmarried Verification Certificate from his/her ward office of permanent residence is collected by the Nepali party, and the No Objection Letter (NOC) is brought through his/her respective embassy located in Nepal for foreigners.
• Evidence of witnesses (two witnesses having Nepalese citizenship) of the marriage is collected and verified.
• The passport and visa of the foreigner are submitted.
• Foreigners whose marriage is to be done in Nepal must stay in Nepal for 15 days before the marriage registration day and obtain a temporary residence certificate.
• Nepali citizen who is willing to marry away from his/her permanent address, a temporary residence certificate from the place where he/she is willing to marry must be submitted.

Can we do an Online Court Marriage in Nepal?

As we know, this is an era of technology, and almost all the services are available online. Many Nepalese are living abroad. They can do various work, including online taarekh via online technology in Nepal from abroad. But for a court marriage, both girls and boys who are willing to do a court marriage in Nepal must be present physically. The court of Nepal still has not recognized online court marriage in Nepal.

Is Online Marriage Registration possible in Nepal?

An online application step may be available through the receiving local authority. Kathmandu Metropolitan City's published ward checklist references an online form and token. This does not mean the marriage certificate is issued entirely online: confirm current submission, attendance and verification requirements with your ward.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City: ward-service checklist (published 2023; confirm current local arrangements)

How to check a Court Marriage Certificate Online?

You can visit the website of the district court where you completed the court marriage. Then click on the daily cause list (पेसि स्थिती विवरण) and put your marriage registration number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Marriage in Nepal for Foreign Citizens

The documents required and procedures may differ for according to the nationality. See our detailed guides:

1. Court Marriage of the British Citizens in Nepal
2. Marriage of Indian Citizens in Nepal
3. Court Marriage Registration Between Foreigners in Nepal

Conclusion

Marriage registration in Nepal is a very easy and speedy process. Nepal is recognized as a suitable marriage hub around the globe for registering marriages. Marriage registration in Nepal involves efficient and smooth legal formalities.

Also read: Divorce Process in Nepal

For Any Queries, call or WhatsApp us at +977-9862944100

Marriage certificate documents and online applications

For the ward document checklist and questions about registering while a spouse is abroad, consult the Department’s official FAQ. For marriage through the court, use the separate court-marriage and document guides.

Official registration checklist: Department of National ID and Civil Registration

Court marriage process in Nepal

Documents required for court marriage

Official reference: Nepal Law Commission — National Civil Code, 2074