Short answer
A court marriage (अदालती विवाह) is a marriage done by application at a District Court instead of a traditional ceremony. Both partners must be at least 20. You apply with both citizenship certificates (or a passport for a foreign partner), photos and two witnesses. After the court registers the marriage, take its certificate to the ward to register the marriage in the civil registration system too.
The details
What to bring
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Application to the District Court | With both partners' names, ages and addresses |
| Citizenship certificates of both partners | Or a passport and visa for a foreign partner |
| Recent passport-size photos | Usually two each |
| Two witnesses | With their citizenship certificates |
Steps
- Apply at the District Court with both partners present.
- The court checks the conditions: both 20 or older, neither already married and not closely related.
- The marriage is registered at the court and you receive its certificate.
- Register at the ward within 35 days so it's in the civil registration system.
Why people choose it
Court marriage is common for inter-caste and inter-religious couples, couples whose families object and marriages with foreign citizens, because it doesn't need a ceremony or anyone else's agreement.
Common problems
Do we need our parents' consent?
No. If both of you are 20 or older and not already married, you don't need anyone else's consent.
One of us is a foreign citizen.
A court marriage is the usual route for a Nepali marrying a foreigner in Nepal. The ward then registers it based on the court's proof. The foreign partner brings a passport and visa, and may be asked for proof from their embassy that they're free to marry.
Is a court marriage enough on its own?
Register it at the ward afterwards as well. The ward certificate is the one that links to the civil registration system and is asked for in citizenship, passport and visa applications.
How long does it take?
Often a day if the papers are complete, but call the district court first. Procedures and fees vary between courts.
Real experiences
Been through this recently? Tell the next person which office you went to and what they asked for. Reports are published as community notes, apart from the official information.
Share your experienceSources
- Department of National ID and Civil Registration: registration FAQ (marriages with foreigners)donidcr.gov.np
- Prime Law Nepal: court marriage process in Nepalprimelawnepal.com
- Supreme Court of Nepalsupremecourt.gov.np
Written from the sources above and last checked on 8 Oct 2026. Some details aren't confirmed against an official page yet, so check fees and documents with the office before you go.
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