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1. Introduction
Court marriage in Nepal is a legally recognized form of marriage registered before a competent government authority under the prevailing laws of Nepal. The topic of court marriage fees in Nepal has become increasingly searched due to the rise in inter-caste, interfaith, and foreign national marriages. Understanding the official government fee, documentation cost, and total marriage registration expense is essential before starting the legal process.
This comprehensive guide explains the court marriage cost in Nepal, relevant legal provisions, administrative authorities, required documents, step-by-step procedure, timeline, and compliance requirements, based on the Muluki Civil Code 2074 and current administrative practice.
2. Legal Framework Governing Court Marriage in Nepal
Court marriage in Nepal is governed by the following laws:
Muluki Civil Code, 2074 (2017)
Part III – Chapter on Marriage
Section 67 to Section 84
Section 77: Marriage through registration
Constitution of Nepal, 2072
Article 38: Right to Marriage and Family
Local Government Operation Act, 2074
Grants authority to Ward Offices for local registration of marriage.
Evidence Act, 2031
Governs evidentiary value of marriage certificate.
Private International Law Principles
Applicable where one party is a foreign national.
3. Key Legal Provisions Related to Court Marriage Fees in Nepal
Under Section 77 of the Muluki Civil Code 2074, a man and a woman may conclude marriage directly by registration before the concerned authority if:
Both parties give free and full consent.
Both are legally eligible.
They are not within prohibited degrees of relationship.
Neither party has a subsisting marriage.
The law prescribes only a nominal administrative fee for registration. There is no heavy statutory court fee. However, additional expenses may arise for documentation, notarization, translation, or legal assistance.
4. Administrative Authorities Involved
The following authorities are involved in court marriage registration:
District Court
Accepts and verifies marriage registration applications.
Issues marriage certificate after legal verification.
Ward Office (Local Municipality)
Registers marriage in local records.
Issues certified copies if required.
Department of Immigration
Relevant in cases involving foreign nationals.
Notary Public Office
Certifies translations and notarizes documents.
5. About Court Marriage Fees in Nepal
What is the court marriage fee in Nepal?
The official government registration fee generally ranges from NPR 500 to NPR 2,000 depending on the district.
Who pays the fee?
The couple jointly pays the registration and administrative charges.
Where is the fee paid?
At the District Court revenue section and later at the Ward Office for local registration.
When is the fee paid?
At the time of application submission and certificate issuance.
Why is the fee required?
To process the legal registration and issue the official marriage certificate.
How much is the total cost including all expenses?
Total expenses may range between NPR 5,000 to NPR 25,000 or more depending on legal assistance, translation, notarization, and foreign document verification.
6. Eligibility Criteria for Court Marriage in Nepal
As per the Muluki Civil Code:
Both parties must be at least 20 years old.
Free consent must be given by both individuals.
Parties must be unmarried, legally divorced, or widowed.
Parties must not fall within prohibited blood relations.
Both must be mentally competent.
Foreign nationals must provide proof of single status from their home country.
7. Documents Required for Court Marriage in Nepal
For Nepali Citizens
Citizenship certificate (original and copy)
Unmarried certificate from Ward Office
Passport size photographs
Temporary residence certificate (if residing outside permanent district)
For Foreign Nationals
Passport and valid visa copy
Single status certificate or No Objection Letter
Embassy recommendation letter (if required)
Temporary residence verification from local ward
Notarized and translated documents (if not in Nepali language)
8. Step-by-Step Court Marriage Process in Nepal
Step 1: Document Preparation
Collect citizenship certificates, single status certificates, and required documents.
Step 2: Application Filing at District Court
Submit a joint application for marriage registration before the competent District Court.
Step 3: Court Verification
The court verifies identity, eligibility, and legal compliance.
Step 4: Approval by Judge
Upon satisfaction of legal requirements, the court grants approval.
Step 5: Issuance of Marriage Certificate
The official marriage certificate is issued by the court.
Step 6: Registration at Ward Office
Marriage details are recorded in the local ward office register.
9. Court Marriage Cost in Nepal (Detailed Breakdown 2026)
| Particulars | Estimated Cost (NPR) |
|---|---|
| Court Registration Fee | 500 – 2,000 |
| Ward Registration Fee | 500 – 1,500 |
| Notary Charges | 1,000 – 3,000 |
| Translation Cost | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Lawyer Fee (Optional) | 10,000 – 25,000 |
| Embassy Certification | Varies |
Average Total Cost
Nepali Couple: NPR 3,000 – 10,000
Nepali and Foreigner: NPR 15,000 – 50,000
10. Timeline for Court Marriage in Nepal
Document preparation: 1–3 days
Court verification and approval: 1–7 working days
Total average timeline: 2–10 working days
Cases involving foreign nationals may require 7–14 working days depending on embassy verification.
11. Other Legal Compliances
Registration at Ward Office after court approval.
Updating citizenship records (if necessary).
Visa status update for foreign spouse.
Translation of marriage certificate for international use.
Apostille or embassy legalization for foreign recognition.
12. FAQs
What is the official court marriage fee in Nepal?
The official government fee generally ranges between NPR 500 and NPR 2,000, excluding additional documentation or legal service costs.
How long does court marriage take in Nepal?
It usually takes 2 to 10 working days depending on documentation and court workload.
Can foreigners marry through court marriage in Nepal?
Yes, foreigners can legally marry in Nepal with proper visa, single status certificate, and required embassy documentation.
Is a lawyer mandatory for court marriage in Nepal?
No, hiring a lawyer is not mandatory but can help ensure faster processing and proper documentation.
Is witness required for court marriage in Nepal?
Yes, generally two witnesses with valid identification are required.
Is inter-caste marriage legally recognized in Nepal?
Yes, Nepalese law fully recognizes inter-caste and inter-religion marriages.
Is court marriage cheaper than traditional marriage?
Yes, court marriage is generally less expensive and legally straightforward compared to traditional ceremonies.
13. Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on prevailing laws and administrative practice in Nepal as of 2026. Fees and procedures may vary depending on district and regulatory updates. For case-specific legal advice regarding court marriage fees in Nepal, consult a licensed legal professional or contact the concerned District Court.