How to Plan a Perfect Court Marriage in Nepal: A Step-by-Step Guide

Court marriage (Nepali: अदालतमा विवाह pronounced [ʌdaːltma bibaː]) is a type of marriage that is done by registering the marriage at a district court in Nepal. Court marriage is a legal process that requires both the man and the woman to accept each other as husband and wife and to fulfill certain conditions set by the law. Court marriage is a convenient and hassle-free way of getting married without any social or religious rituals. However, it also requires some planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and successful process. This article will help you plan a perfect court marriage in Nepal by providing you with a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Check the legal requirements

Before you decide to conduct a court marriage in Nepal, you need to check if you meet the legal requirements for getting married in Nepal. According to Section 70 of the Civil Code 2017, the following are the conditions for a person to get married in Nepal:

• Both man and woman must accept each other as wife and husband.
• Both man and woman must not be related by blood such that they can be punished for incest.
• Both man and woman must be unmarried or single or divorced.
• Both man and woman must have attained 20 years of age.

However, the law also allows some exceptions for certain castes or tribes where it is culturally acceptable to marry one's relative.

If you meet these legal requirements, you can proceed to the next step. If not, you may need to consult a lawyer or wait until you are eligible.

Step 2: Gather the necessary documents

To conduct a court marriage in Nepal, you need to submit an application to the concerned district court with the following documents:

• Duly filled and signed application form in the prescribed format;
• Original and notarised copy of citizenship certificate of applicants;
• Original and notarised copy of citizenship certificate of witness;
• Both applicants shall furnish recommendation letters issued from their local wards proving their unmarried or single or divorced status;
• Recommendation letters from local ward offices for temporary residence–This is required for both the applicants;
• 4 copies of passport size photo each; and
• Bank voucher equivalent to Rs 500 as a court fee

Additionally, if you are a divorcee or a widow, you need to submit the following documents:

• Original and notarised copy of divorce certificate or decree;
• Original and notarised copy of property partition agreement or order (if any); and
• Original and notarised copy of child custody agreement or order (if any)

Similarly, if you are a foreigner who wants to conduct a court marriage in Nepal, you need to submit the following documents:

• No objection letter from respective embassy or consulate to get married in Nepal. This shall be translated in Nepali and notarised by the notary public.
• The law relating to marriage in the concerned country. This act shall be translated in Nepali and notarised by the notary public.
• Proof of residence in Nepal for at least 15 days.
• Copy of passport with a valid visa.

You can obtain these documents from various sources such as your local ward office, your embassy or consulate, your lawyer, or your notary public. You can also download the application form from the website of the district court or get it from the court office.

Step 3: Submit the application and schedule an appointment

After gathering all the necessary documents, you need to submit them along with your application form to the concerned district court. The court will verify your documents, register your application, and schedule an appointment for your court marriage. The appointment date may vary depending on the availability of the judge and the court administration. You will receive a confirmation letter or email from the court with your appointment details.

Step 4: Appear in court with your witness

On your appointment date, you need to appear in court with your witness. Your witness can be anyone who knows you personally and can vouch for your identity and marital status. Your witness must also have a citizenship certificate and must be over 18 years old. You can choose one witness each or have a common witness.

You will be asked to present your original documents and sign some papers before the judge. The judge will ask you some questions to confirm your consent and eligibility for marriage. If...if everything is in order and there is no objection from anyone, the judge will approve your marriage registration and the court administration will issue you a certificate of marriage. The certificate will have your names, photos, date of marriage, and a unique registration number. You can use this certificate as a proof of your marriage for various purposes.

Step 5: Celebrate your court marriage

Congratulations! You have successfully completed your court marriage in Nepal. You can now celebrate your marriage with your spouse, family, friends, or anyone you wish. You can also plan a honeymoon or a trip to enjoy your newly married life. You can also change your name, update your documents, and apply for any benefits or facilities that are available for married couples.

Conclusion

Court marriage is a convenient and hassle-free way of getting married in Nepal without any social or religious rituals. However, it also requires some planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and successful process. This article has provided you with a step-by-step guide on how to plan a perfect court marriage in Nepal. By following these steps, you can register your marriage legally and easily at a district court in Nepal.