Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.What are the advantages of registering a marriage?

  • Marriage is one of the most important relationships that you can enter in a life time. It entails responsibility of rights and duties on both husband and wife to maintain relationship.

  • A Certificate of marriage is a document, which provides valuable evidence as to the fact of marriage.

  • A Certificate of marriage is a document providing social security, self-confidence, particularly among married women.

  • A Certificate of marriage is useful to claim rights when things go wrong.

2. Where can people get their marriages registered?

Marriages can be registered in the District Court of Nepal where the parties have been residing for at least 15 days prior to the marriage.

3. What are the restrictions for the registration of marriages?

Following are the restrictions under National Civil code of Nepal 2074

  • Bridegroom /Bride who desire to marry should not have entered into a marriage previously.

  • Bridegroom / bride who cannot provide consent due to mental health condition is not eligible for marriage

  • Marriage of those who are capable of giving consent for marriage but cannot conceive due to mental disability is ineligible to register marriage.

  • Insanity is ground for ineligibility to enter into a marriage

  • Marriage performed with in prohibited relationships are ineligible for obtaining legal status unless otherwise permitted based on custom or usage governing such persons

4. Where do I obtain a marriage Certificate?

You can usually apply for your marriage certificate at any District court of Nepal in which you want to be married.

5. When I get married, do I have to take my husband’s last name?

Section 81 of National Civil Code of Nepal provides for option relating to change of surname. You may either keep your own last name, you may take your husband’s last name, or you may use both a combination of your last names. 

6. What does “capacity to marry” mean?

The capacity to marry implies the physical, mental, and legal ability to marry. Physically, you must be able to consummate the marriage. Mentally, you must understand the nature of the ceremony. Section 70 of National civil code of Nepal establishes mandatory provision of 20 years and older and not married.

7. Can I obtain a letter that indicates that I am either single or unmarried?

It is known as a “no objection” letter. In case of foreigner he/she obtains a no objection letter   by visiting their respective embassies and for Nepali citizens he or she may visit a local village development committee. He / she must show official documentation of their unmarried status.

8. Are there age requirements to marry in Nepal?

Yes. The bride and groom both must be 20 years of age or older to marry.

9. Is there a waiting period?

Yes. It takes two days to get a marriage certificate. The day application is filed for a marriage certificate and the next day certificate is issued, you can file application on the first day and on second day you will get marriage certificate

10. Do we need witnesses?

Yes.  Section 77 of National civil code 2074 provides for mandatary provision for at least two witness.