Growing Popularity of Court Marriages in Nepal

13 Chaitra, Kathmandu — On Chaitra 11, Lokeshkumar Ayadi from Triveni Municipality-7, Bajura, dressed in a black jeans jacket and pants, was seen hurrying within the Kathmandu District Court premises. Following him was Punam Kunwar from Gaumul-4 of the same district, wearing a green kurta suruwal.

They had not come for any legal dispute or administrative issue but to get married through a court marriage, also known as registered marriage. After completing the necessary procedures, the groom Ayadi and bride Kunwar received their marriage registration certificate that very day.

Ayadi, who is on a short leave from his job in Japan, arranged the court marriage with the consent of his family. He said, ‘As it was the month of Chaitra, I was unable to find a suitable traditional date, so with my family’s approval, I chose to have a court marriage. It was less costly and faster than a traditional ceremony, and I couldn’t return home for a conventional wedding.’

Traditionally, weddings are associated with elaborate outfits, jewelry, and decorations. However, the growing number of court marriages is bringing more diversity to these conventional perceptions.

Ayadi and Kunwar are not alone; on Chaitra 10, Kasam Pant from Bhanumunipality-12, Tanahun, and Bhawana Giri from Tripura Sundari Rural Municipality-1, Dhading, also registered their marriage at the same court.

The couple, wearing simple attire and carrying schoolbags, were seen taking pictures with their newly obtained marriage certificate in front of the court signboard. Groom Pant stated, ‘I learned through self-study that court marriage is reliable and trustworthy. This legal marriage option, when both parties and their families agree, is quicker, less expensive, easier, and reduces the financial burden on families.’

Factors such as increasing urbanization, foreign employment, busy lifestyles, and changing social customs have fueled public interest in court marriages. These marriages are also proving effective in combating social evils such as child marriage, polygamy, and false marriages, and have helped reduce dowry practices, leading to positive social responses.

27 Couples Registered Court Marriage in Kathmandu This Falgun

According to data from Kathmandu District Court, 27 couples registered their marriages on a single day last Falgun. Public Information Officer Deepak Kumar Shrestha stated that while the maximum number of registrations on auspicious days can reach 27, the daily average on other days is about 10. In the current fiscal year, as of Chaitra 11, a total of 1,755 court marriages have been registered there.

Last fiscal year, the court received 2,843 marriage registration applications, but the overall record of court marriages is unavailable as it was destroyed during the Jana Andolan movement.

In Nepali tradition, certain months are considered auspicious for marriage. However, many court marriages have been registered in months traditionally considered less favorable, including 67 until Chaitra 9, 226 in Poush, 159 in Kartik, and 194 in Saun.

Legal Encouragement for Court Marriages

Sociologist Tikaram Gautam described court marriage as a hallmark of modern society and an indicator of social change. He said, ‘All cultural practices in society are interpreted according to social structures and needs. Due to significant changes in Nepal’s religious, political, cultural, and social structures compared to the past, the number of court marriages has also increased.’

The state has consistently promoted court marriages since they are legally validated.

Couples opting for court marriage often reside in Kathmandu due to study, business, or employment and may not be able to return to their permanent residences.

Senior Advocate Sunita Regmi Pokharel explained that earlier, court marriages were registered through the Chief District Officer’s office, but now they are conducted at the district courts.

She added, ‘With the increasing trend of youth going abroad for foreign employment, the number of court marriages has risen. Registered marriages are considered official. Many young people are favoring court marriage after recognizing flaws in the traditional marriage process.’

She clarified the difference between marriage registration and court marriage: marriage registration is handled by the government registrar’s office, whereas court marriage is conducted by the court.

Marriage Registration Fees Set at NPR 500

To register a court marriage, couples must submit an application with photocopies of their citizenship certificates and educational credentials along with photos. The court charges a fee of NPR 500 for marriage registration.

Vinod Bisht from Lamki, Kailali, who planned to go to Serbia for employment, actively chose the court marriage route to complete the process quickly. He said, ‘It is a privilege to have a legal marriage through an official body; it is not only less expensive but also essential for obtaining necessary documents for foreign travel.’ He married Rashmi Budhwal from Kailali on Chaitra 10.

According to Information Officer Shrestha, the court can issue the marriage certificate on the same day if all required documents are submitted, even before the legally mandated seven-day waiting period.

However, the lack of a dedicated building or premises for court marriages causes inconvenience to couples who come to celebrate their union.

Since residents from all 77 districts of Nepal come to Kathmandu District Court for marriages, and some have urgent needs like traveling abroad, the court provides a ‘fast-track service’ to issue certificates within two hours.

Dalit rights activists have noted that court marriages have helped reduce caste discrimination as well.

Occasionally, couples dressed up and accompanied by family celebrate joyfully while collecting their marriage certificates.

Nepali law requires both parties to be unmarried and provides that a recommendation from the ward office of the permanent residence is mandatory. For foreign nationals, a minimum of 15 days’ residence proof in Nepal is required.

Foreign nationals must also provide a ‘No Objection Letter’ and certification of marriage eligibility from their respective embassies. The minimum age criteria are determined by the foreign national’s home country, and the documents must be translated into Nepali. If an embassy is not present in Nepal, recommendations from the embassy in India are accepted.

Astrological Arrangements Before Court Marriages

Recently, more couples have been consulting astrologers to select auspicious timings for court marriages. The court also prepares in advance and manages manpower accordingly for marriages planned for the following day.

Inside the court premises, many couples exchange flower garlands, rings, apply vermilion, and celebrate their unions daily. Busy lifestyles have contributed to the increasing appeal of court marriages. Some couples still perform traditional rites and ceremonies even after marrying in court.

Need for Separate Facilities for Court Marriages

Since the court lacks a dedicated building and space for court marriages, couples coming to celebrate often find the environment unsuitable. Coexistence of traditional plaintiffs and family members in the same area also creates discomfort. Hence, a demand for separate venues for marriages has been raised. A legally recognized marriage is fundamental for organizing social and family life.

Although marriages are registered at district courts nationwide, the frequency is comparatively higher in Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kaski, Rupandehi, Sunsari, Parsa, Chitwan, and Makwanpur. The courts consistently encourage these marriages, conducted under legal frameworks and witnessed by relatives.