Whether you’re planning a traditional Nepali wedding or a court marriage with a foreign partner, knowing the exact time required for marriage registration helps you avoid delays  especially for visa processing, immigration paperwork, travel plans, or legal updates.

Marriage registration in Nepal can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 15 days, depending on the type of marriage, required documents, and whether foreigners are involved.

This guide gives you the full breakdown of timelines for:

• Nepali–Nepali marriage registrations

• Court marriage timelines

• Foreigners marrying in Nepal

• Marriage registration after a traditional wedding

• Certificate issuance time

• How early you should apply

1. Marriage Registration Options & Their Timeframes in Nepal

Nepal has two main legal routes:

A. Ward/Municipality Marriage Registration Timeline (For Nepali Citizens)

This is the fastest option.

Typical Time: 30 Minutes – 1 Day

Steps & Time Required:

• Fill form & submit documents (10–20 min)

• Verification by ward officer (10–30 min)

• Certificate issuance (same day or within a few hours)

Best for:

• Nepali couples

• Couples who had a traditional/wedding ceremony

• Quick administrative registration

B. Court Marriage Timeline (District Court)

Court marriage involves more checks, but still fast for Nepalis.

Typical Time: 1–3 Days (Nepali–Nepali)

3–15 Days (if foreign partner involved)

Steps & Estimated Time:

1. Application & document submission: 30 min

2. Court verification: same day or next day

3. Hearing/Oath signing: same day or next day

4. Certificate issued: same day or within 1–2 days after hearing

2. Timeline for Foreigners Marrying in Nepal

Foreign nationals must show proof of stay in Nepal, which impacts the timeline.

Required: Minimum 15-Day Stay for Many Courts

Breakdown:

• 15 days presence in Nepal → mandatory for many courts

• Document verification (1–3 days)

• Court hearing (same day)

• Certificate issuance (same or next day)

Total Time: 7–15 Days (typical)

3. Timeline for Registering a Marriage Performed Abroad

If the marriage took place in a foreign country:

Typical Time: 1–3 Days

Requirements:

• Foreign marriage certificate

• Notary translation (if needed)

• Embassy verification

• MOFA authentication

• Submission at District Court/Ward

Processing is fast after documents are authenticated.

4. How Early Should You Apply for Marriage Registration in Nepal?

For Ward Registration:

Same day is enough no advance timing needed.

For Court Marriage (Nepalis):

• Apply 1–3 days before your planned marriage date.

For Court Marriage With Foreigners:

• Ensure your partner is in Nepal at least 15 days earlier.

For International Visa/Immigration Use:

• Apply at least 2–3 weeks before visa submission

(to allow time for MOFA & embassy legalization).

5. When Do You Get the Marriage Certificate?

Ward Office Certificate:

• Within 30 minutes – 1 day

Court Marriage Certificate:

• Same day of hearing OR next day

Foreign Marriage Registration Certificate:

• 1–2 days after submission

6. Factors That May Delay Marriage Registration

Some offices take longer if:

• Documents are incomplete

• Foreign documents lack embassy verification

• Witnesses fail to appear

• There is a dispute or age verification issue

• Local offices are overloaded (Dashain/Tihar periods)

• Wrong ward/court chosen for jurisdiction.

How long before should we apply for marriage registration?

1. If Nepalis: 1–3 days before is enough.
2. If foreigner involved: ensure 15 days’ stay in Nepal before court marriage.
3. For visa/immigration: prepare 2–3 weeks earlier due to authentication steps.

How long does court marriage take in Nepal?

• Usually 1 day, sometimes 2 to 3 days depending on verification.
• Foreigners: 7 to 15 days including stay requirement + process.

Can I get my marriage certificate the same day?

Yes,many courts issue the certificate same day after hearing. Ward offices often issue within 1 hour.