In Nepal, the process of registering a marriage at the ward level is an important legal step, governed by two main laws:

1. The Local Government Operation Act, 2017
2. The National Civil Code, 2017

These laws ensure that all types of marriages- whether religious, traditional, or court-based, must be officially registered with the local ward office of either a municipality or a rural municipality.

Conditions for Marriage Registration in Nepal

To legally register your marriage, both parties must meet these conditions:

1. Both individuals must be at least 20 years old.
2. The marriage must be based on mutual consent.
3. The couple should not be closely related by blood, as defined by law.
4. Neither person should already be married.

Legal Frameworks

This act empowers local governments, including municipalities and rural municipalities, to handle marriage registrations at the ward level. It helps standardize the process across all of Nepal’s 753 local units, ensuring consistency.

1. Local Government Operation Act, 2017
2. The National Civil Code (Muluki Civil Code), 2017

Marriage Registration Process Through Ward Office

Head to the ward office where either the bride or groom resides. If you both live in different wards, you can choose either one.

You can obtain the marriage registration form at the ward office.

Fill out the form with details like full names of both parties, parents’ names, addresses, birthdates, and the date and location of your marriage ceremony.

Submit the completed form along with required documents, including citizenship certificates, proof of age, photographs, and any other relevant documents.

The ward office will review your submitted details. If necessary, they may ask for further documentation or clarification.

Two witnesses must be present for the registration. They will show their citizenship certificates and sign the registration form.

A small fee will be required, based on local regulations.

Once everything is verified, your marriage will be officially registered, and you'll be issued a marriage certificate as legal proof of your union.

1. Visit Your Local Ward Office
2. Request the Marriage Registration Form
3. Complete the Application Form
4. Submit Documents and Application
5. Verification
6. Witnesses Presence
7. Pay the Registration Fee
8. Receive Your Marriage Certificate

Documents Required For Marriage Registration Througn Ward Offce

Both the bride and groom need to provide original and photocopies of their citizenship certificates. This confirms your identity, age, and nationality. The legal marriage age is 20 for both parties, or 18 with parental consent.

If you had a religious or traditional wedding, you'll need proof from the religious or community leader who performed the ceremony to show that the marriage actually took place.

For couples who married through the court, a court decision document is needed to confirm the marriage was legally approved.

You’ll need two recent passport-sized photos of both individuals to attach to the registration form and certificate.

Two witnesses must be present during the registration process. They will need to provide their citizenship certificates and sign the marriage form to validate the registration.

1. Citizenship Certificates
2. Religious or Community Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
3. Court Marriage Document (if applicable)
4. Passport-Size Photographs
5. Witnesses