Legal Requirements for Foreigners Getting Married in Nepal (2025 Guide)

If you’re a foreign couple dreaming of a destination wedding in Nepal, you might be wondering:

Can we get legally married in Nepal?
What documents do we need?
Will our marriage be recognized internationally?

Good news! Yes, you can legally marry in Nepal—and at Kathmandu Wedding, we’ve helped dozens of international couples complete both traditional and legal ceremonies with full peace of mind.

This blog will walk you through everything you need to know to legally get married in Nepal in 2025.

🧾 Who Can Legally Marry in Nepal?

Any couple—Nepali or foreign—is welcome to get married in Nepal, provided:

• Both individuals are 18+ years old

• Both are legally single (never married or legally divorced)

• The marriage is between two consenting adults (any nationality or religion)

📌 Note: Nepal does not yet recognize same-sex marriages under national law, but symbolic ceremonies can still be arranged.

📋 Required Documents for Foreigners

Here’s what you’ll need to gather before applying:

DocumentNotesValid passportWith visa stamp or arrival permit4 passport-size photosRecent and identicalAffidavit of eligibility to marryIssued by your embassy in NepalBirth certificateOptional, but sometimes requestedProof of legal residence (if applicable)If you’re living abroad, not in your home countryDivorce decree (if previously married)If applicable, must be notarizedParental consent (if under 20)Not commonly required, but sometimes requested

🏛 Where to Register Your Marriage

Foreign couples must register their marriage at the District Administration Office (DAO) in Kathmandu or the district where the ceremony is held.

Most couples use:

📍 Kathmandu DAO (District Administration Office) – Located in Babar Mahal

📝 Step-by-Step Legal Marriage Process in Nepal

Step 1: Visit your embassy in Kathmandu to get an "Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry"
Step 2: Collect all necessary documents (see list above)
Step 3: Submit application to DAO
Step 4: Both partners are required to appear in person for signing
Step 5: After review, your marriage is registered and a Marriage Certificate is issued
Step 6 (optional): You can notarize or apostille the certificate for recognition in your home country

🕐 Timeline: Typically takes 3–7 working days, depending on document readiness.

🧡 Symbolic vs. Legal Wedding – What’s Right for You?

OptionProsConsLegal Wedding in NepalOfficial, documented marriageMore paperwork and embassy visitsSymbolic CeremonyNo legal steps required, more flexibilityNot legally recognized

💡 Most couples choose to have a symbolic traditional or Western ceremony in Nepal, and complete the legal part in their home country.

📌 Related: How to Plan a Luxury Destination Wedding in Nepal

🧘 Want a Cultural Ceremony Instead?

Whether or not you do the legal paperwork, we can organize:

• Hindu Wedding with a priest, mandap, vermala

• Buddhist Ceremony with monks, prayer flags, chanting

• White Western Ceremony at a scenic resort

• Fusion Wedding blending traditions from both cultures

📌 See options: Explore Our Wedding Packages

✈️ Visa & Travel Tips for Foreign Couples

• Visa on Arrival is available for most nationalities

• Recommended stay: Minimum 10–14 days to cover legal + wedding events

• Bring photocopies of all documents in advance

• We provide translation and documentation assistance

• Local SIM cards, guides, and airport transfers can be arranged

📂 Our Assistance: Wedding Legal Support

When you book your wedding with us, we offer:

• Free checklist & pre-arrival documentation guidance

• Embassy appointment scheduling

• Personal escort to DAO & translation

• Legal document preparation

• Apostille & notarization services if needed

• Backup symbolic ceremony planning

📞 Book now: Request Legal Support with Your Wedding Planning

🎯 Final Word

Getting legally married in Nepal is possible—and memorable! With the right support and preparation, you can enjoy both a fully recognized legal marriage and a beautiful cultural ceremony surrounded by Himalayan charm.

Let Kathmandu Wedding take care of the legal steps so you can focus on celebrating love.

💌 Ready to Get Started?

📍 Meet Our Team & Planners
📦 View Packages Including Legal Services
📞 Book a Free Legal Planning Consultation