KATHMANDU, March 29: Court marriage is increasingly gaining popularity in Nepal, driven by urbanization, foreign employment, changing social norms, and the rising cost and complexity of traditional weddings.
On March 25, Lokesh Kumar Ayadi from Bajura and Punam Kunwar chose to register their marriage at the Kathmandu District Court instead of holding a traditional ceremony. Ayadi, who works in Japan, said time constraints and the lack of an auspicious wedding date led them to opt for a court marriage, describing it as quicker, more affordable, and convenient.
Similarly, another couple—Kasam Pant of Tanahun and Bhawana Giri of Dhading—also formalized their marriage at the same court in simple attire, highlighting the growing shift away from elaborate wedding traditions.
Court officials say the trend is steadily rising. According to Information Officer Deepak Kumar Shrestha, the Kathmandu District Court has recorded up to 27 marriages in a single day, with an average of around 10 registrations daily. In the first nine months of the current fiscal year (until March 25), a total of 1,755 court marriages were registered at the court.
Marriage – cost, preparation and what not
Compared to the previous fiscal year, which saw 2,843 applications, the growing number reflects increasing acceptance of court marriage as a practical alternative. Even during months traditionally considered inauspicious for weddings—such as Shrawan, Kartik, and Poush—hundreds of couples have opted for legal marriage registration.
Sociologists view this shift as a sign of social transformation. They argue that court marriage not only saves time and money but also helps discourage practices such as dowry, child marriage, and polygamy. Legal experts also note that such marriages provide official documentation, which is particularly useful for those seeking foreign employment or living abroad.
The process is relatively simple and costs Rs 500, with provisions allowing couples to receive their marriage certificate within the same day—or even within two hours under a fast-track system—if all documents are in order.
However, challenges remain. Couples have complained about the lack of dedicated spaces within court premises, often sharing space with individuals involved in legal disputes, which diminishes the celebratory aspect of the occasion.
Despite these limitations, court marriage continues to gain traction across districts such as Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kaski, Rupandehi, Sunsari, Parsa, Chitwan, and Makwanpur, signaling a broader shift in Nepal’s social and cultural landscape.
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