Introduction
Online marriage registration in Nepal is a modern and legally recognized process that allows couples to register their marriage through digital platforms provided by the government or District Courts. This process is based on the Muluki Civil Code, 2017 and the Marriage Registration Act, 1971, which provide the legal foundation for marriage eligibility, consent, and verification. Online registration is designed to provide a convenient, transparent, and efficient alternative to physical court or ward office registration, while maintaining the same legal validity as traditional registration. Online Marriage Registration in Nepal Updated: Step-by-step Process. Legal assistance from firms like Medha Law and Partners ensures that applicants comply with eligibility criteria, submit correct documents, and follow all procedural steps accurately. Online registration also reduces administrative delays, improves record keeping, and facilitates international acceptance of marriage certificates. Medha Law and Partners Is a leading law firm in Nepal.
Legal Basis for Online Marriage Registration in Nepal
Online marriage registration is legally supported by the Muluki Civil Code, 2017 (Part 4, Sections 67–70), which defines marriage, eligibility, and consent. Section 67 emphasizes voluntary agreement between a man and a woman meeting legal criteria. Section 68 defines minimum age requirements and restrictions on prohibited relationships, while Sections 69 and 70 outline conditions for consent and prohibition of bigamy or fraudulent marriages.
The Marriage Registration Act, 1971 provides the procedural authority for registration, granting District Courts and local government bodies the right to record marriages in official registers. Recent digital initiatives allow online filing and preliminary verification of documents before a court hearing. Local government authorities, under the Local Government Operation Act, 2017, are responsible for maintaining civil status records, which now include digital platforms linked to the national database. Online registration ensures uniform legal compliance and official recognition, facilitating future administrative, legal, and international transactions.
Online registration platforms comply with data protection and legal authentication standards, requiring applicants to submit scanned documents, digital signatures, and verified identity proofs. These platforms integrate with court databases to issue digital certificates that hold the same legal validity as traditional printed certificates.
Eligibility Criteria for Online Marriage Registration
Eligibility for online marriage registration follows the same legal framework as physical registration. Both applicants must:
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Be at least 20 years of age according to Section 68 of the Muluki Civil Code, 2017.
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Have full mental capacity and give voluntary consent without coercion.
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Be unmarried at the time of registration; previously married individuals must provide court-verified divorce decrees or death certificates of deceased spouses.
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Have Nepali citizenship or legal residence in Nepal; foreign nationals must submit a valid passport, visa, and single status affidavit.
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Not be in prohibited relationships, including close blood relations or adoptive restrictions, as specified in Section 70.
The online system verifies identity through uploaded digital copies of citizenship certificates, passports, residence documents, and affidavits. Both partners are required to appear physically at the District Court for final verification, consent confirmation, and digital signature verification. Legal guidance ensures that applicants meet all eligibility conditions before filing online applications, preventing rejection or delays.
Required Documents for Online Marriage Registration in Nepal
For online marriage registration, applicants must submit verified digital copies of all documents. The system allows scanned uploads that are later verified physically at the District Court or authorized local body. Proper documentation ensures that the marriage is legally valid, recognized nationally, and usable internationally.
Documents Required:
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Citizenship Certificate of both applicants (originals for verification)
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Passport and valid Visa for foreign nationals
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Ward Residence Certificate or temporary residence document
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Unmarried status affidavit or single status declaration
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Divorce decree or death certificate if previously married
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Birth registration certificate or age verification document
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Passport-sized photographs of both parties
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Parental consent letter if applicable under minor-related provisions
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Notarized and legalized foreign documents for foreign nationals
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Any additional affidavits or documents requested by the District Court
All documents must match personal details including name, date of birth, gender, and parental information. Discrepancies may lead to delays, additional affidavits, or corrections before the registration can proceed.
Document Verification Process
The online system performs preliminary checks, but final verification occurs at the District Court. Verification steps include:
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Identity Verification – comparing uploaded documents against original certificates.
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Age Verification – checking birth certificate or age declaration.
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Marital Status Verification – confirming single status, divorce decree, or death certificate.
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Consent Verification – ensuring voluntary declaration in digital form and final court appearance.
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Residence Verification – confirming ward or municipality residence documentation.
Applicants must physically present original documents during final verification to confirm authenticity. Legal guidance ensures documents are consistent and properly formatted, preventing online submission rejections.
Foreign Document Authentication
Abroad nationals face additional verification requirements:
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Notarization – certified by a licensed notary in the home country.
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Embassy Authentication – issued or verified by the country’s embassy in Nepal.
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs Verification – for international legal acceptance.
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Translation – documents in non-English or non-Nepali languages must be officially translated and notarized.
Abroad couples must appear in person at the District Court for statement recording, consent confirmation, and signing. The online system cannot fully complete registration without this step.
Step-by-Step Online Marriage Registration Procedure in Nepal
The online marriage registration system is designed to streamline submission, verification, and approval of marriage applications. While the initial filing is digital, final verification requires a personal appearance at the District Court or authorized local office. The process is as follows:
Steps:
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Access the Online Portal – Visit the official government online marriage registration platform.
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Create Applicant Account – Register personal details for both partners.
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Upload Required Documents – Scan and upload Citizenship Certificates, passports, residence proof, affidavits, and photographs.
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Fill Online Application Form – Enter full personal details, marital history, and consent declarations.
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Preliminary Online Verification – The system checks document formats, completeness, and basic eligibility.
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Schedule Court Appearance – After online verification, a date for personal verification is set.
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Attend District Court – Present original documents, confirm voluntary consent, and sign digital forms.
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Judge Verification – Judicial officer confirms identity, eligibility, and voluntary consent of both parties.
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Final Approval & Registration – Marriage is recorded in the official database.
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Certificate Issuance – A legally valid digital certificate is issued, which can be printed or used digitally.
The process ensures legal compliance, prevents fraudulent submissions, and provides a secure digital record.
Timeline for Online Marriage Registration
The processing time for online registration depends on document readiness, verification steps, and court scheduling:
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Document Preparation & Upload: 1–2 days
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Preliminary Online Verification: 1 day
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Court Appearance & Statement Recording: 1–3 days depending on court availability
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Final Certificate Issuance: Same day or within 1–2 days
Foreign nationals or applicants with complex cases may experience delays due to embassy verification, document legalization, or translation requirements. Early preparation and proper legal guidance minimize time.
Fees for Online Marriage Registration
The fee structure for online marriage registration is generally aligned with physical registration, with minor digital service costs:
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Government Registration Fee: NPR 1,000–2,000
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Document Notarization & Legalization: Service cost varies per document
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Translation Fees: Applicable for foreign documents not in Nepali/English
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Legal Service Fees (Optional): For affidavit drafting, document verification, or court representation
Fees are payable online or at the District Court during final registration. Completing documents accurately prevents additional expenses from repeated submissions or corrections.
Online Marriage Registration for Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals can legally register their marriage online in Nepal by fulfilling all legal documentation and verification requirements. Applicants must submit:
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Valid passport and visa
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Official single status affidavit verified by their home-country embassy
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Notarized and legalized documents if issued abroad
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Translation in Nepali or English for non-native documents
The online system allows digital submission, but the applicants must appear physically at the District Court for final verification, consent recording, and signing. The District Court confirms identity, eligibility, voluntary consent, and document authenticity. After approval, the digital marriage certificate is issued, which is legally valid for domestic use and can be legalized for international purposes through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Online Marriage Registration for Interfaith Couples
Interfaith couples can complete online marriage registration without requiring religious approval or conversion. The Muluki Civil Code, 2017 guarantees equal legal rights regardless of religion. Online registration focuses on legal eligibility: age, consent, citizenship/residence, and marital status.
Applicants submit all required documents digitally and confirm mutual consent in online forms. The District Court verifies documents, records statements, and issues the certificate without evaluating religious compatibility. Legal guidance ensures that documents are complete and accurate, avoiding delays caused by social or cultural complications. Online Marriage Registration in Nepal Updated: Step-by-step Process.
Online Marriage Registration for Intercaste Couples
Intercaste couples can register their marriage online under the same legal framework as other applicants. Nepalese law does not restrict marriage based on caste. Online submission ensures that:
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Legal eligibility is verified digitally
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All required documents (citizenship, residence, affidavit) are submitted
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Consent statements are recorded electronically and verified physically
The process bypasses caste-related social barriers, offering a legally neutral platform. District Court verification ensures voluntary consent and eligibility, and a legally recognized certificate is issued.
Special Cases in Online Marriage Registration
Certain situations require additional legal or procedural considerations:
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Previously Married Applicants: Must provide divorce decree or death certificate
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Minors: Require parental consent and judicial approval under Muluki Civil Code provisions
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Name or Date Discrepancies: Must submit affidavits or correction certificates
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Foreign Divorce or Death Certificates: Require embassy authentication and notarization
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Residency Issues: Temporary residence documents may be requested
Legal firms like Medha Law and Partners provide comprehensive assistance, ensuring that special cases comply with online registration rules, preventing rejections, and expediting processing.
A. Benefits of Online Marriage Registration in Nepal
Online marriage registration offers several advantages compared to traditional registration:
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Convenience and Accessibility
Couples can submit documents, fill forms, and schedule verification appointments digitally, reducing physical visits to courts or local offices. This is particularly useful for foreign nationals, interfaith couples, and residents of remote areas. -
Legal Recognition
Registered online marriages are fully valid under the Muluki Civil Code, 2017 and the Marriage Registration Act, 1971, providing enforceable legal rights for spouses. -
Time Efficiency
Preliminary verification through the online portal accelerates document review, scheduling, and reduces administrative delays compared to manual submissions. -
Document Security and Transparency
Digital submission maintains secure records in official databases, preventing data loss, fraud, or duplication. Applicants receive official digital notifications and can track the registration status online. -
International Acceptance
Legally registered online marriages can be legalized for international use, making them recognized for visa, residency, or inheritance purposes abroad.
B. Challenges in Online Marriage Registration
Despite its benefits, applicants may face the following challenges:
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Incomplete or Mismatched Documents
Differences in spelling, age, or citizenship details can delay online approval. Court verification may require affidavits or corrections. -
Foreign Document Verification
Embassy legalization, notarization, and translation for foreign-issued documents can extend processing time. -
Technical Limitations
Users may encounter website downtime, upload errors, or connectivity issues, affecting submission. -
Legal Misunderstanding
Some applicants incorrectly assume that digital submission alone completes registration; physical appearance for final consent is mandatory. -
Minor or Special Case Issues
Minors, previously married individuals, or residents without proper documentation must comply with additional legal requirements.
C. Legal Solutions and Best Practices
Professional legal assistance ensures smooth online registration. Recommendations include:
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Pre-Submission Document Review
Ensure all documents are consistent and valid, including citizenship, birth certificate, and affidavit correctness. -
Embassy and Translation Compliance
Foreign nationals must secure notarization, legalization, and certified translations before submission. -
Affidavits for Discrepancies
Draft joint or self-declared affidavits to clarify name, age, or residency differences. -
Technical Assistance
Check internet connectivity, file format, and scanning clarity to avoid online portal errors. -
Court Appointment Preparedness
Attend the scheduled District Court or local body hearing with originals of all documents, prepared for statement recording. -
Post-Registration Updates
Update citizenship, bank records, passport information, and property records using the issued marriage certificate.
Legal firms like Medha Law and Partners provide guidance, document verification, affidavit drafting, and representation during the final court appearance. Online Marriage Registration in Nepal Updated: Step-by-step Process.
A. Comprehensive Document Checklist for Online Marriage Registration
1. Nepali Citizen Applicants
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Citizenship Certificate of both individuals
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Birth Registration Certificate or age verification document
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Ward Residence Certificate or proof of permanent residence
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Passport-sized photographs of both partners
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Unmarried status affidavit or single status declaration
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Digital Application Form for online registration
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Parental consent (if minor or under special legal conditions)
2. Previously Married Applicants (Divorcee)
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Divorce Decree or Court Order from Nepalese court
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Proof of registration of divorce at Ward Office
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Updated marital status affidavit
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Additional affidavits clarifying waiting period completion (if required)
3. Widows / Widowers
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Death Certificate of former spouse
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Proof of marriage dissolution in case of previous spouse’s death
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Updated marital status affidavit
4. Foreign Nationals
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Valid Passport and Visa
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Embassy-verified Single Status Affidavit (or Divorce/Death verification)
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Notarization and legalization of foreign-issued documents
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Certified translation if documents are not in Nepali or English
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Police clearance or background verification (if requested)
5. Mixed Marriages (Nepali + Foreign National)
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Complete documents listed above for both parties
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Translation and notarization for foreign documents
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Certified interpreter (if language barriers exist)
B. Additional Supporting Affidavits
Certain situations require additional legal affidavits to satisfy the District Court or online registration requirements:
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Name correction affidavit
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Age clarification affidavit
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Loss or replacement of documents affidavit
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Residence verification affidavit
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Consent clarification affidavit (for minors or special cases)
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Cross-national marriage declaration affidavit
Legal professionals draft these affidavits in proper format, ensuring compliance with Muluki Civil Code provisions.
C. Verification Procedures
Even for online registration, final verification is mandatory at the District Court or authorized local office. Verification steps include:
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Identity Check – Comparing uploaded digital documents against original certificates
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Age Verification – Confirming eligibility under Section 68 of Muluki Civil Code, 2017
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Marital Status Verification – Ensuring applicants are unmarried or legally free
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Consent Verification – Physical recording of voluntary consent
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Document Consistency Check – Ensuring names, dates, and addresses match official records
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Foreign Document Authentication – Confirming embassy verification, notarization, and translations
Discrepancies may require affidavits or correction certificates, which legal firms can prepare professionally.
D. Legal Timeline for Online Marriage Registration
The following is an estimated timeline based on standard practice:
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Document Preparation & Upload | 1–2 days |
| Preliminary Online Verification | 1 day |
| Scheduling Court/Local Verification | 1 day |
| Personal Appearance & Statement Recording | 1–3 days |
| Final Approval & Certificate Issuance | Same day or 1–2 days |
Foreign nationals or complex cases may take additional time due to embassy verification, notarization, and translation requirements. Preparing documents accurately in advance reduces delays. Online Marriage Registration in Nepal Updated: Step-by-step Process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does online marriage registration take in Nepal?
Online marriage registration typically takes 1 to 3 days for Nepali citizens when all documents are complete and verified. Foreign nationals may require additional time for embassy verification, notarization, translation, or legalization. Court scheduling and verification appointments can influence processing time. Proper preparation and legal guidance ensure smooth processing.
2. Can foreigners register marriage online in Nepal?
Yes, foreigners can register their marriage online by providing passport, valid visa, and embassy-verified single status affidavit. Foreign documents must be notarized, translated, and legalized. Personal presence at the District Court is mandatory for verification, consent recording, and signing.
3. Do both partners need to appear in person?
Yes, both partners must be physically present during court verification and consent recording. Online submission alone does not complete registration. Personal presence ensures legal compliance and authenticity of voluntary consent under the Muluki Civil Code, 2017.
4. Is online marriage registration valid internationally?
Yes, once the digital certificate is legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is recognized internationally. Some countries may require additional embassy authentication or apostille. A legalized certificate can be used for visas, residency, and inheritance purposes abroad.
5. What if some documents are incomplete?
Incomplete documents delay registration. The District Court may request additional affidavits, notarization, or corrected certificates. Legal assistance helps applicants prepare missing or inconsistent documents to prevent repeated delays.
6. Is parental consent required for online marriage registration?
Parental consent is not required for individuals 20 years or older. For minors or special cases under the Civil Code, parental consent and judicial approval are mandatory. Adults with full capacity may register independently.
Conclusion
Online marriage registration in Nepal provides a secure, efficient, and legally recognized method for couples to register their marriage digitally. Governed by the Muluki Civil Code, 2017 and the Marriage Registration Act, 1971, the procedure ensures legal validity, national and international recognition, and enforceable marital rights. The system benefits Nepali citizens, foreign nationals, interfaith, and intercaste couples by providing a convenient platform for document submission, verification, and certificate issuance. Legal guidance from firms like Medha Law and Partners ensures proper preparation, affidavit drafting, verification, and compliance throughout the process, reducing delays and ensuring legal security. Online Marriage Registration in Nepal Updated: Step-by-step Process.