Dubai is a popular destination for couples who want to tie the knot in a glamorous and cosmopolitan city. However, getting married in Dubai can also be quite expensive, depending on the type and size of the wedding. In this article, we will explore the different options and costs of getting married in Dubai, as well as how Dubai Court Marriage can assist you with the legal process.

Legal Marriage vs. Civil Marriage

Before planning your wedding in Dubai, you need to decide whether you want a legal marriage or a civil marriage. A legal marriage is a religious ceremony that follows the Sharia law for Muslims, or the rules of your respective religion for non-Muslims. A civil marriage is a secular contract that does not require any religious rites. A legal marriage is mandatory for UAE nationals and Muslim expatriates who want to get married in Dubai or any other emirate.

For non-Muslim expatriates, a legal marriage is optional and they can conclude marriage formalities at:

• the embassy or consulate of their country in the UAE,
• or at a temple or a church as per their religion.

The marriage must also be registered in the embassies of both partners in the UAE if they want their marriage to be recognized in their home countries. Whereas, a civil marriage is for non-Muslims who are national citizens of the United Arab Emirates, and to non-Muslim foreigners residing in the UAE, unless any of them adheres to the application of the law of their home country.

Legal Marriage Requirements and Cost

If you want to get married according to the Islamic law in Dubai, you need to follow the Sharia rules and procedures. One of the requirements is to take a pre-marital screening test and get the approval of the bride’s father or guardian. Both the bride and groom must be Muslims or convert to Islam before the wedding.

Documents Required

To apply for a legal marriage contract in Dubai, you need to provide these documents to the Dubai Courts:

• Your passports and UAE residence visas (original and copy).
• Your Emirates ID cards (original and copy).
• Your birth certificates (original and copy).
• Your divorce or death certificates (if you were previously married).
• Your pre-marital screening test certificate from a government hospital or clinic.
• Two male Muslim witnesses with their passports and UAE residence visas (original and copy).
• A letter of consent from the bride’s father or guardian, or a proof of his absence or death (if he is not available).

Cost of a Legal Marriage

The cost of a legal marriage varies depending on the religion and nationality of the couple, as well as the venue and services they choose. The fees for a legal marriage include:

• The cost of the pre-marriage medical examination, which is mandatory, differs based on the chosen tests and services:

• On average, premarital screening for UAE and GCC Citizens is AED 100,
• While for Non-UAE Citizens, it is AED 250.

• The marriage certificate issuance fee is AED 220, excluding the fee of the Marriage Official.

• The attestation fee for the marriage certificate by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is AED 150.

• The translation fee for the marriage certificate, if needed, may vary but generally starts from AED 300.

• The attestation fee for the marriage certificate by the embassy of your home country, if required, may vary depending on the embassy.

2. Civil Marriage in Dubai

A civil marriage is a legal union based on secular rules, not religious ones. It does not require a pre-marital screening test or the approval of the bride’s father or guardian. However, you still need to meet some conditions and provide some documents to get a civil wedding license in Dubai.

Conditions for Civil Marriage in Dubai

Before you apply for a civil marriage in Dubai, you need to make sure that you meet the following conditions:

• Dubai residency is required for one of the parties.
• The parties must be at least 21 years old to get engaged.
• The parties or their authorized representative must show up in person and present the representative’s Power of Attorney (if applicable) and the party’s original ID to verify their identity details.
• You and your partner are not related by blood, such as siblings, parents, grandparents, or aunts and uncles.
• You and your partner agree to the marriage and there is no legal obstacle to prevent you from getting married. You need to sign a declaration form in front of a judge who will authenticate it.
• The chairman of the Dubai Courts may impose any other conditions for the marriage, depending on your case.

Documents Required for Civil Marriage in Dubai

To obtain a civil wedding license in Dubai, you need to submit the following documents to the Dubai Courts:

• Upload a Private Attested Power of Attorney in PDF format; (if there is an agent).
• Submit an attested marital status certificate for the parties to marriage by the Embassy of their country of origin.
• The documents must be in PDF format and in legal Arabic translation with the Ministry of Justice in UAE’s stamp.
• If the documents are from another country, they must be approved by the official authorities:
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of origin,
• The UAE embassy in that country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and
• International Cooperation, UAE.

Cost for Obtaining Civil Marriage License in Dubai

The fee for obtaining a civil marriage license in Dubai is AED 482. This fee includes AED220 as service fees and AED262 as court fees. You can pay this fee online or at the Dubai Courts.

If you want to get married in Abu Dhabi, you can use the Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage Service, which offers a regular service for AED 300 and an express service for AED 2,500.

Legalization of Civil Marriage Contract in Dubai

After you get your civil marriage contract issued by the Dubai Courts, you need to legalize it from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the respective embassies of your countries of origin. This process involves additional fees and stamps that vary from country to country. You need to do this to make sure that your marriage is recognized in your home country and abroad.

How Dubai Court Marriage can assist you

If you are planning to get married in Dubai, you may find the legal procedures and paperwork daunting and confusing. That’s why Dubai Court Marriage is here to help you. Our marriage lawyers at Dubai Court Marriage can assist you with all the aspects of getting married in Dubai, such as:

• Preparing and submitting the required documents and forms.
• Booking and attending the appointments and sessions with the court or the embassy.
• Obtaining and translating the marriage certificates.
• Advising and guiding you on the best options and costs for your wedding.

Dubai Court Marriage has a team of experienced and qualified marriage lawyers who can handle your marriage process with ease and efficiency. Whether you want a legal or a civil wedding, Dubai Court Marriage can make it happen for you. Contact us today and get an initial consultation for your wedding.