Everything You Need to Know to Plan a Destination Wedding in the UAE

Marriage planning in the UAE (United Arab Emirates) requires great attention to detail while creating an exciting experience. The UAE provides an ideal setting for couples who want to celebrate their special day in luxury because it offers the best venues alongside its breathtaking skyline, beautiful beaches and luxurious hospitality services. Getting married in the UAE requires couples to follow specific legal formalities in addition to cultural requirements and operational procedures.

The article outlines everything couples need to know about planning their UAE destination wedding while explaining both wedding ceremonies and wedding planning tips.

Why Choose the UAE for a Destination Wedding?

The UAE is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world because of:

• Best venues: From beachfront hotels in Dubai to desert hotels in Abu Dhabi.
• Luxury services: High-end wedding coordinators, photographers, caterers and stylists.
• Accessibility: It is easily accessible from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
• Mild winters: Perfect time for outdoor weddings from October to April.
• Multicultural atmosphere: Open to couples of different nationalities and faiths.

Types of Wedding Ceremonies in the UAE

You should select your wedding ceremony type based on your cultural background.

1. Civil Marriage

Civil marriage is available in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for non-Muslim couples who are residents and visitors. The procedure provides the simplest legal method to marry within the UAE.

a. Civil Marriage at the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court:

• Both parties must not be a UAE National who is a Muslim.
• Both parties must consent to the marriage taking place.
• Both parties must be at least 18 years of age.
• The parties must not be related by first or second degree.
• The parties must not be married to anybody else.

The Abu Dhabi Court provides couples with a digital marriage application that enables couples to get married within 24 hours.

b. Dubai’s Civil Marriage Service in 24 hours

Non-Muslim residents of Dubai can now obtain civil marriage licenses through a service launched by Dubai. The service allows couples to secure their civil wedding licence during a 24-hour period.

Conditions

The civil marriage application process in Dubai requires both parties to fulfill these conditions:

• Both parties must be non-Muslims.
• The marriage requirements specify that at least one party needs to hold Dubai residency.
• The couple must meet the minimum age requirement of 21 years old.
• The couple or their legally authorised representatives must appear in person.
• The original IDs serve as proof for establishing the identity details of the applicants.
• The applicants need to show evidence of their single status.

2. Religious Marriage

A religious wedding service takes place in accordance with the couple’s faith.

• Muslim marriages are conducted under Sharia law in UAE Sharia Courts.
• Christian weddings can be held in licensed churches (e.g., Catholic, Anglican) and then attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Hindu or Sikh ceremonies can be performed in temples or gurdwaras with additional attestation steps.

Choosing the Right Location

Some of the popular wedding venues in the UAE are:

• Atlantis The Palm (Dubai) – It is a beachfront resort.
• Qasr Al Sarab (Abu Dhabi) – A luxury desert hotel.
• Burj Al Arab (Dubai) – Ultra luxurious weddings only.
• The Ritz-Carlton (Ras Al Khaimah) – Set in a natural surroundings.

Most of the venues have wedding packages that include decoration, food, music, and photography. It is advisable to book early, especially if your date is between October and April (high season).

Wedding Planning Tips

1. Employ a Wedding Planner

Engaging a local wedding planner can be a great way of saving time and stress. They will take care of legal formalities, arrangements, and cultural aspects.

2. Understand Local Customs and Laws

• No public display of affection is allowed.
• Drink is only permitted in licensed bars and restaurants.
• Music is prohibited beyond certain hours in residential areas.

3. Consider Attestation for Legal Use Abroad

If you are likely to use your marriage certificate from UAE in your home country then you may be required to have the document stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and your country’s embassy.

4. Pre-Marital Medical Screening

For Muslim couples, the screening is mandatory. It is carried out in the health centers of the government of UAE and checks for genetic or infectious diseases.

Destination Wedding for Tourists

It is possible to get married in the UAE even if you are not a UAE resident. It is now possible for non-residents and tourists to get married in Abu Dhabi thanks to the Civil Marriage Law for non-Muslims.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A tourist visa or a valid passport with an entry stamp.
• Civil marriage application form filled online or through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
• Proof of no prior existing marriage.
• You must attend the court date, and this can be done within 24 to 72 hours.

Note: Some countries may not accept UAE marriage certificates without legalization or apostille.

Budgeting for Your UAE Destination Wedding

The cost of a destination wedding in the UAE is usually between AED 70,000 to AED 300,000 depending on the venue, the number of guests and the services that are to be included.

• Civil court wedding: AED 300 – AED 1,000
• Venue rental: AED 20,000 – AED 100,000+
• Catering: AED 150 – AED 500 per person
• Photography/videography: AED 5,000 – AED 25,000

Note: Local vendors along with wedding planners should be consulted for precise quotes that will help with better planning.

Marriage Registration for Expats

If you are living in the UAE and you wish to register your marriage officially then:

• Fill the application that is required by the court.
• Documents are to be translated and stamped.
• If the certificate will be used outside of the UAE then MOFA attestation should be done.
• Some embassies also require marriage registration at their consulate.

Final Checklist for a UAE Destination Wedding

• Select the type of wedding to have (civil or religious wedding)
• Gather necessary legal documents
• Book a venue and planner
• Schedule pre-marital medical test (if needed)
• Apply for court date (for civil marriage)
• Confirm the attestation requirements for your home country

How Dubai Court Marriage Can Help

At Dubai Court Marriage, our marriage lawyers are here to assist you in all aspects of the marriage process, from selecting the correct legal procedure to filling out your documents and even making arrangements for attestation and court dates. We ensure that whether you are a resident or a tourist, your UAE destination wedding is smooth, legal and stress free. Contact us today to begin your journey.