Abu Dhabi civil marriage: How to get married in 15 minutes
A complete guide to requirements, costs and the express wedding service at the capital’s Civil Family Court.
Can’t wait to get married? You don’t have to, if you’re in Abu Dhabi.
The Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court gives you the opportunity to apply for an express service, and complete all marriage ceremony formalities in just 15 minutes.
Here’s all you need to know about the rules, requirements and application processes involving civil marriages in Abu Dhabi.
What is a civil marriage?
A civil marriage is the lawful union of a man and woman, solemnised as a civil contract under secular rules. In Abu Dhabi, the process is mostly intended for non-Muslim weddings, however Muslim expats can also opt for it if they want a simple, streamlined process.
Unlike religious marriages, civil marriages in the UAE do not require witnesses or a religious ceremony. The process is conducted by the emirate’s Civil Court.
Eligibility and requirements
In 2021, Abu Dhabi introduced a comprehensive civil marriage legislation for the first time in the region. The Abu Dhabi Law No. 14/2021 on Civil Marriage and its Effects in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Regulation 8/2022 provides a framework for the laws and procedures involving civil marriage, divorce, custody of children, inheritance and wills, as well as arbitration guidelines in disputes.
The following conditions must be met, before you can be married:
- Both parties must provide their consent to marriage.
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
- The parties must not be related by the first or second degree.
- The parties must not be married to any other person.
- Either party must not be a UAE national.
Key considerations
There are a few ways in which the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court does things a little differently from the rest of the courts around the emirates.
Although you can go through a civil marriage in any other emirate in the UAE, the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court remains the only court in the country that allows marriages, regardless of religion or nationality. The Abu Dhabi Justice Department’s (ADJD) website expands on this information, stating that it is possible for Muslims to use the civil marriage service as well, as long as they are not citizens of the UAE.
Moreover, you do not need to be a resident to get married in Abu Dhabi’s Civil Family Court – tourists in the country can take advantage of the service, too.
Application process and costs
The process is straightforward and simple, provided you have all your information in order.
Step 1 – Gather documents: Make sure you have all the necessary documents:
- Valid passports (copy and original)
- Completed marriage application form, available on Abu Dhabi Justice Department’s website – adjd.gov.ae
- Emirates IDs for UAE residents
- Divorce certificate, if applicable
- Death certificate, if widowed
- Prenuptial agreement (optional)
You can submit the form and copies of your documents on the ADJD website, or through one of the ADJD typing centres located across the city.
Step 2 – Pay the fees: There are two options available for couples:
- Regular service: This costs Dh300 and applications are usually processed within 10 working days. The couple is then allocated a date and time for the marriage ceremony, based on availability.
- Express service: This costs Dh2,500, and involves a fast-tracked application that is processed within one working day. The couple can then choose the specific date and time for their marriage ceremony, in line with the Court’s opening hours.
If you chose to submit a prenuptial agreement, there is an additional fee of Dh940 for notarisation.
Step 3 – Get married: The Court will confirm the marriage date and time by email. On the scheduled date, the couple must visit the Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage Section. Their ID documents will be verified, before they are taken to the ceremony room.
During the ceremony, a marriage notary will be present and the vows will be read to the couples in a pre-recorded voiceover, available in seven different languages. If the couple require a language other than English, it’s best to inform the Court in advance, so relevant arrangements can be made.
The Court aims to conduct marriage ceremonies within 15 minutes. At the end of the ceremony, both parties will be required to sign the marriage certificate. ADJD recommends getting the certificate attested by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
When can the marriage ceremony take place?
The marriage ceremony can be booked during the Court’s working hours:
Monday to Thursday: 9am to 1.30pm
Friday: 9am to 11am
Can I bring guests or a photographer to the marriage ceremony?
The couple can bring as many guests with them as they like, according to ADJD’s website. Witnesses are not required, as the notary public officer acts as a witness to the ceremony. The couple can also bring a photographer and videographer, and choose to exchange rings and their own vows.
Can I reschedule the wedding?
The Court must receive at least 24 hours’ notice, if the couple cannot attend the ceremony. If you wish to reschedule, the Court will do its best to accommodate you. Note, however, that refunds are only granted in limited circumstances. Moreover, if you fail to provide the Court with at least 24 hours’ notice, you will need to submit a new application and restart the process.