Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi

Getting married in Abu Dhabi has become straightforward for non-Muslim couples, thanks to the introduction of Law No. 14 of 2021 on Civil Marriage and Its Effects. This guide covers everything you need to know about civil marriage in Abu Dhabi, from basic requirements and application steps to costs and what to expect on your wedding day. Whether you're a resident, expat, or tourist, the process is accessible and efficient.

What are the requirements of civil marriage in Abu Dhabi?

To qualify for civil marriage at the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court, both parties must meet five key conditions. The law creates a modern framework that welcomes couples from diverse backgrounds while maintaining clear legal standards.

•  Age requirement: Both parties must be 18 years or older
•  Consent: Free and explicit consent from both individuals is mandatory
•  Marital status: Applicants must be single, divorced, or widowed
•  Relationship: Parties cannot be first or second-degree relatives
•  Nationality: The only restriction applies to UAE nationals who are Muslim

A major benefit is that the couple is not required to be residents of Abu Dhabi or the UAE. Unlike traditional marriage processes in many countries, civil marriage applicants are not required to obtain their father's or guardian's approval or a premarital screening certificate. This streamlined approach removes common bureaucratic hurdles and allows couples to focus on their commitment rather than paperwork.

How to apply for civil marriage

The application process for civil marriage in Abu Dhabi is designed to be easy, with options for both online and in-person submissions. Applications can be submitted online via the ADJD website or through authorized typing centers. This flexibility allows couples to complete the process from anywhere in the world before arriving in Abu Dhabi.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Prepare your documents

Gather all required documentation before starting your application. You'll need:

• A completed marriage application form, 
• Copies of both parties' passports or Emirates ID (if a resident),
• Proof of dissolution of a previous marriage if applicable (such as a divorce judgment or death certificate). 
• A prenuptial agreement is optional and can be downloaded from the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court website.

2. Submit your application

The application form is available on the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department website and can be submitted alongside required documents either by email or through typing centers available in shopping malls in Abu Dhabi. 

For international applicants, tourists can apply online for civil marriage from abroad by submitting the application form online and scheduling ceremonies to come to Abu Dhabi and sign their marriage certificate. This advance preparation means you can arrive in Abu Dhabi with everything already processed and approved.

3. Pay the court fees

After submission, you'll need to settle the court fees. Payment can be completed electronically through the ADJD portal, which simplifies the process for international applicants and removes the need for in-person transactions.

4. Wait for approval

The standard service processes applications within 10 working days, with the couple allocated a date and time for the marriage ceremony based on the next availability of the court. The express service costs more but processes the application within 1 working day, allowing couples to choose the specific time and date for the marriage ceremony in line with the Court's opening hours. The clear timeline gives couples certainty about their wedding plans and removes the uncertainty that often comes with legal procedures.

5. Receive confirmation

Once the couple's marriage is scheduled, they will receive an email confirmation of the ceremony date. This confirmation provides all the details you need for your wedding day, making the final step simple and organized.

How much does it cost to have a civil marriage in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department offers two types of civil marriage services. Your choice depends on how quickly you need to get married and whether you want to select a specific date. The transparent fee structure allows couples to plan their budget from the start.

•  Standard Civil Marriage: Scheduled by the court within 2 to 3 weeks, the service fee is AED 300. This represents excellent value for couples who have flexibility with their wedding date. The affordable cost makes the service accessible to a wide range of couples, removing financial barriers to legal marriage.
•  Express Marriage: Allows couples to choose the date within 2 to 3 days, and the service fee is AED 2,500. This premium service suits couples who need to marry quickly or have a specific date in mind for personal or logistical reasons. The expedited processing ensures that urgent situations can be accommodated without compromising the legal validity of the marriage.

If you choose to include a marriage agreement, there's an additional fee of AED 950 for notarization. This prenuptial agreement is optional but can provide clarity on financial arrangements and other matters. Keep in mind that if your documents are issued outside the UAE, they must be attested by the relevant authorities in your home country, the UAE embassy in that country, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE, which may incur additional costs through attestation services. Planning for these expenses in advance helps avoid unexpected financial hurdles during the process.

Documents required on the day of the civil marriage

When you arrive for your ceremony, you'll need to bring specific identification documents. Being well-prepared ensures your special day runs smoothly without delays or complications.

On the day of the ceremony, both parties must attend the ADJD main courthouse, present their passports or IDs, and proceed to the Civil Marriage Section. The court staff will verify your identity against the application you submitted, ensuring everything matches the official records.

•  Valid passport for both parties (original copy)
•  Emirates ID if you're a UAE resident (original copy)
•  Ceremony confirmation received via email after your application was approved

Witnesses are not required, as the notary public officer acts as a witness to the ceremony. This differs from many traditional wedding ceremonies where witness participation is mandatory. However, couples can bring as many guests with them as they like, and couples can also bring a photographer and videographer if they wish to record their special day and can choose to exchange rings and their own vows. This flexibility allows couples to personalize their experience while meeting all legal requirements.

Civil marriage for foreigners

Tourists and expats can now get married in Abu Dhabi regardless of their faith, as long as the country they come from doesn't apply Sharia law in family matters. Both spouses don't have to be residents to marry in Abu Dhabi. This flexibility means couples can plan destination weddings in Abu Dhabi or take advantage of their visit to formalize their relationship. The absence of residency requirements removes a common obstacle that exists in many other jurisdictions.

The process remains identical whether you're a resident or tourist, with one key consideration: while couples must come to Abu Dhabi to attend the civil marriage ceremony, applications can be made online from any location in the world. This allows for thorough preparation before your arrival and ensures all paperwork is in order when you step into the courthouse.

Civil marriage certificates are generally recognized internationally, though most couples choose to get the certificate attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for use in their home countries. This attestation provides an additional layer of official recognition for matters like spousal visas, name changes, and legal documentation in other jurisdictions. The international recognition makes the certificate valuable beyond the UAE borders.

Other things you should know

Before finalizing your civil marriage plans in Abu Dhabi, a few additional details can help you make the most of your experience and avoid any surprises on the day of your ceremony.

•  Scheduling flexibility: While you can indicate your preferred wedding date during the application process, the couple will be allocated a date and time for the marriage ceremony based on the next availability of the court for standard service. For guaranteed date selection, opt for the express service option, which gives you control over when your marriage takes place.
•  Guest attendance: Guests are permitted during the civil marriage ceremony in Abu Dhabi; however, they must provide identification documents at the court entrance for security purposes. There's no limit on guest numbers, so you can celebrate with as many friends and family members as you wish, making your special day as intimate or grand as you prefer.
•  Ceremony format: The ceremony takes place in a designated hall, presided over by a civil marriage officer, with vows played via a pre-recorded audio available in seven languages, including English. The entire ceremony is brief but meaningful, typically taking around 10 minutes. The standardized format ensures efficiency while maintaining the dignity and significance of the occasion.
•  Immediate certificate issuance: The marriage certificate is issued immediately after the ceremony, following the signing formalities, and the certificate is issued in English. You'll walk away from the court as a legally married couple with official documentation in hand, allowing you to proceed with any necessary administrative tasks without delay.
•  Ring exchange and personal vows: Although the official ceremony includes standardized vows, couples can choose to exchange rings and recite personal vows during the ceremony, adding a personalized touch to the legal proceedings. This option allows couples to honor their personal beliefs and traditions while fulfilling legal requirements.
•  Prenuptial agreements: If you're considering a prenuptial agreement, it should be prepared and submitted along with your initial application. The court provides standard templates, or you can have one drafted by legal professionals to address specific concerns. Including this document from the start streamlines the process and ensures all agreements are legally binding.

Conclusion

Civil marriage in Abu Dhabi represents a modern, inclusive approach to formalizing relationships for non-Muslim couples. The process combines legal rigor with practical accessibility, whether you're a long-term resident or a tourist planning a destination wedding. With straightforward requirements, affordable fees starting at AED 300, and the ability to complete everything from application to certificate in as little as 10 working days, Abu Dhabi has positioned itself as an attractive marriage destination.

The ceremony itself respects individual choices while ensuring legal compliance, and the immediate issuance of internationally recognized certificates means you can move forward with your married life without bureaucratic delays. The clear procedures and transparent requirements remove the uncertainty that often comes with legal processes, making marriage accessible to couples from around the world.