Civil Marriage in Iran: Cracking The Code of Marriage in 2024
Seeking a civil marriage in Iran? You might need to look beyond its borders for legal recognition.
Civil marriage in Iran is not recognised under the country’s Islamic laws. As a result, couples seeking to validate their union legally must go for Sharia marriage.
This has led many Iranians to look abroad for solutions for civil marriage in Iran that can cater to their personal or religious preferences without compromising their legal standing at home and overseas.
This article delves into the statistics, options, and legal implications of civil marriage in Iran and Sharia marriages.
Statistic of Iranian Marriage Requests in UAE
Over the past year, from October 2023 to October 2024, Easy Wedding saw a 50% increase in marriage requests from Iranian nationals. This shows that more Iranians are opting to get married outside their home country.
A big part of this rise comes from the demand for cross-border marriages, especially between the UAE and Georgia. Around 82% of these couples have one Iranian partner and one from another nationality, while the remaining 18% are both Iranian.
Popular Wedding Locations
Regarding where couples want to get married, the UAE takes the lead, with 46% of couples choosing it as their wedding destination. Georgia is the second choice at 24%, and 23% opt for virtual weddings as more people are getting married online. The remaining 7% have mixed preferences or select other locations.
Types of Weddings Chosen
As civil marriage in Iran is not permissible, most couples (75%) get married civilly, either in Georgia or through the Abu Dhabi court. Traditional weddings, with larger ceremonies and more guests, are much less popular, making up just 5% of the total.
Religious ceremonies, like Sharia marriages (Nikah), account for about 4% of weddings, showing there’s still some demand for religiously themed ceremonies.
Religious Background of Couples
In terms of religion, nearly 12% of couples are Muslim brides marrying Christian grooms, showing that interfaith marriages are on the rise. About 32% of couples are both Muslim, showing that same-faith marriages remain popular.
Interestingly, 7% of the applications involve Muslim brides marrying men from different religions, while only 4% of non-Muslim couples have chosen the UAE for their wedding.
Permits for Non-Muslim Marriages
Lastly, the report highlights that 16% of men are applying for permission to marry a non-Muslim spouse. This reinforces the trend that more people are open to marrying outside their faith, which reflects a growing acceptance of interfaith marriages.
Options for Iranians to Get Married
If you are from Iran and are eager to get married outside the traditional framework, you have two significant options.
The first is a straightforward civil marriage in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi offers a simple approach to people wanting to get married nationwide, and many countries recognise civil marriage in Abu Dhabi.
This process involves minimal paperwork or legalities. It’s simple, with almost no documentation and no religious prerequisites.
While civil marriage in Iran is not accepted, there is an option of Shariah marriage in Iran and performing the marriage as advised by the religion in the presence of a khateeb.
If you are looking for a civil marriage in Iran at a particular destination, you may want to consider Georgia. Georgia is a popular place among Iranians for weddings due to its easy procedure and lack of residency requirements.
Apart from legal formalities, Georgia and the UAE are favoured for destination weddings due to their beautiful landscapes and well-established wedding industry.
Marriage Legalisation in Iran
If you want to legalise your marriage in Iran, you must go for Shariah marriage because it is the only marriage recognised in Inran. Civil marriage in Iran is not recognised, and those who get married like this are charged with adultery in the state.
Thus, for a marriage to be recognised in Iran, it must be conducted according to Sharia law, and those who undergo civil marriage in Iran must also conduct a Shariah wedding for a legal union in Iran.
Marriage Legalisation in the US
The United States has no restrictions on the type of marriage. The state recognises Shariah and Civil marriage in Iran, which are conducted legally in the home country.
If one or both partners are looking forward to getting married and relocating to the US, they can use their marriage status to apply for sponsorship and residency. This makes the US one of the best options for those who want to settle abroad with their spouses.
Conversion if One of the Partners is Non-Muslim
One of the most commonly asked questions about civil marriage in Iran is what to do if our partner is non-Muslim. Well, in the case of Shariah marriage, the bride is Muslim, and the groom is non-Muslim; the groom needs to convert to Islam. Otherwise, the marriage will not be conducted.
However, if the groom is Muslim and the bride belongs to any Abrahamic faith (Christianity or Judaism), she is not required to convert.
Despite the prohibition of civil marriage in Iran, you can get married outside the country and will not be required to convert. This gives you the freedom to marry a person of any religion.
Sharia Marriage Requirements
The requirements for a Sharia marriage, while varying slightly by jurisdiction, generally include:
- A valid passport for identification.
- Power of Attorney (POA) from the bride’s father or presence of the Wali (guardian) at the marriage.
- Local Islamic authorities stipulate other requirements, which can be found on official Dubai or respective country websites.
Civil Marriage Requirements
The only essential requirement for a civil marriage in Iran is that both individuals provide a valid passport. This serves as the primary identification needed for the marriage process.
Easy Wedding Makes Your Marriage Simple!
Looking for a way to get married without the stress of Iran’s strict laws? Explore our court wedding packages in the UAE to make your special day effortless and memorable!
Whether considering a civil marriage in Iran or exploring options in Georgia or the UAE, Easy Wedding can make it simple and fast.
Don’t let complicated processes hold you back—contact us today and let us handle the details so you can focus on what truly matters: your love story.
FAQs
Can an Iranian marry a US citizen?
Yes, an Iranian can marry a U.S. citizen. This can be done through civil marriage in Abu Dhabi or Georgia or by following Sharia marriage procedures if desired.
I am a Muslim, and my partner is Christian. Can we get married in Dubai/ Abu Dhabi?
If one of the partners is non-Muslim, they can get married in two ways. First, they can convert to Islam and get married under Sharia marriage. Secondly, they can get married through civil marriage in Abu Dhabi/Dubai if both couples are from different faiths.
Can an American-Iranian couple get married in Abu Dhabi if one partner is Muslim?
Yes, if the groom is Muslim, then a Nikah and civil procedures can get the couple married to each other. This way, the American-Iranian marriage in Abu Dhabi becomes recognized by Islamic law and the civil requirements.
How can I move to the US with my partner if I am Iranian?
You must apply for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa or spousal visa through the U.S. immigration process.
Do you get a visa if you marry an American?
Yes, marrying a U.S. citizen may qualify you for a spousal visa or green card process.
Do you lose U.S. citizenship if you marry an Iranian?
No, marrying an Iranian does not affect your U.S. citizenship status.
Does Iran allow civil marriage?
No, Iran only recognizes marriages conducted under Islamic Sharia law.
How to get married in Iran with my foreign partner?
You can convert your partner and marry them under the Sharia law in Iran or opt for a civil marriage in Abu Dhabi or Georgia.
What are the requirements for marriage in Iran?
The requirements for a Sharia marriage in Iran generally include a valid passport for identification, a Power of Attorney (POA) from the bride’s father, the Wali (guardian) ‘s presence at the marriage, and other local Islamic authority requirements.
How can I marry my American partner?
You can marry your American partner by opting for a civil marriage in Abu Dhabi or Georgia. If you wish to marry under Islamic law (Sharia), the process would involve a Nikah ceremony if you are Muslim.
