How to Get Married in Iran and Explore Civil Marriage Alternatives
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How to get married in Iran? You might need to look beyond its borders for legal recognition.
Unlock the secrets of how to get married in Iran and discover why many choose the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as an alternative for civil marriage.
Iran’s marriage process presents unique challenges, especially for foreigners, but there are legal alternatives in nearby countries, such as the UAE and Georgia.
This article will explore Iranian marriage laws for foreigners, discuss the marriage process in Iran, and provide valuable insights into marriage in the United Arab Emirates.
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 significant part of this rise comes from the demand for cross-border marriages, particularly 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.
Options for Iranians to Get Married
If you’re an Iranian citizen, there are options available outside the country. While civil marriage in Iran is not recognized, the UAE provides a solution.
Many Iranians choose to get married in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, where civil marriage is legally recognized. Alternatively, Georgia is also a popular destination for Iranians because of its straightforward civil marriage process and ease of access.
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 Processes
In Iran, US & Beyond
To legalise marriage in Iran, you must follow Sharia marriage procedures, as civil marriage in Iran is not recognized. This has led many to look for alternatives in places like the United Arab Emirates and Georgia, where civil unions are accepted legally.
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.
If you’re considering a Muslim court marriage in Ras Al Khaimah, you can explore the detailed process and requirements at Easy Wedding.
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.
If you’re wondering about the legal implications of being pregnant before marriage in Dubai, this article on Easy Wedding provides clear insights into the regulations.
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.
For those looking to understand the legalities of court marriage in UAE, you can find a simplified guide to court marriage procedures in Abu Dhabi at Easy Wedding.
Popular Wedding Locations
The UAE has become a go-to destination for Iranians looking for civil wedding solutions. According to recent reports, 46% of couples from Iran opt to get married in Dubai.
Another 24% prefer Georgia for its simple civil marriage procedures. These countries provide not only civil marriage but also stunning wedding venues, which makes them increasingly popular for Iranians looking to marry abroad.
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 United Arab Emirates to make your special day effortless and memorable!
Whether you’re considering a civil marriage in Iran or looking into alternatives like 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.
