How to Get Married in Abu Dhabi: Your Complete Civil Wedding Guide

Planning to get married in Abu Dhabi? Whether you’re an expat living in the UAE or a couple flying in for a destination wedding, Abu Dhabi offers one of the easiest and most inclusive civil wedding processes in the region. With clear laws, online registration options, and minimal paperwork, it’s become the go-to place for couples who want a smooth and legally valid wedding.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know—from Abu Dhabi marriage requirements to documentation, venues, costs, and post-marriage steps.

Understanding Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi

To get married in Abu Dhabi, you need to understand what civil marriage means under the UAE’s legal system. A civil wedding is a non-religious legal union conducted by a court official, and it’s recognized internationally.

Thanks to a groundbreaking law passed in 2021, civil wedding Abu Dhabi options are now available for:

• Non-Muslim couples
  
• Interfaith couples
  
• Residents and tourists
  

The process falls under the jurisdiction of the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court, making it the first emirate in the UAE to offer secular weddings that do not require religious background checks or approval from embassies. This major reform has made it easier for many expats to marry legally in Abu Dhabi.

Legal Requirements and Documentation

Before you proceed to get married in Abu Dhabi, it’s important to understand the Abu Dhabi marriage requirements.

Eligibility Criteria to Get married in Abu Dhabi:

• Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
  
• Neither party should be currently married.
  
• Both must give full consent.
  
• At least one partner should be a resident or tourist in the UAE.
  

Required Documents to Get Married in Abu Dhabi:

• Valid passports (original and copy)
  
• UAE residence visa or tourist entry visa
  
• Emirates ID (for residents)
  
• Proof of marital status (divorce certificate, death certificate if applicable)
  
• Completed marriage application form from the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court
  

All documents must be translated into Arabic or English and certified if issued outside the UAE.

This streamlined requirement list stands out compared to other emirates, where additional documents from embassies or religious authorities are often needed.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

If you’re ready to get married in Abu Dhabi, here’s a simple breakdown of the civil registration process:

1. Start the Online Application

Visit the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department website and register for the civil marriage service. This system allows couples to register marriage Abu Dhabi online from anywhere in the world.

2. Book an Appointment

Once the application is reviewed, schedule a date for your marriage at the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court.

3. Document Submission

Upload the required documents through the portal or submit them in person before your appointment.

4. Attend the Civil Wedding Ceremony

On your chosen date, both partners must appear before a judge. The ceremony is brief (usually 15–20 minutes) and conducted in English and Arabic. The judge verifies the information, asks for consent, and officially registers your union.

5. Receive Your Certificate

You will receive your official civil marriage certificate on the same day—making it one of the fastest ways to get married in Abu Dhabi.

Best Venues for Civil Weddings in Abu Dhabi

Although your legal civil union Abu Dhabi must be conducted at the courthouse, you can celebrate your ceremony or reception at some of the most luxurious venues in the UAE.

Popular Celebration Venues:

• Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
  
• The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
  
• Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
  
• Bab Al Qasr Hotel
  
• Saadiyat Beach Club
  

These venues are ideal for those planning destination weddings Abu Dhabi legalities, offering stunning views, premium service, and cultural elegance.

You can combine your civil wedding with a beach celebration, desert sunset photoshoot, or luxury hotel reception, making Abu Dhabi perfect for both legal and ceremonial weddings.

Comparing Marriage Costs Across the UAE

With faster processing, no requirement for religious affiliation, and easier documentation, Abu Dhabi leads the way in expat marriage UAE solutions.

Post-Marriage Procedures and Benefits

Once you’ve completed the civil wedding, there are a few next steps to ensure your marriage is fully recognized:

1. Certificate Attestation

If your home country requires it, get your marriage certificate attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. Embassy Registration

Some nationalities must register the marriage at their local embassy. Check your country’s regulations.

3. Spouse Visa Application

If one of you is a UAE resident, apply for a dependent or spouse visa through the immigration department.

Couples who get married in Abu Dhabi often find the post-marriage paperwork faster and less complex compared to other emirates.

Cultural Considerations

While Abu Dhabi is culturally rich and traditional, it’s also progressive and welcoming to international couples. The government has made civil marriage inclusive and accessible for all nationalities.

Still, here are a few tips:

• Dress modestly for court appearances.
  
• Avoid public displays of affection in official government offices.
  
• Book early if planning a wedding ceremony UAE during peak seasons (October–April).
  

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to get married in Abu Dhabi, you’re choosing a location that offers legal clarity, convenience, and modern values. With its simplified civil wedding process, welcoming attitude toward expats, and beautiful celebration venues, Abu Dhabi stands out as one of the best places to marry legally in the UAE.

Whether you live in the Emirates or are coming for a destination wedding, planning your civil wedding in Abu Dhabi ensures a smooth journey into married life.