Getting married in the UAE has become easier, faster, and more accessible than ever — thanks to the Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage system. Whether you're expatriates, interfaith couples, or simply looking for a quick and legally recognized wedding process, Abu Dhabi offers one of the most convenient civil marriage options in the region.
In this guide, we walk you through how the process works, eligibility, required documents, and why thousands of couples choose Abu Dhabi every year.
Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage is a non-religious wedding system introduced to provide couples with a simple, transparent, and internationally recognized way to get married. Unlike traditional religious ceremonies, this process is handled by the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court, offering:
It has become a preferred choice for expatriates living in the UAE as well as couples traveling specifically to register their marriage.
One of the biggest advantages is flexibility. Most couples qualify easily. You can get married if:
Interfaith couples, different nationalities, and even tourists can apply.
The paperwork is surprisingly simple:
Your civil wedding planner or service provider usually prepares and reviews all documents before your appointment to avoid delays.
Here’s what the typical Abu Dhabi civil marriage journey looks like:
1. Consultation & Eligibility Check
Your details are reviewed to ensure you meet all requirements.
2. Document Preparation
Your wedding planner/uploads the documents to the system for approval.
3. Appointment Booking
You receive a confirmed date from the court — often within days.
4. Court Ceremony
On your big day, you sign the civil marriage contract in front of the judge. The entire ceremony usually takes 10–15 minutes.