Getting married is a significant milestone in one’s life, and it’s essential to ensure that the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible. For those planning to tie the knot in Abu Dhabi, there are several things to consider to ensure that their big day runs smoothly. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to get married in Abu Dhabi, including the legal requirements, documentation needed, and the steps involved in the process.
The process of getting married in Abu Dhabi involves several legal requirements that must be met. Couples must be at least 18 years old and not closely related. They must also provide a certificate of good conduct and a medical fitness certificate. Additionally, non-Muslim couples must provide a certificate of no objection from their embassy or consulate. The process can be time-consuming, so couples should plan ahead and allow plenty of time to complete all the necessary steps.
The documentation required for getting married in Abu Dhabi includes passports, residency visas, and birth certificates. Couples must also provide two witnesses who are over 21 years old and have valid identification. The marriage ceremony can take place in a mosque, church, or other religious venue, or at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. With proper planning and preparation, getting married in Abu Dhabi can be a seamless and enjoyable experience for couples.
Eligibility for Marriage in Abu Dhabi
Getting married in Abu Dhabi requires meeting certain eligibility requirements. Here are the key factors to consider:
Age Requirement
Both parties must be at least 18 years old to get married in Abu Dhabi. If either party is under 18, they must obtain a court order and have the consent of their parents or legal guardians.
Residency Status
There are no residency requirements for getting married in Abu Dhabi. However, non-residents may need to obtain a no-objection certificate from their embassy or consulate.
Religious Considerations
Muslim couples can get married at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) or at a mosque. Non-Muslim couples can get married at their embassy or consulate, or at a church or temple if they have a specific religious affiliation.
It’s important to note that couples of different religions may face additional requirements or restrictions when getting married in Abu Dhabi. For example, a Christian and a Muslim couple may need to obtain a special marriage license and have their marriage registered at a court. It’s recommended to consult with a legal professional or religious authority to ensure all requirements are met.
Requirements for Marriage in Abu Dhabi
To get married in Abu Dhabi, there are certain requirements that need to be met. These requirements include identification documents, a health certificate, and a single status certificate.
Identification Documents
Both parties must provide valid identification documents such as passports or Emirates IDs. If the bride or groom is not a resident of the United Arab Emirates, they will need to provide a copy of their visa as well.
Health Certificate
A health certificate is also required for both parties. This certificate should be obtained from a government-approved medical center and should indicate that both parties are free from infectious diseases.
Single Status Certificate
In addition to the above, a single status certificate is also required. This certificate should be obtained from the embassy or consulate of the country where the individual resides and should indicate that they are single and free to marry.
It is important to note that these requirements may vary depending on the nationality and religion of the parties involved. It is recommended that individuals consult with their embassy or consulate for specific requirements.
Overall, by following these requirements, individuals can ensure a smooth and hassle-free marriage process in Abu Dhabi.
The Marriage Process
Getting married in Abu Dhabi requires a few steps to be followed. The process involves a pre-marriage medical examination, submission of documents, and the marriage ceremony.
Pre-Marriage Medical Examination
Before getting married, both the bride and groom must undergo a pre-marriage medical examination. The examination is conducted to ensure that both individuals are free of any infectious diseases. The medical examination can be done at any government hospital or medical center in Abu Dhabi.
Submission of Documents
After the medical examination, both the bride and groom must submit the required documents to the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. The documents required for the marriage process include:
- Passport copies of both individuals
- Birth certificates of both individuals
- Emirates ID copies of both individuals
- Certificate of no objection from the embassy (for non-UAE citizens)
- Divorce certificate (if previously married)
All documents must be attested by the relevant authorities and translated into Arabic if they are in another language.
Marriage Ceremony
Once the documents are submitted and approved, the couple can proceed with the marriage ceremony. The ceremony can be conducted at any mosque or a wedding hall in Abu Dhabi. The couple must have at least two witnesses present at the ceremony.
During the ceremony, the couple is required to sign the marriage contract in the presence of the witnesses. The marriage certificate will then be issued by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
In conclusion, getting married in Abu Dhabi involves a pre-marriage medical examination, submission of documents, and the marriage ceremony. By following these steps, couples can legally get married in Abu Dhabi.
Post-Marriage Legalities
After getting married in Abu Dhabi, there are a few legal formalities that need to be taken care of. This section will cover the two most important ones: Marriage Certificate Attestation and Name Change Procedures.
Marriage Certificate Attestation
To make your marriage certificate valid outside of the UAE, you will need to get it attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the embassy of the country where you intend to use it. The following steps need to be followed:
- Get your marriage certificate attested by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) in Abu Dhabi.
- Submit the attested certificate to the MOFA for attestation.
- Take the attested certificate to the embassy of the country where you intend to use it for further attestation.
It is important to note that the process and requirements may vary depending on the embassy and country.
Name Change Procedures
If you wish to change your name after getting married, you will need to follow these procedures:
- Get a new passport with your new name from your embassy.
- Submit a request to change your name to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- Get your new Emirates ID with your new name from the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA).
- Change your name on all other official documents, such as your driving license, bank accounts, and utility bills.
It is important to note that the name change process may take some time, and you may need to provide additional documents, such as your marriage certificate and proof of residence.
Overall, these post-marriage legalities are important to ensure that your marriage is recognized and valid outside of the UAE, and that your official documents reflect your new marital status.
Conclusion
Getting married in Abu Dhabi can be a straightforward and relatively stress-free process, provided that couples follow the necessary steps and requirements. The process involves obtaining legal documents, submitting them to the relevant authorities, and attending a marriage ceremony.
It is important for couples to plan ahead and allow sufficient time to complete the paperwork and make any necessary arrangements for the ceremony. They should also be aware of the cultural and religious customs of the UAE and respect them accordingly.
Couples should ensure that they have all the necessary documents, such as passports, visas, and birth certificates, and that they are valid and up-to-date. They should also be prepared to provide additional documentation, such as divorce or death certificates, if applicable.
In addition, couples should be aware of the fees involved in the process, including those for obtaining documents, submitting applications, and attending the ceremony. They should also be prepared to pay for any additional services, such as translation or legal assistance, if needed.
Overall, getting married in Abu Dhabi can be a memorable and meaningful experience for couples who are prepared to follow the necessary steps and requirements. With proper planning and preparation, couples can ensure that their special day is a success and that they start their married life together on the right foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get married fast in UAE?
If you want to get married fast in UAE, you can opt for a court marriage. The process is straightforward and can be completed in a day. However, you need to make sure that you have all the necessary documents and meet the requirements set by the court.
What is the contact number for Abu Dhabi court marriage?
The contact number for Abu Dhabi court marriage is 8002626. You can call this number to get information about the process and requirements for court marriage in Abu Dhabi.
Can non-Muslims get married in Abu Dhabi court?
Yes, non-Muslims can get married in Abu Dhabi court. However, the court only conducts civil marriages, and the couple needs to meet the requirements set by the court.
Where is the location of Abu Dhabi court marriage?
The Abu Dhabi court marriage is located in the Al Nahyan Camp area, near the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. The exact location can be found on Google Maps or by calling the court’s contact number.
