How Tourists Can Legally Marry in Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide
How tourists can legally marry in Dubai is one of the most frequently asked questions among couples dreaming of a destination wedding in the UAE. Dubai’s breathtaking skyline, luxury venues, and cosmopolitan culture make it a top choice for couples from around the world.
However, the marriage process in Dubai depends on several factors — including your religion, nationality, and visa status. While the legal framework may seem complex, with proper documentation and the help of an expert planner like La Table Events, your dream Dubai wedding can be both beautiful and legally valid.
Understanding Dubai’s Marriage Laws for Tourists
Tourists can legally marry in Dubai, but they must follow UAE marriage regulations based on their background:
- Muslim couples marry under Sharia law at the Dubai Sharia Court.
- Non-Muslim couples typically marry through their embassy, consulate, or at a licensed church or temple.
In most cases, at least one partner should hold a UAE residence visa for the marriage to be registered at local courts or embassies. However, certain embassies allow marriage on a visit visa if all eligibility criteria are met.
💡 Tip: Always verify your eligibility with your respective embassy or a Dubai wedding planner before finalising your date.
Step-by-Step Guide: How Tourists Can Legally Marry in Dubai
1. Choose the Type of Marriage Ceremony
The first step in understanding how tourists can legally marry in Dubai is identifying the right type of ceremony:
- Muslim Couples: Must complete the marriage at the Sharia Court, with the bride’s guardian and two male Muslim witnesses present.
- Non-Muslim Couples: Can marry at their embassy, consulate, or a licensed place of worship. Some embassies approve marriage for couples on tourist visas if all requirements are met.
2. Gather the Required Documents
To start the process, ensure you have the following:
- Valid passports and UAE visas (visit or residence)
- Medical screening certificate from an authorised UAE clinic
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the respective embassy, if required
- Proof of singleness or marital status certificate
- Guardian’s consent for Muslim brides
- Divorce or death certificate, if previously married
For civil marriages, at least one partner must hold a residence visa, and all documents must be translated into Arabic and attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
3. Submit the Application
Depending on the couple’s faith and nationality:
- Muslim couples apply directly to the Dubai Sharia Court and pay the required fees.
- Non-Muslim couples file their application at their embassy/consulate or submit it digitally via the Dubai Courts for civil marriage registration.
Once approved, you’ll receive an official date and venue for your ceremony.
4. Attend the Ceremony and Sign the Contract
Both partners and witnesses must be physically present during the marriage ceremony.
- The couple signs the marriage contract in the presence of a judge or authorised official.
- Once signed, the official marriage certificate is issued and recognised by UAE authorities.
This step completes the legal process of how tourists can marry in Dubai under UAE law.
5. Legalisation and Attestation
To make your marriage certificate valid internationally, it must go through legal attestation:
- Verification by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
- Arabic translation (if required) by a certified translator
- Embassy attestation from your home country
Once complete, your marriage is legally recognised both in Dubai and abroad.
Important Tips for Tourists Planning to Marry in Dubai
- Always confirm your embassy’s marriage process before travelling.
- Some embassies require a 30-day public notice before the wedding.
- Begin your paperwork at least four weeks in advance.
- Couples short on time can choose a symbolic wedding ceremony in Dubai and register legally later in their home country.
Why Choose La Table Events for Your Dubai Wedding
Understanding how tourists can legally marry in Dubai is the first step — but planning your celebration is where the magic begins.
At La Table Events, we specialise in crafting unforgettable destination weddings for international couples. Our experienced planners handle:
- Legal coordination with embassies, courts, and translators
- Venue selection and décor aligned with embassy or court requirements
- Customised celebrations blending your cultural traditions with Dubai’s modern elegance
- Complete event management, from paperwork to reception styling
Whether you envision a luxury beach wedding, an intimate civil ceremony, or a grand palace celebration, La Table Events ensures your journey to marriage in Dubai is seamless, memorable, and fully legal.
Conclusion
Knowing how tourists can legally marry in Dubai empowers couples to plan their destination wedding with confidence. With the right documents, embassy coordination, and expert planning, your love story can officially begin in one of the world’s most glamorous cities.
With La Table Events guiding you every step of the way, you can focus on creating memories while we handle the legalities, logistics, and finer details that make your Dubai wedding truly extraordinary.
visit: la table
call:+971 54 302 2390