Getting married and starting a family in Saudi Arabia is a major life event for any expat. Unfortunately, the process of getting married in Saudi Arabia can be long and tedious. Generally, most expats choose to return to their home countries for a wedding. The requirements to have an easy wedding in Saudi Arabia can drain the magic out of the big day.

Requirements for expats to have an easy wedding in Saudi

• Valid resident permit for both bride and groom
• Written permission from the current sponsor/guardian of the bride
• Mutual agreement of both the bride & the groom
• Completed religious practices
• The marriage contract can now be signed at home for Arabic-speaking expat couples (since 2018)
• The marriage license can take place in family courts for other Muslim expats
• A medical report
• Attendance of spouses, guardians of the bride, and their representatives

Can non-Muslim expats have an easy wedding in Saudi?

Sadly, non-Muslim expats do not have plenty of options to have an easy and romantic wedding in Saudi.

It would be advisable for non-Muslim expats to plan a destination wedding. Countries like Georgia and Seychelles offer easy wedding alternatives for these expats. The magical beaches and lush green forests of these beautiful countries complement the shine of your romance. An online wedding on the other hand can be an excellent option for expats who cannot travel due to any reason. These options are especially ideal for inter-racial or inter-faith couples. The only option available currently for non-Muslim expats is to turn to their respective embassies for guidance. These marriages are then easy to register with the civil affairs office in Saudi.

Easy wedding solution for expats in Saudi

Due to sharia law, having an easy wedding in Saudi can be difficult. The strict and restrictive laws of Saudi can dim the light of romance. To avoid that, an exquisite wedding in the middle of clear blue waters should be considered. Or a hassle-free easy online wedding for Saudi expats is always a good option.

Need more ideas on how to have an easy wedding as expat in Saudi? Contact one of our wedding counselors now to discuss further.

As expats residing in Saudi Arabia, celebrating your love through marriage is not just a union of hearts; it’s an opportunity to embrace sustainability and environmental stewardship. Planning a sustainable expat marriage in Saudi Arabia allows you to weave together the beauty of your love story with a commitment to caring for the planet.  

How you can embark on your journey to a sustainable expat marriage 

1. Eco-Conscious Expat Marriage Venue Selection: Choose wedding venues in Saudi Arabia that prioritize sustainability and environmental conservation. Look for venues that implement energy-saving measures, recycle waste, and support local communities. Consider outdoor venues surrounded by the Kingdom’s natural beauty, such as desert oases, coastal resorts, or botanical gardens, to minimize the need for excessive décor and lighting. There are countless wedding destinations that you can put a sustainable twist on!

2. Local and Seasonal Cuisine: Embrace Saudi Arabia’s rich culinary heritage by incorporating local and seasonal ingredients into your wedding menu. Opt for caterers who source ingredients from local farmers and producers, supporting the local economy and reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. Highlight traditional Saudi dishes and flavors, such as grilled meats, mezze platters, and aromatic spices, for a sustainable and culturally rich dining experience. 

3. Sustainable Décor and Details: Infuse your wedding celebration with eco-friendly décor and details that reflect the beauty of Saudi Arabia’s natural landscapes. Choose sustainable materials such as recycled paper, biodegradable linens, and organic flowers for your wedding décor. Consider incorporating elements inspired by Saudi culture and heritage, such as traditional textiles, handicrafts, or locally sourced palm leaves, to add a unique and meaningful touch to your celebration. 

4. Green Transportation Options: Encourage guests to reduce their carbon footprint by offering green transportation options to and from your wedding venue. Arrange for electric or hybrid vehicles for transportation, or encourage guests to carpool or use public transit. Consider hosting your wedding celebration at a venue with convenient access to public transportation or within walking distance for guests staying nearby. 

5. Digital Invitations and Communication: Embrace digital communication tools to minimize paper waste and resource consumption throughout the wedding planning process. Send electronic save-the-dates, invitations, RSVPs, and event updates to guests via email or online platforms. Create a wedding website where guests can find all the information they need, including directions, accommodations, and registry details, reducing the need for printed materials. 

6. Sustainable Attire Choices: Choose eco-friendly attire options for yourself and your wedding party, reflecting the beauty of Saudi culture and fashion. Look for wedding attire made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton, hemp, or ethically sourced silk. Consider renting or purchasing pre-loved attire to reduce the environmental impact of clothing production and waste. 

7. Community Engagement and Giving Back: Use your marriage celebration as an opportunity to give back to the local community in Saudi Arabia. Partner with local charities or environmental organizations to incorporate volunteer activities or community service projects into your wedding festivities. Consider donating a portion of your wedding budget to support causes such as environmental conservation, education, or humanitarian aid, making a positive impact on the community. 

8. Minimize Single-Use Plastics: Take proactive steps to minimize single-use plastics throughout your wedding celebration in Saudi Arabia. Choose reusable or compostable alternatives for items such as plates, cups, utensils, and straws. Work with vendors who prioritize sustainable packaging and waste reduction practices, and encourage guests to bring reusable water bottles and containers. 

9. Opt for Ethically Sourced Wedding Rings: Choose wedding rings made from ethically sourced and sustainable materials, reflecting the beauty and symbolism of your love. Look for jewelers in Saudi Arabia who adhere to responsible sourcing practices and support fair labor standards in their supply chain. Consider customizing your rings with designs inspired by Saudi culture and heritage, creating a unique and meaningful symbol of your commitment. 

10. Commit to Conscious Consumption: Embrace a mindset of conscious consumption throughout your wedding planning journey in Saudi Arabia. Choose vendors and suppliers who share your values and prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. Opt for quality over quantity when making decisions about décor, attire, and wedding favors, focusing on meaningful experiences and lasting memories rather than material possessions. 

Celebrate your love with a sustainable expat marriage!

In conclusion, planning a sustainable expat marriage in Saudi Arabia allows you to celebrate your love in harmony with the environment and local community. By incorporating eco-friendly practices, embracing Saudi culture, and committing to conscious consumption, you can create a wedding celebration that reflects your values, respects the planet, and inspires others to join in the journey towards a more sustainable future. 

Abu Dhabi is appreciated for being a pleasant territory for secular activities. Marriage is also one of the main factors that have drawn people to this location. Expats who want to visit the UAE for their marital unions usually consider Abu Dhabi first and they will be happy to learn how to marry in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE government has acknowledged the desire of many to marry within the nation and that is why it instituted civil marriage to ease marriage regulations for foreigners. Many are taking advantage of this and this article will address how Saudi expats can benefit.

Fundamental principles for the marriage

Abu Dhabi has a set of really simple laws that anyone can accomplish. The purpose of these requirements is to guarantee the safety and protection of the parties who want to marry. Here is a list of some marital expectations:

• Consent of the bride and groom
• Approval of the bride’s parents
• A residence visa by at least one of the parties
• Passports

When couples arrange all these stipulated documents, it will be quite easy for them to have their wedding in Abu Dhabi. All of the requirements are reasonable expectations so couples can better understand how to marry in Abu Dhabi.

Is a wedding in the Abu Dhabi court the best bet?

What a wedding in Abu Dhabi means for couples is dependent on their expectations. However, a primary feature of a wedding in this destination is its simplicity. If couples are ready to follow through with the requirements then they will have a legal wedding with no hitches.

Since the UAE practices the Muslim faith, couples can take advantage of the civil marriage procedures in Abu Dhabi. It is highly convenient and couples can obtain their certificates within two to three weeks of beginning the process.

If you wish to learn more about the marriage process in Abu Dhabi, feel free to book a consultation with our team of wedding experts. They will provide an ample guide to conclude the process.

There are some serious consequences of issuing a baby passport without marriage for unmarried mothers who are usually expats. Saudi is a Muslim country based on Sharia Law due to which there are some limitations for women.

As per the laws, they can’t be in physical relationships before marriage. Still, some non-muslim expats settled there or they have to shift to Saudi for job purposes. Life eventually takes on and women become unknown of their unexpected pregnancy.

While UAE is quite fast forward in accepting a baby outside a wedlock; most GCC countries still have a long way to go. In this article; we shed light on the consequences and our recommendations

Follow the conditions of baby passports in Saudia Arabia:

 After obtaining the birth certificate for your child, you will now need to apply for a passport. The requirements are as follows:

• Attested Birth Certificate translated into English by MOFA
• Attach the passports of both parents
• Obtain a copy of the marriage certificate of the parents, translated into Arabic
• Baby’s passport-size photo
• Photocopies of both parents’ Iqamah
• A copy of the page showing the expiration date of the Iqamah
• The Saudi Visa Copy as well as the Visa Expiration date from Absher (In case either of the parents is on a visit visa).

Coming out the best solution for getting a baby passport in Saudi Arabia:

As discussed before, Saudi Arabia is based on sharia rules and regulations that every national should follow. All these rules apply even to those who are residing as expats.

If single women get to know about the unexpected pregnancy and can’t figure out what they do. The best option is to get married to your loved ones in locations such as Georgia or Seychelles where laws are less restrictive and you can get your marriage registered in Saudi Arabia.

The couples have also a choice of the online wedding who want to do a more economical wedding or their partners are quite far from each other. 

Our easy wedding team has the solution to every matrimonial issue, let’s tie your knot today!