How to Get Married In Saudi Arabia? An Ultimate Guide for Tourists in 2025
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Yes, tourists can do Sharia marriage in Saudi Arabia, but only under strict conditions. Saudi Arabia allows tourists to get married, but the process follows sharia laws in Saudi Arabia. This means it’s not like a civil marriage you might have in other countries. It must meet Islamic requirements and be approved by the Ministry of Justice.
Planning a wedding in Saudi? Here’s how to get married as a tourist under the sharia laws in Saudi Arabia while ensuring your union complies with legal and religious expectations.
You cannot have a simple legal ceremony in a hotel or at your embassy. Everything has to follow religious rules. The process is not designed for quick or casual marriages. Tourists should be fully prepared—legally, religiously, and logistically.
Many couples ask: Can we get married during a vacation in Saudi Arabia? The answer is yes, but only if you are both eligible under Islamic law, and you are ready with all paperwork, witnesses, and time. If you are not Muslim or don’t follow sharia laws in Saudi Arabia, you must consider other options, like embassy weddings Middle East or destination weddings.
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What is a Sharia Marriage in Saudi Arabia?
Sharia marriage is a religious contract under Islamic law. It must follow certain rules:
- The groom must be Muslim.
- The bride must be Muslim, Christian, or Jewish.
- A Muslim woman cannot marry a non-Muslim man—unless he converts.
- Marriage must be registered with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Justice.
- No civil or secular weddings are allowed. All marriages are religious.
Sharia marriages are taken seriously in the Kingdom. They involve consent, a formal proposal, two witnesses, and clear proof of eligibility. These marriages are legally binding in Saudi Arabia and across most Islamic countries. You can get married as a tourist in Qatar as well, just make sure to know the sharia laws in Qatar.
Who Can Get Married in Saudi Arabia as a Tourist?
Understanding how to get married in Saudi Arabia means knowing who qualifies under Sharia law. If you’re a tourist, the rules are strict and faith-based.
- You hold a valid tourist visa (not a Hajj or Umrah visa).
- You and your partner are both Muslim.
- You are both over 18 years old.
- You are both mentally and physically fit for marriage.
- You are not already married, unless your religion and Saudi law allow polygamy.
These are standard marriage requirements for tourists, which must be followed strictly.
If one of you is non-Muslim, you’ll either need to convert or marry elsewhere. Embassy weddings Middle East are sometimes possible, but not always.
Some embassies help their nationals marry under their laws, but many do not offer marriage services inside the Kingdom.
What Documents Do You Need For Sharia Marriage?
Knowing how to get married in Saudi Arabia also means preparing the right documents. These aren’t optional. Without proper paperwork, the process halts.
- Valid passports for both the bride and groom.
- Tourist visa copies for both.
- A Certificate of No Impediment (proof you are free to marry). It must be translated into Arabic and notarized.
- Medical test results issued by a Saudi hospital or a recognized clinic. This checks for STDs, genetic diseases, etc.
- Guardian’s consent for the bride (called a Wali), unless she is previously married. This may still be requested, even though some rules are changing.
- Two Muslim male witnesses (required during the marriage contract signing).
Medical tests are mandatory for nikah procedures Saudi and must be done at an approved hospital. You cannot proceed without them.
Note: Getting documents translated and legalized may take days. Plan well in advance.
How Does the Sharia Marriage Process Work?
Tourists often ask how to get married under Islamic law while on a short visit. This section provides a step-by-step on what really happens during nikah procedures Saudi.
- Hire a Ma’zoun (Marriage Officer)
This person is licensed by the Saudi government to conduct Sharia marriages. - Submit Documents to the Ministry of Justice
The official checks that everything is correct and complete. - Attend the Marriage Meeting
This is where both partners, the Wali (if needed), and the two witnesses gather to agree on the terms. - Sign the Nikah (Marriage Contract)
This step seals the agreement. The dowry (mahr) is agreed upon and stated in the contract. - Get the Marriage Certificate
Once registered, you’ll receive an official certificate recognized by the Saudi authorities.
This is the core of how to get married in Saudi Arabia under Sharia law.
What Challenges Should Tourists Expect?
Opting for Sharia Marriage in Saudi Arabia is not a simple process for tourists. Here are the most common issues:
- Tight timelines – A 90-day tourist visa may not be enough to complete the process.
- Finding Muslim witnesses – If you don’t have local contacts, this can be difficult.
- Medical reports – These tests take time and must be done at approved clinics.
- Guardian consent – Even though laws have relaxed, some officers still require it.
- Religious restrictions – Non-Muslim men cannot marry Muslim women.
These are practical concerns for anyone exploring tourist marriage options Saudi.
If you’re unsure how to proceed, this guide explains exactly how to get married in Dubai under Sharia law.
Can Non-Muslim Tourists Marry in Saudi Arabia?
Usually, no. Saudi Arabia does not allow civil marriages, and non-Muslims can’t marry under Sharia law. Here are your only options:
Option 1: Convert to Islam
This is the only way for a non-Muslim man to marry a Muslim woman under Saudi law. The process includes declaring faith in front of witnesses and receiving a certificate of conversion.
Option 2: Embassy Marriage
Some embassies offer in-house ceremonies. However, these are often limited to cases where both partners are from the same country and religion. Always check with your embassy first.
Option 3: Marry Abroad
Countries like Georgia, Seychelles, or the UAE are popular options. You can then attest the foreign marriage certificate in Saudi Arabia and register it if needed.
Tip: Consider Marrying Abroad
If the Saudi process feels too complex or time-consuming, consider this:
- Get married abroad in a country like Georgia, where paperwork is simpler.
- Get your foreign marriage certificate legalized by your embassy and the Saudi authorities.
- Return to Saudi Arabia as a legally married couple.
Countries like Georgia or Egypt make how to get married much easier for tourists who don’t meet Sharia criteria.
Final Thoughts
Now that you understand how to get married in Saudi Arabia and beyond, plan ahead.
Always check with the Saudi Ministry of Justice, your local embassy, or a licensed Saudi law firm before you begin. Marriage in the Kingdom is sacred and serious. Make sure you are ready for every legal and religious step.
Please note: online nikah global acceptance 2025 is still under review in many countries. Saudi Arabia does not currently recognize online nikah performed remotely unless legalized properly.
