Getting married in Saudi Arabia is not as easy as it is in the UAE for expats. To marry in this country, you have to meet a long list of requirements. 

This article will give you insight into Sharia law and how it become complicated for non-muslim expats. Moreover, it also provides you with the best alternatives to get married more hassle-free in the least possible time. So, let’s hop on all you need to know about foreign couple marriages in Saudi Arabia.

What is Sharia Law?

Sharia law has legal provisions associated with the rules of Islam. On the basis of it, only Muslim individuals are allowed to marry under Saudia law. No marriages between other religions are recognized by Saudi Arabian courts. This is due to the courts adhering to Sharia Islamic Law.

What restrictions come under Sharia Law for mixed marriage expats?

According to Islamic law, Saudi Arabia does not recognize marriages between people of different religions or nationalities unless you get married outside of the country and submit a legal marriage certificate upon returning. In this case, the embassy would need legal approval, both from the country it represents and from your partner’s country, as well as from the Kingdom. 

Final Verdict on Solemnization under Sharia Law:

Expats belonging to different nationalities want to marry in the best possible place. Seychelles or Georgia is the most appropriate location for them. It is not only filled with the most beautiful and  romantic places around there but also requires more simple paperwork than Saudi Arabia. In some cases, both parties go for the marriage through an online medium due to some possible reasons.  

Don’t delay your marriage by choosing the right place. Book a call with our team to flesh out more information. 

Weddings all over the world are known for their grandeur and royal treatment. The wedding that happens is actually Big Fat Weddings and is arranged in a lavish way. But many couples prefer simple marriage and opt for online marriage. 

Getting married online process 

To make distance weddings possible, online weddings play an important role. But to be sure that all legal work is done properly, it is important to get in touch with a wedding consultant that can help with marriage online registration.

If you are among the one who looks for a simple celebration while sitting in Saudi or in any other part of the world, it is advisable to start looking for online wedding services the earliest.

Weddings in Saudi

If you are looking to get married in Saudi, let’s be honest the laws are not very favorable especially if you are marrying someone from another religion and the documentation is super lengthy. Moreover both residents would be required to be in Saudi and residence permit holders. 

Getting married online is possible through a good wedding consultant and might be a better option for such couples.  Virtual weddings are being made possible, all thanks to technology which has made everything possible. 

In conclusion to a web marriage Vs getting married in Saudi

Virtual weddings can save on time, travel, and planning, and can let you enjoy all moments more gracefully. Post pandemic, the demand for online marriage has increased manifolds as online marriage with a different country girl is also possible.

Keen to know if your wedding situation is easier to get married online or in Saudi; speak to our team of expert legal wedding consultants.

Saudi expats might want to know what the legalization process is like if they plan to visit Georgia or Canada for their marriage. This knowledge is important because if they do not validate their documents, then they will not be granted entry by the legalization embassy of Georgia and Canada.

Recent news that is making rounds is that Saudi has joined the Apostille convention, effective December 7 2022. This means that visitors from Saudi to Canada will no longer require extensive legalization. This article explains the process of legalization for Georgia and Canada.

Steps for document legalization between Georgia and Canada

The process for legalization in Georgia is not difficult as applicants can submit their forms online. The following are the main steps to follow:

1. Submit an e-application form
2. Upload original documents
3. Upload your passport and ID
4. Submit a receipt that proves that payment for legalization has been completed.

Just like Georgia, Canada also has an approved body that legalizes documents and this is the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada.  a fee for legalization will also have to be made to this body.

Once Saudi’s membership in the Hague Apostille Convention kicks off, visitors from the country to Georgia will only need to authenticate their documents with an Apostille Certificate. There will be no need for further legalization. The legalization embassy of Georgia to Canada oversees the authentication steps between the two indicated countries.

Conclusion of the legalization process for Georgia and Canada

As noted in the preceding parts of this article. It is vital for couples and every other visitor to learn how to legalize their documents. The process is simple if the two countries in question are Apostille nations. But if that is not the case, then the ex-pats must know and follow the legalization steps for each country.

While it is not hard to make an application, expert help is recommended to avoid complications and mistakes. Wedding agents can get this task done in no time.

Couples who are interested in a destination wedding in the country of Georgia should do well to book a consultation with our experts. They will be availed with reliable blueprints for the process.

Saudi Arabia is by far the biggest country on the Arabian Peninsula, stretching along the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Saudi Arabia has an excellent assortment of hotels. There are several prestigious hotels ideal for a fairytale wedding, particularly in the major cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. International luxury hotel chains from Hilton to Pullman and InterContinental to The Ritz-Carlton offer exquisite landscapes for a beautiful wedding. These dream locations however cost a fortune for mere reservation. You have different venue options available depending on the city you choose to hold your event in.

Jeddah and Dammam, offer you locations for your dreamy beach wedding. Riyadh on the other hand is the city of the elite, with majestic and grand venues. Planning your wedding in Saudi is not going to be easy for you as a Kuwait expat.

If you want to hold an outdoor event in Saudi, your range is limited between the months of November and February. The weather in Saudi can be extremely harsh with temperatures rising to more than 50 degrees Celsius in summers. Moreover, the wedding process is definitely not easy, especially if you are a non-Muslim or interracial couple.

Documents you need to have a wedding in Saudi as a Kuwait expat:

• Both the bride and groom must have a valid residency permit.
• Written consent from the bride’s present sponsor/guardian
• Both the bride and groom have reached an agreement.
• Completed religious rituals
• For Arabic-speaking expat couples, the marriage contract can now be signed at home
• For other Muslim foreigners, the marriage license can be obtained through family courts.
• Attendance of spouses, bride’s guardians, and their representatives

Other easy wedding alternatives for Kuwait expats

Considering the list above, you need to remember that Saudi is only a feasible option for you if you or your partner are holders of a valid resident permit in the country. Saudi does not accommodate non-Muslim marriages or marriages for visitors. This restriction normally pushes foreigners in the country to turn back home, online weddings, or pick other destination wedding spots.

Due to certain rules and limitations, it may be difficult to arrange an easy wedding in Kuwait. As a result, most expats find Seychelles and Georgia intriguing. They are not only gentler on your money, but they also provide a quick and painless approach for the wedding process. These gorgeous countries’ magnificent beaches and lush green woods compliment the radiance of your relationship. An online wedding, on the other hand, might be a great choice for expats who are unable to fly for various reasons. These solutions are particularly suitable for inter-racial or inter-faith couples.

Among the GCC countries, Abu Dhabi, UAE is the only state that accommodates weddings for non-Muslims and visitors. The average cost of the wedding ceremony is still going to be very similar to any other GCC nation, but it is definitely suitable for expats who can afford this option.

Conclusions for Kuwait expats

Saudi Arabia does not provide a choice of economical wedding options. Expats should consider having a destination wedding in places like Georgia or Seychelles. These countries have convenient and simple marriage procedures. Another practical alternative for expats considering marriage is a quick online wedding. This is especially useful if one of the partners is not a legal resident of Saudi Arabia or if the marriage is interfaith.

Do you want further recommendations for easy wedding ideas as an expat in Kuwait? Contact one of our wedding consultants right now to learn more.