While living in Dubai, marriage is the only legal bond for a man and a woman to establish a relationship and have children. Many expats choose to get married in Dubai and if you are Christian, you can marry in a church in Dubai. Marriages are conducted according to the ceremonies and rites of the Church of England. The following rules apply if organising a marriage through Christ Church Jebel Ali, the main church used by expats in Dubai. 

Prerequisites

• Preferably at least one partner is baptised.
• Couples should attend at least one of the church’s monthly premarital seminars if possible.
• If either person has been divorced, they will both need to meet with the reverend before organising the wedding.
• A religious ceremony must take place in a church.
• Non-religious marriages can take place at your embassy, but this is not very common.
• Neither partner is Muslim.
• Couple are both aged 18 or older.

What to bring

• Full birth certificates
• Both passports including visa page if resident in the UAE (copy).
• Certificate of baptism (at least one) or pastor’s letter (if possible).
• Marriage Affidavit/Affirmation or a similar document to prove you’re allowed to marry (to get one you will need to make an appointment at your embassy).
• Intent of marriage applications
• Confirmation that neither you nor your father is Muslim.
• If you have been divorced – the final divorce papers (final decree).
• Former marriage certificate must be shown, if applicable.
• If you are widowed, the death certificate of late spouse.
• Two witnesses over 18 years old
• Passports of two witnesses (originals and copies).

• Dhs.1,800 wedding on a weekday 
• Dhs.2,300 wedding on a Friday

Procedure

• Submit all documents to chaplain’s office.
• Meet with the chaplain to discuss your plans.
• Set a date for the marriage ceremony (allow four weeks – the church books up quickly).
• You may need to make a sworn affidavit at the embassy in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
• The wedding ceremony must be conducted in church; a wedding blessing can be conducted at another location, after service.
• Two witnesses aged 18 or over must sign register during service.
• After ceremony, you will receive two marriage certificates.
• Certificates will be signed by chaplain.
• Certificate must be translated into Arabic.
• Four documents: two marriage certificates and the Arabic versions should be attested – this can be done by the church’s public relations officer (PRO) for Dhs.700.
• Alternatively, the marriage certificates should be submitted to the Notary Public Office at Dubai Courts for attestation.
• They will also need to be attested at the Ministry of Justice for verification before proceeding to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for attestation.
• Your marriage will be recognised in your country of origin.