A wedding in Dubai followed by a reception is a dream for many couples who want to combine the ceremony with an exotic trip. The city offers unlimited possibilities – from elegant hotels with views of the Burj Khalifa, to private beaches, to ceremonies in the desert. However, before you start planning every detail, you need to familiarize yourself with the legal requirements, costs, available locations, and logistics. In this guide, you will find all the information you need to help you plan your celebration step by step.
Civil and religious weddings – what do you need to know?
First, it is worth understanding what the formal options are. What documents are needed for a wedding in Dubai? If neither of you are Muslim, you can enter into a civil union at a court in Dubai. The conditions are that you must be of legal age – at least 21 years old – and present your passports and certificates of single status. Divorce documents or death certificates are also required if you have been married before.
If you are Muslim, you must get married in a Sharia court, where religious certificates and the presence of witnesses are also required. On the other hand, believers can organize a church wedding in Dubai – there are Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox churches here. In this case, parishes require additional formalities, such as baptism or confirmation certificates.
How to organize a wedding in Dubai step by step?
Start by deciding on the form of the ceremony. Once you have chosen the legal route, you can move on to planning the details. In practice, it is best to start the whole process by contacting a local wedding planner. This is a person who knows the regulations, the procedures for obtaining permits, and can advise on organizational matters. This will help you avoid mistakes and delays.
When organizing the ceremony, keep the season in mind. The best time for a wedding in Dubai is from November to March, when temperatures are milder. Summer, with temperatures above 40 degrees, is not conducive to outdoor events.
What wedding venues in Dubai are worth considering?
Weddings in Dubai can be organized in many styles. The most popular are five-star hotels – Atlantis The Palm, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and Ritz-Carlton. They offer ballrooms, private beaches, as well as comprehensive packages with decorations and catering.
An alternative is a desert celebration. It is a unique experience – Bedouin tents, traditional music, and dinner under the stars create a unique atmosphere. However, if you choose this option, remember about additional permits and transportation for guests.
Weddings on yachts and observation decks with panoramic views of the city are also becoming increasingly popular. Each of these options involves different costs and organizational requirements.
Wedding in Dubai – price and budget
The financial aspect is one of the key elements of planning. The phrases “wedding Dubai price” and “wedding Dubai cost” are the most common questions asked by couples. So how much do you need to prepare?
- Wedding packages in hotels start at around AED 160–200 per person for the basic version and can reach AED 400 or more in luxury venues.
- Renting a room in iconic venues such as Atlantis or Burj Al Arab often costs AED 100,000 and above.
- Catering for 100 people costs between AED 15,000 and AED 40,000.
- A photographer and videographer cost a minimum of AED 8,000, and with extensive services, even AED 20,000,
- Decorations, lighting, and stage arrangements start at around AED 10,000 and exceed AED 70,000 for large projects.
The total budget depends on the number of guests and the venue chosen. An intimate party for 50 people often costs from AED 60,000, and a large wedding for 200 people – from AED 200,000 upwards.
Formalities and permits
In addition to the ceremony itself, administrative issues are also important. If you are planning a wedding at a hotel, most of the procedures will be taken care of by the venue. In the case of an outdoor venue or a yacht, an event permit issued by the local authorities may be required. If you want to serve alcohol, you will need an additional permit, which is usually obtained by the hotel on your behalf.
How to find vendors for a wedding in Dubai?
Whether you are planning a modest celebration or a luxurious gala, you need reliable partners. How to find vendors for a wedding in Dubai? The easiest way is to use the services of a wedding planner who has a network of contacts and recommended suppliers. You can also look for them in industry directories. Hotels also have a list of photographers, DJs, and florists they work with. This makes it easier to choose professionals who will meet your expectations.
Transportation and car rental for weddings
Stylish transportation to the ceremony venue is an important part of your wedding day. Car rental for weddings in Dubai includes both limousines and luxury sports cars. You can find Rolls-Royces and Lamborghinis at Modena Car Rental in Dubai. If you decide to drive yourself, remember about international driving licenses, age limits, and deposits blocked on your card.
Check out – Driving license in Dubai – what you need to know as a tourist
Planning by time – step by step
It is worth starting preparations for a wedding in Dubai a year or two before the date. First, you book the venue and set the budget. About a year before the ceremony, confirm your suppliers – photographer, musicians, and florists. Six months before, send out invitations and finalize documents. A month before, take care of permits and transportation details. A week before the event, check all reservations, and on the day of the ceremony, focus only on enjoying the moment.
Dubai is synonymous with luxury and is also a city well prepared to serve international guests. Dubai offers modern infrastructure, excellent hotels, and a high standard of service. This allows you to combine your celebration with your honeymoon, enjoying tourist attractions, beaches, and shopping.
FAQ
How to organize a wedding in Dubai?
First, choose the type of ceremony – civil, religious, or Sharia. Then, prepare the required documents, book a date at the court or church, and set a budget for the wedding.
Can you have a church wedding in Dubai?
Yes, there are churches of various denominations in the city. However, they require additional formalities, such as baptism certificates and canonical documents.
Where to register a civil wedding in Dubai?
At the court in Dubai, which handles civil procedures for non-Muslims.
How to organize a wedding in Dubai?
Start by choosing a venue – a hotel, beach, desert, or yacht. Then set a budget, hire a planner and contractors, and finally, make sure you have all the necessary permits.
How much does a wedding in Dubai cost?
The budget starts at around AED 50,000 for small receptions and reaches several hundred thousand for large celebrations in luxury hotels.
Is a desert wedding a good idea?
Yes, it creates a unique atmosphere, but requires additional permits and logistics, so it works best from November to March.
