Guide for Expats Getting Married in Kuwait

While most expats choose to return to their home countries to get married, it’s possible to get married in Kuwait if you choose to. The couple needs to meet the civil and religious requirements of their home countries.

Embassy/Consulate weddings

Depending on your nationality, you might be able to go to your embassy or consulate and get a civil marriage ceremony done.

Expats will need a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) before the marriage ceremony.  This certificate confirms that you haven’t been married previously or, if you have, that your previous marriage has legally been terminated. You can get this certificate by going to your embassy. This notice has to be requested minimum 21 days before marriage.

SEE ALSO: Guide to laws in Kuwait

Civil weddings

It’s also possible to have a civil wedding at the Ministry of Justice building on Soor Street. If you choose to do it there, you will need two adult male witnesses to accompany you.

Documents required for both the bride and groom:

• Certificate of No Impediment
• Civil ID
• Original passport
• Photocopies of passport

The application form has to be completed in Arabic, so you might need help filling it out. You will also have to meet the judge.

Christian weddings

If you are a Christian expat, you may also get married in a church. You will need to get in touch with the church and they will provide you with the list of required documents, the fees and requirements.

There are different legal formalities depending on the church. Weddings observed at St Paul’s Church and the Roman Catholic Church in Ahmadi may be registered at the General Register’s Office. However, expat couples getting married at the Evangelical Church still have to undergo a civil ceremony.

SEE ALSO: Guide to getting a divorce in Kuwait

Note that a marriage contract signed at a church is not recognised. It needs to be signed by a notary at the Ministry of Justice for it to be official. 

Once the formalities are completed, you will be legally married in Kuwait. However, you will need to register your marriage in your home country as well. In order to do so, you’ll need a translation and attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then you can submit it to your embassy.