One of the distinguishing features of Georgia among other countries is its very flexible marriage laws. Not only mixed couples or those with residence permits can get married in Georgia, but also foreigners. That’s why the country has been experiencing a wedding boom in recent years.
Georgia’s climate allows for offsite wedding ceremonies almost all year round, and the surrounding landscapes and ancient architecture create the most stunning backdrop for a celebration for every taste.
While Georgia could be called the promised land for anyone wishing to legalize a relationship as quickly as possible, Saudi Arabia is almost the exact opposite.
The kingdom impresses with its technological progress, the dynamics of development and at the same time, all this is closely intertwined with some of the strictest laws regarding family life and the status of women in society.
Marriage Rules in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s marriage laws are primarily based on Islamic Sharia law. These laws reflect the country’s unique cultural norms and traditions. For foreigners considering marriage in Saudi Arabia, it’s crucial to understand the specific requirements and regulations.
New Marriage Laws for Foreigners
Recent changes in Saudi Arabia’s marriage laws have aimed to make the process more inclusive and efficient for expatriates. These new regulations seek to streamline the marriage process for foreigners and enhance their legal rights within the country. However, it’s important to note that these laws still operate within the framework of Islamic principles.
Can Foreigners Get Married in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, foreigners can get married in Saudi Arabia, but the process and requirements differ based on various factors:
- For Muslims: Foreigners who are Muslim can get married in Saudi Arabia following Islamic law. This process typically involves:
- Obtaining residence permits for both bride and groom.
- Personal presence of the spouses, witnesses, and the bride’s guardian at the ceremony.
- Agreement to the terms of marriage by both parties.
- Submission of a letter with details of two witnesses.
- Providing a medical certificate (primarily for citizens).
- For Non-Muslims: The options are more limited:
- Marriages can only be performed at the embassy of their home country.
- Not all embassies offer this service (as of the last update, only the British and Philippine embassies were known to offer this).
- Required documents vary and should be confirmed directly with the relevant embassy.
Marriage in Saudi Arabia for Foreigners: Key Considerations
If you are a couple but unmarried and you come to Saudi Arabia on a work visa or are just planning to move there, you may face serious legal challenges. The kingdom adheres strictly to Islamic law, which means:
- It is illegal to live together before marriage.
- It is illegal to get pregnant or have a child without being married.
To avoid problems with the law and potential deportation, it’s advisable to consider marriage as soon as possible if you plan to live together in Saudi Arabia.
Options for Legalizing Your Relationship:
- In family court (for Muslims).
- At your country’s embassy (for non-Muslims, where available).
It’s important to understand that marriages between members of non-Islamic faiths are not recognized under Sharia law in Saudi Arabia.
Challenges for Non-Muslim Couples
If both or one of you are not practicing Islam and do not intend to convert, getting married in the kingdom can be challenging. Saudi Arabia, despite recent social reforms, remains a very conservative country with strict Islamic laws and segregation based on religion and civil rights.
The dream of a lavish wedding in the kingdom for non-Muslims is almost impossible to realize. Therefore, couples in this situation might want to consider alternative options, such as getting married in a country with more flexible family laws.
Unfortunately, Saudi Arabia, despite attempts at social reform, remains a very conservative country with strict Islamic laws and constant segregation on the basis of religion and civil rights.
Making the dream of a lavish wedding in the kingdom come true if you are a non-Muslim will be almost impossible. Therefore, we advise thinking about a wedding in a country where the family law is not so strict.
Georgia can become such a country, and the wedding agency «Shu Wedding» is ready to help you organize an unforgettable wedding. We take care not only of the organizational aspects but also help with the filing of the registration of the marriage and the translation of the marriage certificate into the language you want.
Take the opportunity to visit Georgia and legalize your relationship as quickly and easily as possible.
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We organize weddings in Georgia , for any budget and wishes. With us, you won't have to think about how to organize your event or what documents you'll need. Georgia has simple laws and quick administrative resources, all you need for your dream wedding is your passports, we do the rest for you.
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