If you're searching for a romantic getaway perfect for a whirlwind elopement, then Dubai is the ultimate choice for you! Dubai is rapidly growing in popularity as a hub for destination weddings, especially enchanting elopements. So, discover how to plan a dreamy elopement in this luxurious paradise below.
Why Choose a Dubai Elopement?
A key benefit of an elopement wedding is that it's much easier to plan. Besides the number of world-known attractions and first-class shopping, Dubai is conveniently located between Europe, Africa and Asia, making it easily accessible from around the world. It also offers perfect weather from October to May! Dubai is also home to many luxury hotels and venues, including the Armani Hotel Dubai and the Address Downtown. These key features make Dubai a particularly desirable location for a stress-free elopement.
Also, while you are limited to where you can say your vows in the UK, Dubai allows you to tie the knot pretty much anywhere! So, as well as luxurious hotels, there are some truly unique and magical locations for your wedding ceremony. For example, Dubai’s coastline is packed with beautiful beaches. So, you could say 'I do' on the spectacular stretches of white sand on the famed Jumeirah Beach. Or, another sandy location, one of Dubai’s one-of-a-kind ceremony locations, the desert, is particularly popular for elopements. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by nothing but sand stretching for miles… A truly romantic and unique elopement location; one you’ll never forget!
Top Tips for a Dubai Elopement
Hire a Wedding Planner
Many couples may choose to have an elopement as they don't want to splash out on a big wedding. So, you may not want the extra cost of a wedding planner. However, a local wedding planner can help you save a fortune and ease your planning! They know the best local suppliers and venues and may be able to get you special rates! They also speak the local language, know the local customs and traditions, and can advise you accordingly. When having a Dubai elopement, a local guide will certainly help.
Consider Elopement Packages
As Dubai is an increasingly popular elopement destination, many venues and planners will be able to offer you fantastic elopement packages. These are all-inclusive solutions for wonderful, stress-free weddings. They will typically include all the things you need for your wedding day, such as venue fees, photography, organisation and design of your wedding, a small floral package, a mini wedding cake, hair and makeup and even a small ceremony with a wedding officiant. So, to ease your Dubai elopement, take a look at all the stress-free options available!
Don’t Limit Your Elopement
Of course, you may want your elopement to be a romantic ceremony with just the two of you and the desert. However, nowadays an elopement can describe a beautifully scaled-down wedding. Usually, an elopement is a highly personal, intimate ceremony that can also include a select few of your nearest and dearest. Just because you want a Dubai elopement, don’t feel you can’t bring anyone with you! Your Dubai elopement should be all about you and your wishes. Therefore, if you want to have an elopement but still invite the most important people in your life - go for it! As Dubai is a global hub filled with luxury and unparalleled romance, it's also the perfect place to celebrate with loved ones.
The Legalities of a Dubai Elopement in Dubai
Many couples choose to have an elopement as they want an easy, stress-free wedding. However, it is a lengthy and tricky process to legally tie the knot in Dubai. So, you may wish to have your legal ceremony at home and a symbolic blessing as your Dubai elopement instead.
A symbolic wedding ceremony or blessing would usually take place outside during the day, conducted by a wedding celebrant and held in a location of your choice. A symbolic ceremony or blessing is just as romantic as a legal marriage, plus you can tailor it to be personal to you as a couple.
However, it is not impossible to be legally wed in Dubai. Legally, you are permitted to marry through certain religious ceremonies or Sharia court, as there are no civil marriages in the UAE at all. Also, in order to legally wed in the UAE, you or your partner have to be residents there.
If you fit all of these criteria, you will then have to provide an affirmation or affidavit document that justifies the legal right for you and your partner to wed. The marriage affidavit is then valid for 3 months once approved. You will probably have to get it professionally translated into Arabic, as well as getting the document legalised by the UAE authorities. You will also need these documents:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Passports of two witnesses
- Fee (approximately £50)
- Divorce certificate (if necessary from a previous marriage)
- Death certificate (if you have been widowed)
- Sworn affidavit stating that you are free to marry
- UAE Medical Fitness Certificate and blood test
So, you now have all the information and advice you need to plan a truly romantic elopement in luxurious, enchanting Dubai! Why not discover some incredible settings for your elopement escape? Check out the Armani Hotel and Address Downtown; both of these venues are exceptional wedding locations and will add some luxurious touches to your special day!