We were honoured to be invited to speak at the Global Wedding Excellence Forum and Retreat conceptualised by Dubai Business Events (convention bureau of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism) in partnership with POW WOW Marketing! This trip will allow us to learn all about how to host a wedding in Dubai and we will give our opinion about some of the top hotel wedding venues here. Read this article to find out why you should get married in Dubai...
Who can get married in Dubai?
To begin it is important to understand who can get married in Dubai and what you are required to do ahead of your marriage. Dubai is located in the UAE and under UAE law a marriage is recognised as a legal contract between an man and a woman. This marriage has the aim of protecting the rights of the couple and their children. In order for the marriage to take place the following pre-requisites must be completed:
- Approval of the bride
- At least one party in the marriage contract (husband, wife or wife's guardian) should have a residence visa in the UAE.
- A pre-marital screening must take place in the interest of public health in the UAE to help mitigate the spread of communicable diseases.
The UAE government does offer a marriage grant to Emirati men who wish to marry Emirati women when they are on a low-income.
Beautiful Wedding Venues in Dubai, UAE
Armani Hotel
Standing proudly above downtown Dubai the world's tallest building the Burj Khalifa is home to the incredible Armani Hotel. This chic hotel was designed by Georgio Armani himself and is the only hotel in the iconic building with the restaurant terrace providing perfect views of the Dubai fountain display.
Hosting your special day here is bound to make even more memorable since no detail big or small is overlooked. At the start of your next chapter who doesn't want sophistication, elegance and romance and that is exactly what you will receive at this indulgent venue.


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Armani Hotel Dubai
Armani Hotel Dubai provides a luxurious and unforgettable setting for your dream wedding, ensuring an extraordinary celebration.Palace Downtown
Palace Downtown, located in the heart of Dubai, offers a breathtaking setting for weddings with its fusion of Arabian elegance and contemporary luxury. Overlooking the iconic Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, the venue boasts stunning views and beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces, making it a perfect spot for both grand celebrations and intimate ceremonies. The hotel's blend of traditional architecture and modern comforts ensures a captivating atmosphere that reflects the charm of Arabian hospitality.
In addition to its scenic beauty, Palace Downtown provides a range of customisable wedding packages, tailored to meet the specific needs of each couple. With luxurious ballrooms, a dedicated wedding planner, and a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, the hotel can accommodate diverse preferences, from lavish banquets to more intimate receptions. Renowned for its exceptional service and world-class cuisine, Palace Downtown ensures a memorable wedding experience for couples and their guests.


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Palace Downtown
Celebrate your once-in-a-lifetime occasion at Palace Downtown, where grandeur and elegance intertwine to create an unforgettable wedding experience.Atlantis, The Palm
Atlantis, The Palm is one of the most iconic hotels in the world! With its uniquely shaped exterior, grand reception, luxury bedrooms and not forgetting the extraordinary aquarium within the hotel and the 42-acre adrenalin pumping Aquaventure water park!
Make your wedding dreams a beautiful reality at this wedding venue. With fantastic event spaces to choose from, talented chefs to create mouthwatering menus and a dedicated team of wedding specialists you are sure to create lifelong memories on your magical day here. No matter if you have 10 or 2,000 wonderful people on your guest list, Atlantis, The Palm can offer you a bespoke celebration with exceptional style.

Waldorf Astoria, The Palm
The Waldorf Astoria in Dubai is a beautiful, tranquil haven located on the shores of the Palm Jumeirah. This venue has stunning views, modern luxurious interiors and a gorgeous 200m white sand beach!
Ahead of your wedding why not pamper in their spa? They have some amazing tailored packages perfect for a bride or groom and their wedding party. There is also incredible outdoor space for you to relax as well as celebrate in style with some amazing entertainment and catering.
Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah
Plan your perfect Dubai Wedding at Waldorf AstoriaMadinat Jumeirah
This glorious city within a city is bursting with charm and character, inspired by the Arabian palaces of old this palatial retreat is the perfect place to hold a wedding.
The newly renovated ballroom is the perfect black canvas space to celebrate with your guests and feels both spacious and intimate. The combined team of experts across their 4 incredible hotels means that not detail will be missed!
Terra Solis
This unique desert getaway is a memorable oasis where you can sleep under the stars in a magical glamping tent. With incredible cuisine inspired by the 'Tastes of the World' cuisine at Tomorrowland you are definitely in for a treat here.
With a lively music scene here, it is the perfect place to celebrate with your friends and family on your wedding day. Please note that you must be 21 to be allowed to enter this vibrant destination.
W Dubai, The Palm
W Dubai is a glamorous modern venue set on the west crescent of the palm. With white sandy beeches and an incredible range of restaurants and bars this 5* hotel is the perfect place to host your wedding.
The event spaces here are utterly amazing! The Great Room is lit by stunning daylight and has more than 1,200 square meters of space. There are other more intimate rooms available that have their own signature scents, great if you want something a little different on your wedding day.
Marriott Resort Palm Jumeriah
This brand new hotel is a perfect wedding venue for those who love modern glamorous spaces and has everything you could need from a hotel venue including a spa, fitness centre and outdoor pool. On top of all of this, the Marriott Resort Palm Jumeriah has 10 fabulous restaurants, perfect for foodie couples!
Here at the Marriott Resort Palm Jumeriah they have 11 event spaces and the largest capacity is 750 guests! Great for if you want a large celebration but smaller weddings are also wonderful here. They have a 1,000 square metres sea view outdoor events terrace and a wedding coordinator on hand to help you with anything you may need!

Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah
Your dream wedding venue in DubaiHilton Dubai Palm Jumeriah
Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeriah has something for everyone with a beautiful outdoor pool overlooking the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, a tranquil spa and 10 individually themed bars and restaurants you really will be spoilt for choice.
Hosting your event here will be a truly unforgettable experience and there are event planners and multilingual staff to ensure that you are able to make your wedding vision a reality. There is a gorgeous terrace with panoramic ocean views as well as a beautiful grand ballroom. The choice is yours!

Sofitel Dubai
Sofitel Dubai is a French-Polynesian style beach resort is a leafy, tropical sanctuary with French elegance and organic architecture. At this hotel the rooms and dining experiences feel both understated and luxurious so that you feel relaxed throughout your stay.
Weddings here are what dreams are made of and we love the variety of indoor and outdoor venues which can also be used for pre-event celebrations. The Laguna Beach Taverna & Lounge would be perfect for a relaxed wedding reception.

SOFITEL Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa
Your wedding in paradiseNikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai is located on the Pearl Jumeira and this beautiful location allows guests to enjoy the sparkling sapphire waters of the Arabian Gulf while taking in the stunning panoramic views. This is a truly relaxing space to unwind with a hint of vibrancy with DJ mixes after sunset.
No matter whether you plan on hosting an intimate wedding day or a larger celebration you would not be disappointed here. The team here are on hand to help you create your perfect day amidst the palm trees and luxury amenities.
The Ritz Carlton Dubai
The Ritz Carlton Dubai is a 5* beachfront getaway is a perfect secluded spot on the Dubai Marina. This Mediterranean-inspired hotel has luscious green gardens, multiple restaurants and lounges as well as over 32,000 square feet of event space!
The team at the Ritz-Carlton Dubai are on hand to help you with all the details big or small to create your perfect wedding day. These details could be arranging the perfect menu or flowers down to the colour of your cutlery. With plenty of ceremony and reception spaces to choose from in this gorgeous setting you are sure to have an incredibly special wedding day!
