Getting Married in Oman

Marriages are definitely made in heaven. It doesn't matter if it is a love marriage or an arranged one. If you want to get married in Oman and you are not aware of how to go ahead, then you are in the right place. Read the article to get the complete info on getting married in Sultanate of Oman.

Marriage Certificate & Registration

Since Oman law is governed largely by Islam, it is actually illegal for an unmarried couple to live together. It is even illegal to share a house with flat mates of the opposite sex who are not related to you. However, many couples do end up living together without getting into trouble – as long as you are discreet and stay out of trouble, you should be left alone to co-habit in peace.

The singles scene is not exactly swinging in Muscat and if you are single you may find yourself doing the rounds at endless family barbecues where everyone is married with children. But you never know – true love may be round the corner! It is not common for expats to stay in Oman to get married – the expense of flying all your family and friends out for a posh party in one of the many five-star hotels puts most people off.

However, if you choose to have an Oman wedding, there are numerous options at your disposal. If you’ve got the cash, and can scrape together the minimum requirement of 200 guests, you could have your wedding at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel – the bridal package includes two nights’ stay in an Arabian Suite (including dinner and breakfast), flowers, cake, hairstyling and a Bentley to transport you in style. If you’d rather save your money for the honeymoon, you can have a civil service at your embassy or consulate and a more modest reception in a hotel ballroom or restaurant (depending on number of guests).

Word of mouth is a good way to find your wedding photographer – you might be lucky enough to find a talented fellow expat who is an enthusiastic amateur photographer and would be happy to use your big day as an opportunity to practise.

If you decide to get your wedding stationery made, there are several options, all of which can provide lovely designs to coordinate with the colours and theme of your choice.

When it comes to finding the perfect dress, there are literally hundreds of tailor shops dotted around Muscat. The best way to find a good one is to ask around, and it’s always a good idea to try them out with a smaller job before you hand over your priceless fabric!

Contact the best florists in town to make the necessary floral arrangements for your D Day.

There are several excellent hair and makeup salons around Muscat. You can choose from the different bridal packages they offer to suit your budget and the D-Day attire.

Documentation

All marriages should be registered at the Department of Notary Public in Al Khuwayr, within 30 days. To register your marriage, you will need a completed application form, and the marriage notification (from the Ministry of Justice) or a marriage certificate authenticated by the Oman diplomatic mission in the country where the marriage took place (if not in Oman).

If one of the newly-weds is an Omani, they should produce their resident card or passport and ID card, as well as an approval letter from the Ministry of Interior. A marriage can be registered by the husband or the wife, or by their fathers.

Although the Department of Notary Public is part of the Ministry of Justice, it is not located in the same building in Al Khuwayr. The Ministry of Justice is located on Ministry Street, but the Department of Notary Public is located in Dohat Al Adab Street, one street down from the Radisson SAS Hotel.

Muslims

Two Muslims wishing to get married in Oman should apply at the marriage section of the Shariah Court in Wattayah. You need to have two Muslim witnesses. The bride-to-be is not required to take any prior permission from her father or brother to get married to the groom of her choice.

The Shariah Court is situated off the Wattayah Roundabout, next to the Royal Oman Police (ROP) football stadium.

Civil Weddings

Couples who do not wish to get married with religious ceremonies can contact the consulate or local embassy. The embassies and consulates can  help them arrange for a civil wedding, after which they can register the wedding with the embassy.

Christians

The towns of Ghala and Ruwi, located in the capital city of Oman – Muscat, have both Protestant and Catholic churches. The Christian couples should take prior appointment with the concerned pastor.

A Protestant wedding in Oman underlines the need for a residency permit for the couple, along with the importance of submitting their current marital status. If partners are from different nations, then they should submit the concerned documents proving the nationality and their freedom to get married from the concerned embassies. Widowed or divorced people must produce appropriate original documents indicating they are free to marry.

Four witnesses, two from the bride’s side and two from the groom’s, must attend the wedding ceremony. Copies of the passport information page and visa of each partner must be provided. The church requires at least one month’s notice to perform the ceremony and premarital counselling is recommended. The marriage certificate must be attested by both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (consular section) Attestation Office and by the couple’s respective embassies. There is no fee for the ceremony but a donation is welcomed.

Catholics should contact the priest at the Catholic Church of Saints Peter & Paul in Ruwi or at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Ghala. The couple is expected to take instruction before the wedding ceremony takes place. You will need your original baptism certificates and a no objection certificate from your priest stating that you have not previously been married in a church. A declaration of your intent to marry is posted on the public notice board of the church for a period, after which, if there are no objections, the priest will fix a date for the ceremony. The parish priest will advise you of his fee accordingly.

Hindus

Hindus can be married through the Shiva Temple, the Darsait Temple or if they want to opt for a civil wedding, at the Indian Embassy.

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