What is a nikah?

The Arabic word "Nikah" essentially means marriage or matrimony in English. It is a sacred and solemn social contract made between bride and groom.

What is required to be islamically married?

A Nikah must be performed between the bride and groom in order to be Islamically married. The requirements to complete a Nikah vary depending on the school of thought. In general, we work with our couples to ensure the following components are covered:

1. Mutual agreement to marry between the bride and groom (Ijab-wa-Qubul)
2. Two sane adult Muslim witnesses
3. Mahr (gift) to be given by the groom to the bride
4. Guardian (wali) for the bride

Who can act as my wali(guardian)?

In general, the wali is usually the father of the bride. The wali is charged with ensuring the well-being of his daughter in all aspects of her life, including marriage. (If, for some reasion the father is unable to be present, there are exceptions to the rule. Feel free to reach out to us to discuss further).

Who performs the nikah?

The nikah is performed by one of our officiants. We provide both male and female officiants.

a note from Sheikh Suhaib webb on the permissibility of virtual nikahs:

A virtual nikah is not something that took place during the time of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم or the early jurists. When issues arose, they tended to revolve around the requirements above, not the setting. Thus, if a couple can ensure that the conditions above are met, then there is nothing to prohibit them from a sound, shari’a marriage. Sheikh Yusuf Qaradawi expressed this when asked, “Are internet marriages valid?” He responded, “Yes, if the conditions are met.” It is important to note that the majority of jurists including the Hanafis and the Malkis allow a blind witness to testify to the validity of the marriage. Thus, seeing the couple's actual marriage is not a condition for the contract. It is sufficient for a person to hear it and know both parties to the couple such that they can testify to their bond. The permissibility of virtual nikahs is further strengthened in the face of COVID-19, since it is a type of hardship that causes the shari'a to pivot and facilitate alternative means.

Who uses Muslim Wedding Service?

Anyone who is seeking an eloquent, welcoming, and heartfelt marriage ceremony for diverse couples and guests.

How do i book your services?

Please fill out our booking form online located in our menu under Book Now.

Can i request a specific officiant?

Yes you can request a specific officiant in our booking form when you fill out the booking form online under the "Additional Information" section.

What is the cost?

Virtual services are $500 and our in-person services start at $950 plus travel expenses. Our in-person price is determined by the size of your nikah and the distance the officiant will need to travel. Additionally, the price includes the honorarium given to the officiant as well as MWS’ administrative costs.

Please note that if you request certain officiants (Imam Khalid Latif, Sheikh Suhaib Webb, Sheikh Faiyaz Jaffer), the pricing will vary. If you'd like more information on this, please reach out.

How much time in advance should I book your services?

We request our couples to submit their booking forms at least 2-3 months in advance of the date of the nikah ceremony. This ensures we will have an adequate amount of time to secure an officiant, prepare the nikah contract and coordinate other logistics. We cannot handle any nikahs occurring within less than 7 days.

Will an officiant travel to my wedding location?

Yes! Our officiants are located throughout the U.S. If your selected officiant is located outside your state, the fees will differ. Couples are responsible for all travel fees/accommodations for their officiant.

Does Muslim Wedding service perform virtual nikahs?

Yes, we currently provide both virtual and in-person nikahs services.

Can women officiate nikahs?

Yes. The marriage ceremony is a contract which is different from rituals like prayer. There are no restrictions on women to oversee a marriage contract or walk someone through it, so the evidence would be rooted in there being no evidence to indicate impermissibility.

Does the nikah solemnize my marriage in my state?

The Nikah ceremony can be considered a legal marriage in your state if you are located in New York or New Jersey. You must obtain a marriage license from the city/county clerk before the day of the Nikah ceremony. We sign and submit the marriage license with the state for you.

The regulations of each state vary and if the couple is seeking to get married legally in their home state, then they must take the necessary steps to do so. We can solemnize marriages depending on the regulations of that particular state.

Does the nikah mean I am legally married?

No. The Nikah ceremony means you are Islamically married. You are not legally married until you obtain a marriage license from your local government, or go through the dedicated processes your local government has in place to legally marry its residents.

Do I need to obtain a marriage license along with my nikah?

If you would like Muslim Wedding Service to perform your nikah, we do require couples obtain a marriage license before or at the time of their nikah. This serves to ensure that your marriage is not only Islamically valid but also legal in the eyes of the law.

Do you perform nikahs outside the U.S.?

No. We currently perform nikahs in the U.S. only.