The marriage process in Morocco is a bit difficult for foreigners to understand. Between the customs, laws and foreign fees, attempting to tie the knot in this country isn’t for the faint of heart. But if you’re still keen on sealing the deal in this North African country, or just interested in how to go about it, here are some of the basics you need to know.
First, because all marriages in Morocco are carried out strictly under Islamic Law, the process can be fairly complicated. There are many rules and regulations to abide by under Moroccan authority, which can be costly.
Sources claim that requirements seem nearly impossible to fulfill. Among some of the necessary documents you’ll need are: an identity card, passport, proof of income, birth certificate, proof of occupation, proof of residence, police check and validation by Moroccan police and character reference. Any of these documents that are not written in Arabic will need to be translated and signed by an official government translator.
Before a marriage ceremony can be performed, the Moroccan authorities will ask for you to submit a certificate—Capacite de Mariage—stating there are no impediments to your marriage. While this certificate is being authorized, your Embassy may also issue you an Attestation de Nationalite, or a confirmation of nationality. In total, these certifications alone will cost you about US$50.00-$75.00.
The most important aspect of getting married in Morocco, however, is that under Islamic law, you will have to abide by appropriate Moroccan authority—the Aduls. The Aduls call for exclusively Islamic marriages—both husband and wife must be Muslim. If not, they must convert before the Moroccan government will recognize the institution. What’s more is that a woman will be harshly judged if she stays overnight with her husband-to-be. Traditionally, men and women are to be completely separated from physical contact until married.
With arranged marriage numbers dwindling, Morocco seems to be moving from traditional practices. The culture still embraces several time-tested customs, however. For example, the traditional Morocco wedding can take up to seven days, not counting many other ceremonial rituals that usually take place before the wedding day. Many Moroccans take heritage seriously, actively participating in habitual customs. These marriages often cost a lot—between four or ten times the per capita income. But recent tough economic changes in the country have caused relationships to change in the Arab world. It has become increasingly difficult for those who come from a low-income household to get married.
Although marriages are typically on the higher end of the price spectrum, a modest marriage is still possible in Morocco. With the burden of paperwork, however, you should seriously weigh the pros and cons before planning to marry in Morocco.
Written by Amanda Sandlin.
Photo by Frerieke.
Amanda is a curious world traveling mom of two busy boys, as well as a foodie at heart, and lover of all things Moroccan. She has been writing for Journey Beyond Travel for some time and also dedicates much energy to her blog, MarocMama where you can read great travel articles, get travel advice, and find some top recipes.
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
I would like to marry in Morroco – how can get certificate of good character from UK ?
Hi Salim, We are not actually sure. You might talk to your local consulate or embassy about that. This may be a local Moroccan requirement? Good luck and let us know if you find out.
Salam Salim, I am marrying in Morocco in Ocotber. You will need “subject Access Request” from your local police. It can take up to a month. Mine came through in 2 weeks. If you have any pending convictions or court hearings, make sure you have spent these and on your subject access they are shown as “disposed”. Good luck.
If I plan to get married in Morocco and actually live in the US, does this change any of the above requirements? Thank you for your help.
salaam wasim
i see you giving advise to a brother.. just wanted to ask do you have a list of what kind of things the morocco country wants before one gets married. i ask you as you are nearly at the end stage if so how do i obtain it all docucment??
Never marry a Moroccan woman. You will regret this for the rest of your spoiled life.
Hi Salam I’m muslm man anshala .I whant to gating married what moroccon girl so what proof I needed .pls if you email me .thanks for your …….
if i live in england and i am allready married in england, and if i want to marry a morrocan girl there , how do i go about this please?this will mean in uk i will still be married but i need another wife in morroco aswell in islamic way.can you help please.
I want to marry my Moroccan girlfiend in Morocco if possible and have a concern with my police subject access report, I was arrested back in 1986 for drink driving, no insurance all of which is listed in the disposal history. Would any of this be a concern or problem in Morocco? Also could i support my Moroccan girlfriend in appling for a fience visa with UK embassy to come to UK for us to marry here instead? Any comments would be welcomed cheers James..
Salam hi .I would like to marry in morocco girl .so the ask me 4 indpendent certificate I need help pls.
I live in England and I am already married in England. I want a second wife. I want to marry another Moroccan girl in Morocco, how do I go about this please? This would mean in the UK I will still be married but I need another wife in Morocco as well because of the islamic tradition. Can you help me with this. Thank you.
My husband married a Moroccan girl while we are still married how do I get a copy of his marriage certificate to her any documentation of this union. Would suffice.
hello,
hi every one in over the world if someone would like to have any information about marriage in marocco plz cann you contact me in this email:[email protected] i will do all my atmost tohelp them and to expalin how the things is going so nice time to know you!
can any one tell me what papers i need to take to morocco to marry my girl frend
an how do i get this papers an how long will it take.
I am singe and Canadian citizen Muslim and want get marriage morocco girl my contact no 0016478255464
Hi, can summoned plz assist me? I have all my docs, absolute decree, non impediment,crb, bank stmnts, wage slips p60 etc…
Just a little concerned with regards to my colourful history with the police…. Will be an issue whether one has extensive police record.. Nothing to bad?.
Peace , I want to locate my x husband. He leaves in morroco the sad things he has not seen his daughter in over 15 years. Please advise me. I live in the USA.
My Moroccan husband and I separated last year. I understand that our divorce must take place in front of a judge in Morocco, if my husband and I are both in agreement. As I never converted to Islam, are we technically NOT married and, in that case, do not need to go through the process of divorce?
The other thing is MH’s been dating and took his GF to Morocco. I’m sure she met his family. Morally, would they accept her in the belief that our marriage isn’t halal?
We never got around to a second marriage in the UK. No children, either.
salam alikum i would like to married from morocco my name is ahmed and i am from emirates
mack_127@hot
i am 35 year old
Where do I as an American get a character reference? Do i get that in Morocco as well? Please help me. I appreciate it!
Salam everyone,
Im a filipina im currently staying now in philippines
And my fiancee went back home to morocco he is a
Moroccan, he wants to marry me in morocco, is it
Difficult for me to get all the requirements? And does
Anyone know what are the exact requirements that i need
To get and to bring with me going to morocco? Pls i hope
U can provide me real information. Shokran.