No Civil Wedding in Israel? Discover Alternatives for Non-Religious Couples

When your dream wedding doesn’t fit into Israel’s rulebook, go global with a civil ceremony!

Israel’s marriage laws are primarily based on religious traditions, and as a result, civil weddings are not permitted. This means that all marriages must be conducted according to the rules of their respective religious courts.

For non-religious or interfaith couples, this can create significant challenges, as they are unable to marry under secular laws within Israel. However, there is a solution—couples looking for a civil wedding can marry in countries like Georgia, where civil marriages are legally recognized.

This blog will discuss marriage laws in Israel and the options for civil wedding.

Civil Marriage in Israel

Israel does not allow civil weddings, meaning that all marriages must be conducted according to religious laws. In the country, the state leaves the regulation of marriage to religious authorities rather than providing a civil alternative. 

This means that couples cannot choose to marry through a civil wedding ceremony, regardless of their personal beliefs or preferences. Instead, the marriage process is governed by the rules of the respective religious community.

For example, Jewish couples are required to marry under Jewish religious law, while Muslim, Christian, and Druze couples must follow the rules of their respective faiths. Marriages are performed by religious courts that oversee all aspects of marriage, including the legal recognition of the union. 

This system can make it difficult for interfaith couples or those who do not adhere to a recognized religion to marry in Israel, as their marriages would not be recognized by the state unless they are performed abroad. Therefore, those seeking a civil wedding in Israel must consider other options outside of the country.

What Documents Do I Need to Marry in Israel?

To marry in Israel, you’ll need the following documents for a wedding (since civil weddings aren’t allowed in Israel):

• Declaration of Marital Status: Confirms you’re unmarried. Additional documents may be required to prove this, such as divorce or death certificates.

• Proof of Religion: Provides evidence of your religion, such as a certificate from your religious community (e.g., rabbi for Jews, mosque for Muslims).

Marriage Options For Non-Religious Couples

For non-religious or secular couples in Israel, getting married within the country is not an option, as Israel does not allow civil weddings. Instead, secular couples must travel to a country where civil marriage is recognized, such as Cyprus, Abu Dhabi or Georgia, to legally marry. 

These countries provide a simple and accessible route for couples who prefer a civil wedding instead of a religious ceremony.

In Israel, all marriages are governed by religious law, and each religious community—whether Jewish, Muslim, Christian, or Druze—has its own religious courts to handle marriages. For non-religious couples, this system can be limiting, as it does not allow for a civil wedding under secular laws within Israel.

Interfaith marriages also face significant challenges in Israel. For example, a Jewish person marrying a non-Jew is not recognized by Israeli law. Interfaith couples must travel abroad to marry or face difficulties navigating the religious marriage system. In these cases, seeking a civil wedding outside of Israel may be the best option.

Marriage Laws In Israel

• No Civil Wedding in Israel: Civil marriages are not allowed; religious authorities oversee all marriages.
• Same-Sex Marriages: Not recognized in Israel; couples must marry abroad.
• Marriage Documents: Israeli citizens need passports and, if applicable, divorce or death certificates.
• Interfaith Marriages: Not recognized by religious authorities; must marry abroad for legal recognition.

Marriage Procedures

Since Israel does not offer a civil wedding option, this process is mandatory for all couples looking to marry within the country under religious terms.

1. Submit Your Application: Start by submitting an application to the religious court relevant to your faith (Jewish, Muslim, Christian, or Druze).
2. Provide Documentation: You’ll need to provide proof of your identity (such as passports) and proof of marital status (for example, a divorce or death certificate, if applicable).
3. Approval Process: Once your documents are submitted, the religious court will review them and approve your application.
4. Marriage Ceremony: After approval, a religious official will conduct the marriage ceremony based on the customs of your religious community.

Civil Wedding Option for Israelis in 2024 

The political situation in Israel has made it difficult for many people to get married, especially since civil marriages aren’t permitted. A growing number of Israelis are now choosing Georgia and Abu Dhabi for a civil wedding.

They are one of the best options for civil marriages, allowing people from across the globe to wed legally. The bonus is that these civil weddings are recognized back in Israel, making Georgia and Abu Dhabi a top destination for Israelis seeking a civil marriage.

Recognition of Foreign Marriages

Marriages performed abroad, whether civil or religious, are generally recognized by the Israeli government, as long as they align with Israeli public policy.

Your Civil Wedding Awaits!

Thinking about a civil wedding? Abu Dhabi and Georgia are the perfect spot for a hassle-free, legal ceremony that’s recognized back home!

Reach out to Easy Wedding for a stress-free experience—let us handle the details while you focus on the fun.

Check out our awesome wedding packages and let’s make your dream day a reality!

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