Court Marriage Fees in Ras Al Khaimah: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

Ras Al Khaimah has quickly become one of the most attractive destinations in the UAE for couples planning to marry. Thanks to its efficient legal process and low costs, it now competes with major hubs like Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The court marriage fee in Ras Al Khaimah is just AED 200, significantly cheaper than the court marriage fee in Abu Dhabi, which stands at AED 300. 

This cost advantage, paired with an easy online application system, makes RAK an ideal place for civil marriage, especially for non-Muslim couples seeking a legally binding union without religious procedures.

Understanding Civil Marriage in Ras Al Khaimah

Civil marriage in Ras Al Khaimah is now regulated under UAE Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022. This law, implemented in February 2023, allows non-Muslim couples to marry through a secular contract recognized by UAE authorities. This means couples don’t need to follow religious customs or rituals. 

The court marriage is based on mutual consent and is processed quickly through the local courts. Civil marriage is strictly for non-Muslim couples. Muslim residents of RAK must follow Sharia law procedures for marriage. However, Muslim expats can explore Abu Dhabi’s civil marriage option if they meet the eligibility requirements set by the court.

Court Marriage Fees in Ras Al Khaimah (2025)

The base court marriage certificate fee in Ras Al Khaimah is AED 200. This fee includes the registration and issuance of a bilingual certificate in both Arabic and English, recorded in the UAE’s civil marriage registry. For couples who wish to personalize their ceremony outside the courtroom, such as at a beach or hotel, the officiant transfer fee is AED 2,000. 

This optional fee covers the cost of sending a judge or court official to your chosen location. If documents are in a language other than Arabic or English, a translation fee ranging from AED 50 to AED 200 per document applies. Additionally, attestation fees may be required if couples plan to use their marriage certificate abroad.

These can range from AED 100 to AED 500, depending on the destination country and embassy requirements. All fees are paid electronically during the application process on the RAK government portal.

RAK vs Other Emirates: Fee Comparison

Compared to other emirates, Ras Al Khaimah is one of the most affordable places to get legally married. In Abu Dhabi, the court marriage fee is AED 300, while Dubai charges around AED 220. For couples on a budget or those looking for a scenic yet legal marriage, RAK provides excellent value without compromising the legal validity of the union.

Eligibility Criteria for Civil Marriage in Ras Al Khaimah

To marry in RAK, couples must meet the following criteria. Both individuals must be at least 21 years old, confirmed through passports or birth certificates. Neither partner can be currently married, and if previously married, they must present a divorce decree or death certificate.

At least one person should be a UAE resident, though tourists may also apply under certain situations. Couples must not be related by blood, and both must be non-Muslims. This civil process is not open to Muslim couples, who must marry through Islamic law, either in RAK or another emirate such as Abu Dhabi.

Required Documents for Court Marriage in RAK

Applicants must prepare several key documents before applying. These include valid passports, UAE Emirates IDs (for residents), and birth certificates. If previously married, a divorce certificate or death certificate must be submitted. Non-Muslim applicants may also need a No Objection Letter (NOC) from their embassy. 

All required forms, including the marriage application, can be filled out and uploaded through the official RAK Courts portal. Any document not in Arabic or English must be translated by a certified professional. Additionally, foreign documents often require attestation by the relevant foreign ministry, the UAE embassy in the originating country, and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Civil Marriage Process in Ras Al Khaimah

The process starts with submitting an online application via the RAK government portal. All required documents must be uploaded, and the applicable fees paid electronically. Once submitted, the court typically reviews the application within three working days. If approved, the couple is contacted to schedule a ceremony date. 

The marriage can be held either at the RAK Civil Court or an alternative location if the officiant transfer fee is paid. During the ceremony, which lasts about 15–20 minutes, couples can exchange rings or vows if they choose. After the marriage is solemnized by a judge or notary, the couple receives their bilingual marriage certificate immediately. This certificate is entered into the electronic UAE marriage registry and can be used for visa, legal, or embassy processes.

Optional Ceremony Locations and Personalization

Couples marrying in RAK can upgrade their experience by choosing to marry in a scenic location. Popular venues include beach resorts, desert lodges, and heritage areas like Al Jazeera Al Hamra. 

The optional AED 2,000 court officiant fee covers the cost of hosting the ceremony outside the court. This gives couples the chance to combine a romantic, memorable event with the legal benefits of civil marriage. With natural landscapes and luxury venues, RAK offers excellent options for destination-style weddings within the UAE legal framework.

Conclusion

In 2025, Ras Al Khaimah stands out as one of the most affordable and efficient emirates for non-Muslim civil marriage. With a court marriage certificate fee of AED 200 and the option to host the ceremony anywhere in the emirate for AED 2,000, RAK provides flexibility, legality, and savings in one package. 

For more information, contact a professional wedding expert.