Islamic Marriage in the Netherlands: Nikkah and Civil Marriage Explained
Short answer. In the Netherlands, you marry under the law first, at the registry office (gemeente). After that, you conclude the nikkah — the Islamic marriage. It has to be done this way: an imam may only perform the nikkah once you're already married under the law. Otherwise you can run into problems. Many scholars also recommend marrying under the law first.
First the registry office, then the nikkah
In the Netherlands, you marry under the law first. That's the civil marriage at the registry office (gemeente). After that, you conclude the nikkah — the Islamic marriage.
- Notify the registry office that you want to marry.
- Marry under the law, at the registry office.
- Conclude the nikkah. This may be on the same day, but only after the civil marriage.
- Celebrate the wedding feast (walima).
Want to know how a nikkah works? Read: What is a nikkah?
Islamic marriage without the law? We advise against it
There are three reasons to marry under the law first:
- The law requires it. An imam may only perform the nikkah once you're already married under the law (Article 1:68 of the Dutch Civil Code). If he does it beforehand anyway, he can face a fine.
- You can run into problems. Without a marriage under the law, you miss out on rights — for example around inheritance or if you separate.
- Scholars recommend it. Many scholars also say: marry under the law first, so your rights are secured.
What do you arrange at the registry office?
- Give notice at least 2 weeks in advance. This can usually be done online.
- You need 2 to 4 witnesses. They must be 18 or older.
- You're both 18 or older and not already married.
Check with your own municipality what else you need. What you need for the nikkah, you can read here: Conditions for an Islamic marriage
Capture your nikkah beautifully
Example from the collection: Safa's VowsA nikkah certificate with your names and date is a beautiful keepsake. It isn't an official record — you get that from the registry office.
Browse nikkah certificatesFrequently asked questions
Can an imam marry us before we've been to the registry office?
No. The imam may only perform the nikkah once you're married under the law.
Can we do the nikkah and the registry office on the same day?
Yes. You marry at the registry office first, then the nikkah follows.
Can you marry Islamically in a mosque?
Yes, the nikkah can take place in a mosque. Even then, you marry under the law first.
Is a nikkah certificate an official record?
No. The official record comes from the registry office. The certificate is a keepsake.
First the registry office, then the nikkah
Choose a certificate with your names and date.
Sources: Dutch Civil Code, Book 1, Article 1:68 (wetten.overheid.nl); Dutch Criminal Code, Article 449 (wetten.overheid.nl); Rijksoverheid: getting married; Islam Q&A, answer 129851. This is an explanation in plain language. It is not a fatwa and not legal advice.