Looking for a Civil Wedding in Israel? Here’s What You Should Know In 2024
In Israel, you can’t get a civil wedding—but you can still tie the knot in style abroad!
In Israel, marriage laws are based on religious customs, so civil weddings just aren’t an option. All couples must follow the rules of their religious courts, whether they’re Jewish, Muslim, Christian, or Druze.
This can make things tricky for non-religious or interfaith couples who can’t marry under secular laws. But don’t worry—there’s a solution. If you’re after a civil wedding, countries like Georgia allow you to marry legally, with your union being recognized back in Israel.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through Israel’s marriage laws and your options for a civil wedding.
Civil Marriage in Israel
Israel does not allow civil weddings, meaning that all marriages must be performed according to the religious laws of the individuals involved.
The state has chosen to leave marriage regulation entirely to religious authorities, which can complicate the process for those who prefer a secular wedding.
In Israel, marriage ceremonies are overseen by religious courts—Jewish, Muslim, Christian, or Druze—based on the couple’s faith. This means that marriages outside these groups or interfaith unions may face difficulties, as the religious courts only recognize unions within their respective communities.
As a result, those wishing to have a civil wedding must marry abroad for it to be recognized by the Israeli state.
What Documents Do I Need to Marry in Israel?
While Israel doesn’t allow a civil wedding, these are the required documents for a wedding performed under religious law:
- Declaration of Marital Status: Shows you’re not currently married. This may require additional documents like divorce or death certificates if applicable.
- Proof of Religion: A certificate of religion from your religious authority is needed, whether you’re Jewish, Muslim, or Christian.
Marriage Options For Non-Religious Couples
For couples in Israel who prefer a civil wedding but aren’t religious, there’s a bit of a challenge. Since Israel doesn’t allow civil weddings, non-religious couples must head abroad to countries like Cyprus, Abu Dhabi or Georgia, where civil marriage is legally accepted.
This provides a straightforward solution for those who wish to marry without involving religious authorities.
In Israel, marriage laws are strictly based on religious principles. Each religious group—Jewish, Muslim, Christian, or Druze—has its own court system to manage marriages.
This means that for non-religious couples, there’s no option for a civil marriage in the country. The only way around this is to marry in a country where civil weddings are legal and recognized.
Interfaith couples face even more restrictions. For instance, if a Jewish person wants to marry a non-Jew, this type of marriage isn’t legally allowed in Israel. Interfaith couples often opt for a civil marriage abroad, as it’s the easiest and most recognized solution.
Without this, they would need to navigate a complicated system that doesn’t allow for civil weddings within Israel.
Marriage Laws In Israel
- No Civil Wedding in Israel: Civil weddings are banned in Israel. All marriages must be arranged through religious courts.
- Same-Sex Marriages Not Allowed: Same-sex marriages aren’t acknowledged in Israel, so couples must marry overseas.
- Documents Needed for Marriage: Israeli citizens are required to submit passports, and if applicable, divorce or death certificates.
- Interfaith Marriage Restrictions: Interfaith marriages aren’t recognized, and couples must marry abroad to be legally recognized.
Marriage Procedures
As Israel does not offer a civil marriage option, this religious process is required for all couples marrying in the country.
- File Your Application: Begin by submitting your marriage application at the appropriate religious court based on your religious affiliation.
- Document Submission: You will need to provide documents such as passports, along with proof of marital status (e.g., divorce or death certificates).
- Court Review: The religious court will review your application and approve it after confirming all documents are in order.
- Marriage Ceremony: Once approved, a religious official will perform the ceremony in accordance with your faith’s practices.
Civil Marriage Option in Israel for 2024
In 2024, if you’re struggling with marriage restrictions in Israel due to political issues, you’re not alone. Since Israel doesn’t allow civil marriage, many citizens are heading to countries like Georgia and Abu Dhabi for civil marriage.
Not only does Georgia and Abu Dhabi allow civil weddings for people worldwide, but Israel also recognizes them. So, if you’re looking for a hassle-free way to get married, these countries offers a fantastic solution for Israelis.
Say Yes to a Civil Wedding!
Thinking about tying the knot without the red tape? Georgia and Abu Dhabi are the place for a smooth civil wedding.
Connect with Easy Wedding now, and let’s make your dream wedding a reality with the best packages of all times. Check out our all-in-one packages today and get started!
FAQs
Do Israelis marry non-Israelis?
Israelis can marry non-Israelis under religious authorities, but civil weddings are needed for interfaith couples or non-religious marriages, performed abroad.
Is civil marriage allowed in Israel?
Israel doesn’t permit civil marriages; all weddings must be performed under religious courts. However, civil weddings held abroad are recognized by Israeli law.
Can tourists get married in Israel?
Tourists can marry in Israel, but only through religious authorities recognized by the state, as civil weddings are not an option.
Can Muslims marry in Israel?
Muslims can marry in Israel according to Sharia law, but civil weddings, including interfaith marriages, require marrying abroad.
