Muslim Marriage (Nikah) Ceremonies
At Queer Shia UK, we are honoured to offer inclusive Muslim marriage (Nikah) ceremonies grounded in Shia (Ja‘fari) Islamic tradition and guided by compassion, consent, and dignity.
Our nikah ceremonies are open to straight, queer, and trans couples, including interfaith and mixed-belief couples, with no requirement to convert to Islam. We believe everyone deserves the right to love, commitment, and faith on their own terms.
Ceremonies can be held online or in person within the UK, depending on what feels most comfortable for you.
Who can book a nikah with us?
Our Nikah services are available to:
•Adults aged 21 and over
•People of all genders and sexuality
•Interfaith couples (a Muslim marrying someone of another faith)
•Mixed-belief couples (a Muslim marrying someone of no faith)
Our Islamic approach to marriage
In Shia (Ja‘fari) Islam, marriage is based on:
• Mutual consent and free choice
• Clear offer and acceptance
• Agreed marriage terms, including mahr (dower), usually recorded in a marriage contract
Many couples choose a nikah for its spiritual, emotional, and cultural meaning, and we are honoured to support you in marking this moment in a way that reflects your values and relationship.
Who officiates the ceremony?
All Nikah ceremonies are officiated by a female imam, offering a warm, inclusive, and supportive approach. Ceremonies are offered on a limited basis each month.
Online and in-person ceremonies
We offer Nikah ceremonies:
• Online via Zoom
• Online via WhatsApp Video Call
• In person anywhere in the UK
Legal status of the marriage
Our nikah ceremonies are religious ceremonies only and are not legally binding under UK law. We strongly encourage couples to also complete a civil marriage to ensure full legal rights and protections.
Mubārat divorce agreement
As part of our commitment to equality and autonomy, all couples must agree to a Mubārat divorce before their nikah.
A Mubārat divorce allows:
• Either spouse to initiate divorce
• The divorce to be completed by mutual agreement
• No third party or authority to be involved
This ensures fairness, dignity, and protection for both partners.
Fees
Online Nikah (Zoom or WhatsApp Video Call)
£100
Full payment required in advance
In-person Nikah (UK only)
£500
➕ Travel and accommodation costs if required
A £250 deposit is required in advance to secure your booking
If cost is a barrier, please reach out—we are always happy to talk.
Cancellations and changes
To honour the time and care involved in preparing Nikah ceremonies:
• Deposits are non-refundable
• If an in-person ceremony is cancelled within 4 weeks, the full fee will be due
• If you need to reschedule, please let us know as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to accommodate a new date
How to book
1. Read through this information
2. Contact us to arrange an initial online chat
3. Complete a short booking form
4. Make the required payment or deposit
5. We’ll then work together to plan your Nikah
Divorce services
Queer Shia UK does not offer Islamic divorce services.