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.

A woman dressed in traditional Indian bridal attire holding a lit string of lights, with a warm and glowing background.

Two men in tuxedos with boutonnières, holding glasses of whiskey, standing outdoors on a balcony with trees and autumn foliage in the background, smiling and posing for a photo.

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.

Two gold wedding bands placed on a book page open to the definition of 'marriage'.

Close-up of hands with traditional henna designs, adorned with jewelry including bangles, a large ring with pearls, and a ring spelling 'Love,' wearing a peach-colored saree with gold embroidery.

Elegant stage decorated with a floral backdrop featuring pink and white flowers, gold and white antique-style sofa with red pillows, mirrored frames on either side, and a small round table with a floral arrangement in front of the sofa.

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.