Marriage
Nikah/Marriage Services
1.
Submit Your Request
Instructions: Fill out the marriage application below. Include both parties’ full names, contact information, preferred date, and location.
Timeline: We’ll reply within 1–2 business days.
2.
Pre-Nikah Counseling
Instructions: Our imam meets with both parties (together or separately) to discuss Islamic marriage, expectations, and any questions.
Requirement: This session is required before we confirm the ceremony date.
3.
Obtain Your Marriage License
Instructions: You must obtain a civil marriage license from the county clerk’s office before the ceremony. Licenses are valid for 60 days. Below are links for the counties we serve most often:
- Philadelphia County: Apply for license
- Montgomery County: Apply for license
- Bucks County: Apply for license
4.
The Ceremony
Instructions: Our imam conducts the nikah ceremony with the witnesses, wali, and families present. The ceremony includes the ijab and qabul, mahr agreement, and du’a.
Duration: Typically 20–40 minutes.
5.
Sign the License
Instructions: Immediately following the ceremony, the imam, both parties, and two witnesses sign the civil marriage license.
Crucial Note: Please bring the license — we cannot sign it afterward.
6.
Return the License
Instructions: Return the signed license to the county clerk’s office within 60 days of the ceremony. They will record it and mail your certified copy.
Outcome: This completes the civil process.
Nikah Services & Policies
Thank you for considering MSDV to officiate your Nikah. To ensure a smooth process, please review our official guidelines and fee structures below.
1. Fees & Honorarium
The administrative and officiating fee for the Nikah ceremony varies based on the location:
- In-House Ceremony: $300 (Held at MYCP or ICCWG)
Off-Site Ceremony: $500 (Held at a venue outside of MYCP or ICCWG)
2. Payment Information
All fees must be processed securely online prior to the ceremony. Please use the following link to complete your payment:
MSDV Nikah & Hall Rental Payment Form
3. Travel & Geographic Limitations
MSDV representatives are available to travel for off-site ceremonies within the greater Philadelphia area only. Off-site locations must be within a 40-mile radius of either MYCP or ICCWG.
4. Special Circumstances & Consultations
In accordance with Islamic jurisprudence, certain marital circumstances require careful scholarly review.
- Interfaith Marriages: We generally do not perform Nikah ceremonies between a Muslim woman and a non-Muslim man.
- Parental Consent: We generally do not perform ceremonies where a couple wishes to marry without the consent of living parents.
Please Note: These guidelines are in place to uphold religious standards, but we understand that every situation is unique. We welcome couples to schedule a private consultation with our leadership to discuss their specific circumstances. Exceptional cases will be reviewed and addressed on a case-by-case basis.