Recent news has brought attention to the difference between symbolic ceremonies in the UAE and marriages that are officially registered. Using Katie Price’s recent ceremony as an example, this Insight explains how a marriage performed in Dubai or Abu Dhabi can be recognized as legally valid in England and Wales, and why an initial “non-civil” ceremony does not create marital status under English family law.
In The Sun it is reported:
“The 47-year-old officially said ‘I do’ again inside Abu Dhabi’s judicial department… They signed on the dotted line to formally register their marriage on February 17.”
Why the first ceremony likely had no legal effect
In the UAE, ceremonies held in hotels, religious sites, or other venues have no civil standing unless the marriage is registered with the appropriate system recognized by the state. If the local laws aren’t followed—such as skipping civil registration—then, according to English matrimonial law, there isn’t usually a marriage to recognize.
Recognition in England and Wales: the core principles
English matrimonial law looks at two main things to validate a foreign marriage:
- Formal validity: The marriage must meet the legal requirements where it was celebrated (like registering with Abu Dhabi Judicial Department or Dubai Courts).
- Essential validity (capacity): Each person’s ability to marry (age, consent, monogamy, prohibited relationships) is determined by their home country’s law at the time of marriage.
Recognition can also be blocked by public policy (for example, polygamy or lack of free consent). As long as a marriage is valid where it took place and both parties had capacity under their domiciles, it will generally be recognized in England and Wales, unless it conflicts with English public policy.
UAE civil marriage: why the second ceremony matters
Abu Dhabi and Dubai now offer civil marriage options through their judicial departments, which issue state marriage certificates. Having a certificate shows the marriage meets UAE requirements. If both parties also have capacity under their domicile laws, this civil marriage is usually recognized in England and Wales.
Consequences for family finance on relationship breakdown
Without a valid marriage (like just a symbolic ceremony), parties cannot use the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 to seek financial remedies. Claims would be limited to non-marital routes (e.g., TOLATA claims, Schedule 1 Children Act 1989).
With a recognized marriage (a civil ceremony registered with Abu Dhabi Judicial Department):
- Divorce jurisdiction is available in England and Wales if statutory conditions are met (such as habitual residence or domicile).
- An English divorce allows access to the full range of financial remedies under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973.
- If a divorce happens abroad, Part III of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 could offer financial relief in England and Wales, subject to strict requirements.
