Can a nikah be done without a wali?

The role of the wali, usually the bride's father or another male guardian, is important in Islamic marriage. Different schools of thought have different rules. The Hanafi school, followed by many South Asian Muslims, allows an adult woman to conduct her own nikah without a wali, as long as the groom is suitable. The Shafi'i, Maliki and Hanbali schools require a wali for the marriage to be valid. In the UK, many mosques and imams follow the stricter view and will not conduct a nikah without a wali. If a wali is not available, some scholars allow a judge or an imam to act as a substitute. This is a sensitive issue, and it is best to discuss it openly with the imam who will conduct the ceremony. They can advise on what is acceptable in your community. Remember that the civil legal requirements are separate. In England and Wales, you do not need a wali for a civil marriage. So even if a wali is not present, you can still have a legal marriage.