What to expect after nikkah?

The nikkah itself is the Islamic marriage contract. Once it is signed, you are married in the eyes of your faith and community. Many couples then host a walima, a celebratory feast given by the groom's family. This is a Sunnah and a chance to welcome everyone.

In the UK, a nikah on its own is only legally binding if it happens in a building registered for marriages with an authorised person present. Many couples choose to do a short civil ceremony at a register office or approved venue too. This guarantees the marriage is recognised by the state. Some couples do the civil part first, then the religious ceremony. Others do the religious part first and the civil part later. Both orders work.

After the ceremony, you will want to update your records. Your marriage certificate is the usual proof for passports, banks and employers. You do not have to change your name if you do not want to. You may also want to mark your anniversary and send thank you cards to guests.