Getting married at IAGD
Marriage in Islam is a contract — and one that is intended to last a lifetime, so it is worth preparing for properly. There are three steps between engagement and the nikkah ceremony.
Book a pre-marital counseling session
Once engaged, the couple should make an appointment for pre-marital counseling. The session answers questions for the bride and groom, discusses their rights and responsibilities in marriage, and helps ensure they are entering into marriage conscientiously and with open hearts.
Request an appointmentConfirm the imam is available
When setting the wedding date, the couple (or their families) should check that the imam is available to perform the nikkah ceremony on the proposed date, and request that he add the wedding to his calendar. Do this before booking a venue.
Imam’s office hoursContact the officeComplete the IAGD nikkah form
Fill in the nikkah form and return it to the office ahead of the ceremony. Details of the mahr (dowry) and any other terms included in the nikkah contract should be worked out and understood by both parties prior to the wedding day.
⇩ Download the nikkah form (PDF)Pay the booking feeBefore the ceremony
- Two adult Muslim witnesses for the nikkah
- Photo ID for the bride and the groom
- The mahr (dowry) agreed and understood by both parties
- A State of Michigan marriage license from your county clerk, if the marriage is to be legally registered
- The completed IAGD nikkah form, returned to the office
Common questions
Is there a fee for the nikkah?
Yes. The nikkah booking fee is $300 for IAGD members and $600 for non-members. It can be paid online on the Nikkah / Banquet Hall Payment page. Please contact IAGD Administration once your payment has been submitted.
Do we have to be IAGD members?
No — membership is not required. Members pay a reduced nikkah booking fee ($300 rather than $600). If you would like to become a member, see Member sign-up.
How do we pay?
Payment is made online on the Nikkah / Banquet Hall Payment page — choose the member or non-member nikkah booking fee. Please contact IAGD Administration once payment has been submitted so your booking can be confirmed.
Why we ask couples to prepare
Marriage is a life-changing event. While guests may focus on the wedding-day parties, the man and woman about to be married need to prepare for a life together. That is what the counseling session is for — and why the terms of the nikkah contract are settled well before the wedding day.