Getting Married in Palm Jumeirah

The Gulf position makes the Palm slightly more humid than Downtown in winter, but conditions are excellent from November to March. Beach ceremonies are practical from October through April. Summer is hot and humid, so outdoor events are impractical, though hotels have air-conditioned alternatives.

Recommended wedding months

November, December, January, February

Peak season is December, January, and the shoulder months are October, March.

Beach ceremony and reception. The private hotel beaches are the defining setting. Chairs, an arch and tables go on the sand with the Gulf behind. Ceremonies on the sand suit the stretch from mid-October to the end of March.

Rooftop and sky pool terrace. The newest crescent tower has elevated pools and terraces, the highest venues on the Palm, with the city behind and the Gulf below.

Grand hotel ballroom. The large resorts have ballrooms for mid-size to large guest lists, with in-house catering teams used to big international groups.

Private villa and garden. A private villa needs all catering and service brought in, so planning is more complex than a hotel-managed event. It suits couples wanting a home-style setting.

The Palm is a taxi ride from Dubai International Airport, with the time depending on traffic. Direct flights from the major UK airports give groups easy access.

Dubai International Airport (DXB). Direct services run from London and several regional UK airports, which makes it simple to coordinate guests from different cities.

Palm Monorail. A driverless monorail links the gateway station at the base of the trunk with the large resort on the crescent. The gateway station connects to the tram and the Metro.

Palm hotels are almost all five-star. Most guests stay in the venue hotel or a neighbouring Palm property, with overflow in the adjacent Marina.

The two large crescent resorts. Together they work as one self-contained resort, with several pools, many restaurants, a waterpark and private beach access. A large group can be housed entirely here.

The eastern crescent hotel. A small, private hotel with suites and villas, a private beach and a manor house for private dining.

Trunk hotels. Two options take overflow when the crescent is committed to the wedding party. One is more traditional, the other busier and popular with younger guests.

Hotel dining on the Palm is among the most varied in Dubai, with Japanese, Italian, Mediterranean and Arabic restaurants. Licensed hotel restaurants serve alcohol.

Underwater dining. A restaurant built into an aquarium lagoon has glass walls looking onto sharks, rays and shoals of fish. It makes a memorable pre-wedding evening.

Produce-led beach terrace dining. The signature restaurant of the eastern crescent hotel is smaller and more intimate, suiting rehearsal dinners and family lunches. It is closed to outside bookings during a full buy-out.

Food standards and dietary. Halal food is the standard, and pork is served only in licensed hotel restaurants. Vegetarian, vegan and allergen-specific menus are handled routinely.

Alcohol at licensed venues. Every major Palm hotel is licensed, so open bars and cocktail receptions are standard. Alcohol cannot be drunk in public spaces outside the licensed venue.

Dress code. Beach and resort wear is normal on hotel beaches and at pools, and formal wear for the wedding. Modest dress is expected in public spaces outside the hotel grounds.

Legal ceremonies. Non-Muslim foreign nationals can marry legally in the UAE at licensed civil ceremony venues. Most couples complete the legal marriage at home and use the Palm ceremony as the celebration.

Ramadan. Hotels keep full food and alcohol service in enclosed areas throughout Ramadan. Timings should avoid the sunset prayer, and dates shift each year.

The legal requirements for marrying here, and who needs a visa, are being checked and are not published yet. Confirm both with the official authority that will marry you before you book.