And among His signs is this: that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your hearts.
Quran 30:21
Islamic Marriage (Nikah) Services
Personalized Nikah Ceremonies
ICNJ provides Nikah services across the entire United States, with frequent ceremonies in New York City, New York State, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and throughout the broader Northeast. For couples outside this region, we do our best to accommodate requests based on schedule and travel.
About Our Nikah Services
The Islamic Chaplaincy of New Jersey is honored to offer Nikah services that are both deeply meaningful and personalized to reflect the values and traditions of each couple. Our head Imam is renowned for his unique officiation style, which blends Islamic teachings with a compassionate understanding of modern relationships. This approach has made him highly popular and in demand among soon-to-be Muslim couples across the region. By January 1st, 2024, the Islamic Chaplaincy has had the privilege of officiating 200 Nikahs, a testament to the trust and respect we have earned within the community.
Our Nikah ceremonies are available at any venue across the Tri-state area. The fee for having a Nikah officiated by our head Imam or any member of our clergy is $1,000, which must be paid in advance. For paid members of the Islamic Chaplaincy, there is no officiation fee, but an administration fee of $150 applies.
How to Request Your Nikah
If you would like your marriage to be officiated by our head Imam or one of our clergy staff, please fill out the request form with the following details:
Nikah Request
NOTE
Upon submission of your request, our administrator will contact you to discuss the details. Please note the following important considerations:
- A valid civil marriage license is required for us to officiate a legally recognized Nikah. Licenses are typically obtained from the municipal clerk where either spouse resides, often by appointment and usually two to four weeks in advance. Once issued, the license is presented to the officiant on the day of the ceremony, submitted afterward to the municipality, and a state marriage certificate is mailed to the couple.
- We generally do not perform Nikah ceremonies in situations where a Muslim woman wishes to marry a non-Muslim man or when a couple seeks to marry without parental consent while their parents are living. We are, however, willing to meet with the couple to discuss their circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
At the Islamic Chaplaincy, we are committed to supporting couples as they embark on their journey together, ensuring that their Nikah ceremony is a beautiful and memorable beginning to their shared life.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Nikah in Islam
What is a Nikah ceremony?
A Nikah is the Islamic marriage contract, but for us it is more than a formality. It is a moment where faith, commitment, and joy come together in front of family and loved ones. The ceremony includes the core Islamic elements—proposal and acceptance, mahr, witnesses—wrapped in a sermon that speaks to the couple’s real lives, hopes, and values.
What is Nikah vs. marriage?
“Nikah” is the Islamic religious marriage, rooted in faith and spirituality. A civil marriage is the legal contract recognized by the state. We encourage couples to complete both so that their union is honored Islamically and recognized legally.
What are the requirements for Nikah?
At minimum, a Nikah requires the clear consent of the bride and groom, two witnesses, a mahr (bridal gift), and valid identification. Depending on the situation and location, we may request additional details to ensure everything is properly documented and in line with both Islamic guidelines and local regulations.
What happens in a Nikah ceremony?
Our Nikah ceremonies are intentionally personal and uplifting. Before the day itself, we consult with the couple to understand their story, their families, and the tone they’d like. During the ceremony, there is a short, tailored sermon, the formal proposal and acceptance, and signing of the marriage documents. The sermon is designed to be spiritually grounding, emotionally moving, and accessible to both practicing and non-practicing Muslims, as well as guests from different backgrounds.
How long is the Nikah ceremony?
The ceremony itself usually takes about 20–30 minutes, depending on the setting and any additional requests. We aim for something that feels meaningful and complete, without being overly long for the couple or their guests.
What locations do you serve?
We regularly officiate Nikahs in New York City, New York State, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, and we are available throughout the Northeast. We also consider requests from anywhere in the United States, depending on schedule and travel logistics.
How much does it cost?
Our standard honorarium for a Nikah is $1,000. This includes consultation with the couple, a custom-designed sermon, and guidance on how the ceremony will be conducted—from the proposal and acceptance to how the couple and families will be involved. Additional travel or special arrangements can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
I have more questions. How can I know more?
If you have more questions or specific circumstances, you can contact us through the Nikah request form above or by email (info@islamicchaplaincy.org). We’re happy to discuss details, expectations, and how we can tailor the ceremony to your needs.
Islamic Marriage (Nikah) Services
Personalized Nikah Ceremonies
ICNJ provides Nikah services across the entire United States, with frequent ceremonies in New York City, New York State, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and throughout the broader Northeast. For couples outside this region, we do our best to accommodate requests based on schedule and travel.
About Our Nikah Services
The Islamic Chaplaincy of New Jersey is honored to offer Nikah services that are both deeply meaningful and personalized to reflect the values and traditions of each couple. Our head Imam is renowned for his unique officiation style, which blends Islamic teachings with a compassionate understanding of modern relationships. This approach has made him highly popular and in demand among soon-to-be Muslim couples across the region. By January 1st, 2024, the Islamic Chaplaincy has had the privilege of officiating 200 Nikahs, a testament to the trust and respect we have earned within the community.
Our Nikah ceremonies are available at any venue across the Tri-state area. The fee for having a Nikah officiated by our head Imam or any member of our clergy is $1,000, which must be paid in advance. For paid members of the Islamic Chaplaincy, there is no officiation fee, but an administration fee of $150 applies.
How to Request Your Nikah
If you would like your marriage to be officiated by our head Imam or one of our clergy staff, please fill out the request form with the following details:
Nikah request
NOTE
Upon submission of your request, our administrator will contact you to discuss the details. Please note the following important considerations:
A valid civil marriage license is required for us to officiate a legally recognized Nikah. Licenses are typically obtained from the municipal clerk where either spouse resides, often by appointment and usually two to four weeks in advance. Once issued, the license is presented to the officiant on the day of the ceremony, submitted afterward to the municipality, and a state marriage certificate is mailed to the couple.
We generally do not perform Nikah ceremonies in situations where a Muslim woman wishes to marry a non-Muslim man or when a couple seeks to marry without parental consent while their parents are living. We are, however, willing to meet with the couple to discuss their circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
At the Islamic Chaplaincy, we are committed to supporting couples as they embark on their journey together, ensuring that their Nikah ceremony is a beautiful and memorable beginning to their shared life.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Nikah in Islam
What is a Nikah ceremony?
A Nikah is the Islamic marriage contract, but for us it is more than a formality. It is a moment where faith, commitment, and joy come together in front of family and loved ones. The ceremony includes the core Islamic elements—proposal and acceptance, mahr, witnesses—wrapped in a sermon that speaks to the couple’s real lives, hopes, and values.
What is Nikah vs. marriage?
“Nikah” is the Islamic religious marriage, rooted in faith and spirituality. A civil marriage is the legal contract recognized by the state. We encourage couples to complete both so that their union is honored Islamically and recognized legally.
What are the requirements for Nikah?
At minimum, a Nikah requires the clear consent of the bride and groom, two witnesses, a mahr (bridal gift), and valid identification. Depending on the situation and location, we may request additional details to ensure everything is properly documented and in line with both Islamic guidelines and local regulations.
What happens in a Nikah ceremony?
Our Nikah ceremonies are intentionally personal and uplifting. Before the day itself, we consult with the couple to understand their story, their families, and the tone they’d like. During the ceremony, there is a short, tailored sermon, the formal proposal and acceptance, and signing of the marriage documents. The sermon is designed to be spiritually grounding, emotionally moving, and accessible to both practicing and non-practicing Muslims, as well as guests from different backgrounds.
How long is the Nikah ceremony?
The ceremony itself usually takes about 20–30 minutes, depending on the setting and any additional requests. We aim for something that feels meaningful and complete, without being overly long for the couple or their guests.
What locations do you serve?
We regularly officiate Nikahs in New York City, New York State, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, and we are available throughout the Northeast. We also consider requests from anywhere in the United States, depending on schedule and travel logistics.
How much does it cost?
Our standard honorarium for a Nikah is $1,000. This includes consultation with the couple, a custom-designed sermon, and guidance on how the ceremony will be conducted—from the proposal and acceptance to how the couple and families will be involved. Additional travel or special arrangements can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
I have more questions. How can I know more?
If you have more questions or specific circumstances, you can contact us through the Nikah request form above or by email (info@islamicchaplaincy.org). We’re happy to discuss details, expectations, and how we can tailor the ceremony to your needs.
