11 Things You Need to Know About a Wedding in Dubai

Considering a wedding in Dubai? There are so many reasons why Dubai is the perfect location for a dream wedding - from stunning beaches and bustling city life to breath-taking mountainscapes, and dramatic stretches of desert.

You can enjoy beautiful sunny weather all year round, best-in-class hospitality, and an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world!

Tempted? Of course you are. Read on to discover everything you need to know about a wedding in Dubai.

Everything You Need to Know About a Wedding in Dubai

We've consulted the experts and done the research—here are all your Dubai wedding FAQs answered, including:

• How much does a wedding in Dubai cost?
• Where are the best wedding venues in Dubai?
• Where are the best places for a special wedding in Dubai?
• Where are the best places for an outdoor wedding in Dubai?
• Where are the best city wedding venues in Dubai?
• Where are the best beachfront wedding venues in Dubai? 
• What should I wear to a wedding in Dubai?
• Where can I buy wedding rings in Dubai?
• Where can I buy a wedding dress in Dubai?
• Can I have alcohol at my Dubai wedding?
• Where are the best locations for wedding photography in Dubai?

1. How Much Does a Wedding in Dubai Cost? 

Dubai is home to close to 800 hotels that uphold the highest level of service and Arabian hospitality, providing the perfect event spaces and places for guests to stay while celebrating your union. Not just renowned for its lavish hotels, Dubai is also full of intimate settings that may be more affordable than you expect.

Thanks to this great variety of options, you will find competitive packages at every venue. 

For example, the starting price for Address Fountain Views, a five-star hotel featuring the city backdrop of Dubai, is AED 325 (approximately £73) per person. It’s important to note that this price includes not only food and drink but the venue rental, a three-tier wedding cake, the honeymoon suite for the couple, and more!

Dubai’s impressive venues can host celebrations of any size, making the city a compelling choice if you love cosmopolitan settings—especially if you value award-winning hospitality and need a convenient location for a global guest list. 

You’ll also find a wealth of incredible wedding planners here who have experience creating every type of celebratory event, so you're sure to find the right one to help you achieve your vision.

2. Where Are the Best Wedding Venues in Dubai?

The best wedding venues in Dubai will entirely depend on the kind of wedding you want. This is because Dubai has a myriad of options, so you can let your preferences guide you in your search. Here, we discuss the best areas to suit all styles of celebrations in Dubai, whether it’s a beachfront beauty, a desert oasis, or a chic hotel.

Dubai is more than just a coastal city. It is also loved for its ultra-modern architecture and vibrant nightlife, which can provide beautiful and unique backdrops for your milestone occasion. 

A hub for community and authenticity, Dubai will let you celebrate your special day in a meaningful way, no matter how far from home you are.

If you can hear the desert calling, Dubai is home to many beautiful desert wedding venues. Nestled within the Arabian Desert, you’ll find enchanting oases for your wedding.

If beach chic is more your thing, Palm Jumeirah or Umm Suqeim are just a couple of areas where you’ll find extraordinary wedding venues right on the water.

Not to mention the plethora of unique and special wedding venues you won’t find anywhere else in the world! Read on to discover more...

3. What Are Some of the Best Special Wedding Venues in Dubai?

Dubai is full of one-of-a-kind wedding venues. Lovers of the arts and theatre will adore Dubai Opera. Picture soaring ceilings adorned with chandeliers, elaborately designed spaces, and an atmosphere rich in art, music, and culture. 

This venue is also ideal for those who appreciate cutting-edge technology, as you’ll be treated to state-of-the-art and surround-sound equipment, allowing you to elevate the details of your wedding day.

If you're looking for a historical venue your guests will never forget, how about Queen Elizabeth 2? Yes, you can say your vows onboard one of the world’s most iconic ships from yesteryear in Dubai! It offers distinctive vintage décor, delicious catering, and a romantic setting for your celebration, especially if you’re all about old-world glamour. 

Located near some of Dubai's best theme parks is where you'll find the enchanting venue Lapita Hotel at Dubai Parks and Resort. This venue is the answer to every family's prayer when planning a child-friendly wedding. 

Not just fun for the kids, this Polynesian-style hotel provides a place where couples can relax and unwind at the spa or soak up the tropical atmosphere created by the glistening ponds and lush gardens.

The centre for polo in Dubai, Melia Desert Palm, is ideal for couples looking for a unique boutique hotel away from the busy city. Tucked away on the grounds of Dubai's Desert Palm [Desert Palm] Polo Club, you and your loved ones can indulge in the stunning infinity pool and Samāna Spa before grabbing a bite at the venue's signature steakhouse. Yum!

Fancy tying the knot as the golden sun sets over Dubai behind you? Aura Skypool can make that dream possible as a unique and innovative space. The 360° infinity pool allows you to swim along a glorious city backdrop, where you can relax on sunbeds and indulge in remarkable service. The beautiful lounge blends the elements of water and air, seamlessly bringing the outdoors inside with lush foliage. Located on Palm Jumeirah, this venue boasts sweeping views of the city’s vibrant landscape and urban skyline from high above.

Foodies looking for an intimate dining experience will love the restaurant venue The Farm at Al Barari. This enchanting location is a green haven and features a gorgeous waterside and botanical backdrop. 

While immersed in the lush flora of Al Barari, you can indulge in mouthwatering dishes from around the world made with the finest ingredients by esteemed culinary experts.

4. Where Are Some of the Best Places for a Desert Wedding in Dubai?

Dubai's deserts can bring your bohemian vision to life. Golden sand, lofty dunes, and a never-ending sky create a dreamscape for milestone occasions. The desert is the place to go if you're looking for a stunning sunset photo. 

Designed to evoke the city’s rich Bedouin heritage, Al Maha Desert Resort can host a private wedding ceremony amidst the dunes of Dubai’s majestic desert, home to gazelles and oryx.

You can head to the Al Majlis boardroom for a formal banquet to give your guests a unique taste of Dubai. Alternatively, this hotel escape features an outdoor event space so you can realise your wedding dreams all within one fabulous day and setting. 

Nara Escapes offers a full-service experience. Here, your desert wedding will be expertly planned and executed for you. The Nest and Sonara Camp blend exquisite dining with luxury desert glamping to create an extraordinary atmosphere for ultimate wedding serenity. Fire shows and live entertainment will make your special day truly unforgettable.

For a wedding immersed in antique charm, consider Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, a traditional venue with a name that means 'gateway to the sun'.

Featuring authentic Arabian cuisine and a plethora of exciting activities like camelback trekking, horse riding, and dune drives, this magical setting is practically made for adventure-seekers. 

5. What Are Some of the Best City Wedding Venues in Dubai?

At the heart of Dubai is its dynamic cityscape, which has much to offer when it comes to city wedding venues. Your guests will be swept off their feet by the panoramic views of downtown Dubai, and with so many beautiful options, you're sure to find the perfect setting for your special day.

With Dubai International Airport situated just 10 minutes away from the city centre, the festivities can begin almost as soon as you step off the plane.

You’ll be spoiled for choice if you opt for a Dubai city wedding at the Armani Hotel, located within Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. When it comes to your event space, you’ll have a hard time picking between the landscaped gardens, the pavilion, and the beautiful ballroom. The hotel’s expert planners will be on hand from the moment you arrive, to ensure your dream city wedding comes to life.

There’s also The Ritz-Carlton, one of Dubai’s most beautiful outdoor wedding venues. With sweeping views of the city skyline, it’s a lovely spot for incredible photographs. It also has a striking ballroom space for indoor weddings, which is capable of hosting up to 500 guests.

Located on Dubai Creek is the stunning Park Hyatt. Here you can choose from a selection of picture-perfect spaces to commemorate your day. Featuring gorgeous architecture and verdant gardens found amidst the lively city, this desirable hotel can hold intimate get-togethers and grand soirees.

For a glamorous city occasion, the Jumeirah Emirates Towers invites you to host the ultimate contemporary wedding within its luxurious modern interiors. Mi Amie, the hotel's bold and bright rooftop, will provide a front-row seat to the gorgeous cityscape. 

6. Where Are Some of the Best Beachfront Wedding Venues in Dubai?

Dubai has many alluring qualities. One of them is that it is a bustling, cosmopolitan city set right on the shores of a pristine beach. One popular area for beach weddings in Dubai is Palm Jumeirah. Known for its glitzy hotels and luxury beach clubs, this destination offers coastal settings unlike anywhere else in the world. 

Planning to host a grand beach wedding? Consider the exquisite Atlantis, The Palm, which can cater to parties of up to 2,000. Providing an instantly recognisable backdrop, it’s the perfect spot for couples who want to amaze their guests with opulent ballrooms and seaside scenery. 

If you and your partner like to party, you’ll be familiar with Nikki Beach. Why not wed at their Dubai location, where you can say your vows overlooking the Arabian Gulf? You can make it particularly personal with an exclusive gathering on the sandy beach at Pearl Jumeirah, with the waves lapping the shore as a background. Or maybe you’d like to go all out with an afterparty, Nikki Beach style.

The possibilities for your milestone occasion are endless when booking with Taj Exotica. Experts in Indian-style ceremonies, this luxury beach resort not only inspires unforgettable celebrations but also invites you to embark on a holistic journey of well-being. Intricately designed ballrooms with lush oceanic tones and impressive sea views will set the scene for your lavish wedding.

Your guests are sure to recognise the iconic Four Seasons on Beach Road and Waldorf Astoria on Palm Jumeirah, two hotels renowned for their luxurious standards. These sleek resorts are perfect for couples who want an elegant setting with views of the shore. There is even a choice of five-star dining options and luxury accommodations, making the hotels ideal spots for post-wedding getaways, too!

Of course, we must mention Sofitel The Palm, an oasis-style wedding venue with a private white-sand beach, fragrant gardens, and a fairytale ballroom. Ideal for grand and intimate events alike, this chic hotel provides an idyllic backdrop and a wealth of wedding planning services to take the stress out of your celebration.

W Dubai - The Palm is a delightfully bright wedding venue with luxury interiors and five-star service. The Ellipse offers the Dubai Marina skyline as your beautiful background for a bespoke occasion with 75 of your nearest and dearest. Because this spot also offers spacious event suites, up to 500 guests can join you for an extravagant soiree.

If you’re planning a medium-sized wedding, go for a wedding planner’s favourite, the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira. It is the perfect blank canvas for your celebration and has picturesque outdoor spaces ideal for a timeless wedding album. 

7. What Should I Wear to a Wedding in Dubai?

The answer to this question depends on where you are and when you plan on going! Dubai is a city that caters to a vast range of weddings and brims with a variety of settings.

Think of bohemian style for a beach wedding and opt for a sundress, maxi, or tea dress. If you're wearing a suit, opt for something light; linen is a particularly suitable material for the sunny days. Forget about ties and heels, though. While it’s good to be on the formal side (if that's your vibe), beach weddings are a classic because they don’t call for extravagance so you can be comfortable yet oh-so chic.

If it’s a wedding in the city you’re after, go glam! There’s something to suit every fashion sense in Dubai. Whether you're all about sequins, bright colours, daring patterns, or perhaps sophisticated black-tie occasions, wear whatever your heart desires.

You can't go wrong with stylish sandals for a desert wedding. When you're in the desert, comfort is key. You will want to choose loose, elegant attire that romantically flows in the breeze. But bring some warm layers for when the sun goes down, as the temperature drops significantly at night.

Hosting a ballroom wedding often means going all out, so ballgowns, dapper tuxedos, intricate lehengas, sherwani suits, and anything from bold to sleek and minimalist styles will work in your favour. Whether you're looking for a royal aesthetic or a fairytale dream, Dubai is the place for you. 

Dubai is famous for its cutting-edge fashion industry, malls, markets, boutiques, and more. So prepare to be inspired and fall in love with the breathtaking clothing and accessories you come across. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit, sunglasses, sun cream, and your favourite lightweight clothing to stay cool under the sun while you lounge by the pool or explore everything Dubai has to offer.

8. Where Can I Buy Gold Wedding Rings in Dubai?

As a global destination that is famous for its diversity of offerings, Dubai is also known as the ‘City of Gold’ and one of the many perks of getting married in Dubai is the city’s competitive gold prices, making it the perfect place to pick up your wedding rings before actually tying the knot.

Shopping for gold in Dubai ensures authenticity and price transparency, as it is one of the best places in the world to buy gold. You can check the daily market rate of gold to ensure you get the best possible deal during your stay. 

A huge benefit of shopping for wedding rings in Dubai is that you can have custom rings made to suit your exact requirements, without the surcharges that commonly accompany designer options. 

To purchase gold wedding rings head to gold destinations in Dubai like the Gold Souk, a popular attraction among residents and visitors that is home to outlets of the top gold retailers. The souk’s vibrant ambience becomes even more exciting during various retail festivals of Dubai, thanks to rewarding gold promotions featuring fabulous discounts and prizes for lucky shoppers.  

Insiders will recommend that you visit the Gold & Diamond Park, where you’ll find 90 retailers under one roof, all offering top-quality gold jewellery that can be crafted to your exact specifications, ready in a matter of days. You can also explore a variety of choices at outlets operated by gold retailers in leading malls and across the city. 

You can find more about buying gold in Dubai here.

9. Where Can I Buy a Wedding Dress in Dubai?

The illustrious city of Dubai is home to many global and regionally renowned bridal brands. 

Michael Cinco is one such bridal designer who calls Dubai home. He has been working in Dubai for the past two decades and counts celebrities such as Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue, and Ellie Goulding amongst his clientele. He provides a bespoke wedding dress service, so you can collaborate with him to create your dream dress. 

Saiid Kobeisy is another designer Dubai insiders would recommend. This brand offers striking, timeless bridal gowns for those looking to make a real impact on their wedding day.

There is also the Dubai Bridal Showroom, which has been in Dubai for more than 10 years. They stock globally renowned and competitively priced bridal brands, such as Justin Alexander, Hayley Paige, Allure, and Madison James. 

If you love shopping, you might want to visit the Dubai Design District, where you’ll find a broad collection of wedding dress designers.

10. Can We Drink Alcohol at Our Dubai Wedding?

It’s a common misconception that you’re not allowed to drink in Dubai

Since November 2020, visitors have been able to enjoy alcohol from licensed establishments and in private spaces like at home or in hotels.

You won’t have to navigate the logistics of serving alcohol at your wedding by yourself. With help from your venue and caterer, you can create a bespoke menu of delicious food and alcoholic beverages. 

The drinking age in Dubai is 21, so as long as you and all your guests are 21 or older and your chosen venue is licensed, you’ll be able to enjoy alcohol responsibly as part of your wedding celebration. 

11. Where are the Best Locations for Wedding Photography in Dubai?

If there's one thing you must do while hosting your wedding in Dubai, it’s hiring a photographer to document every timeless moment. From the azure waters by the beach to the magnificent dunes and glittering city skyline, your wedding album will be one in a million. Here are some of the best places in Dubai to have your photos snapped:

Couples looking to brighten their wedding album with a spirited city backdrop should check out The View at The Palm, where they’ll encounter stunning 360-degree views of the lively skyline. Be sure to schedule your photography session at night when this colourful setting comes to life.

Immerse yourself in the remnants of a bygone era in Al Seef, where old-world sandstone buildings become illuminated during golden hour. Rent a traditional abra and sail down Dubai Creek to capture romantic photos from the boat as you cruise down winding lanes.

Feeling inspired? We definitely are! Discover everything you could possibly need to help you plan your dream Dubai wedding right here.