frequently asked questions

• A copy of both spouse’s birth certificates (english)
• Valid passport copy (minimum 6 months validity ) 
• Divorce certificate translated into English (if either party is divorced) – apostilled copy
• Document proving name change translated into English (if applicable) – apostilled copy 
• If widowed or divorced certified translation of the divorce or death certificate of the former partner – apostilled copy
• Completion of the form provided by us

In the case of an official ceremony, please send the documents to info@codeofjoy.com no later than 1 months before the wedding date. For documents sent within 20 days, t urgent fee of €150 is applicable. The original documents and apostilled copies must be brought by the couple on their trip, as the apostilled copies need to be handed over at the latest upon arrival or sent via DHL to our office in the Seychelles. Without these, we will not be able to hold the wedding.

Yes, marriages conducted in the Seychelles are legally recognized in your home country. Simply apply to your local registry office for a marriage certificate, and if desired, you can also request a name change.

The marriage certificate will be delivered personally to the couple’s accommodation within 3-4 working days following the wedding. If the couple is not staying on the island for that long, we can send it anywhere in the world for an additional fee of €60.

Following the marriage ceremony, you will be issued a marriage certificate, an apostille (which serves as authentication of your Seychelles marriage certificate by local judicial authorities) to accompany the marriage certificate, and a certificate of authenticity if required.

No visa is required, and visitors can stay on the islands for a maximum of 3 months upon arrival. Travelers must present proof of accommodation and a return flight ticket at the border. However, all incoming tourists must register with the e-border application.

The couple has the option to reschedule the wedding to another day at no extra charge. Most of the time, there are only quick 10-minute showers, after which everything dries quickly, and the sun shines again.

Of course, anyone can join the ceremony you wish. If they let us know in advance, we can provide extra chairs, cake, champagne at the event venue for a nominal fee.

It is best if it is transported as hand luggage, in a suitable protective cover.

In the case of a formal wedding, two people over the age of 18 are required as witnesses. If you are not arriving with a group of friends or family, the Code of Joy team will take care of this.

The master of ceremonies(symbolic) or a registrar office (official), the company’s assistant, photographer, videographer and the decor team in the background.

We don’t usually hold weddings on the beach at a hotel, so to make the environment as intimate as possible, we offer our guests several options. The beaches of the islands are public venues, so by choosing the time of the ceremony and organizing weddings in more intimate, secluded bays, we try to minimize the presence of locals or tourists.

Wedding ceremonies are held in English, other language options are available for request.

Our classic beach weddings (if cake and champagne are included in the package) last approx. 30 minutes, of which the official ceremony takes 15 minutes. Our packages with photography take a maximum of 1 – 1.5 hours.

The Code of Joy team prefers the morning or evening hours on weekdays, as this is the most likely time to avoid another wedding or locals disturbing the intimate moments.

No visa is required, and visitors can stay on the islands for a maximum of 3 months upon arrival. Travelers must present proof of accommodation and a return flight ticket at the border. However, all incoming tourists must register with the e-border application.

The couple has the option to reschedule the wedding to another day at no extra charge. Most of the time, there are only quick 10-minute showers, after which everything dries quickly, and the sun shines again.

Of course, anyone can join the ceremony you wish. If they let us know in advance, we can provide extra chairs, cake, champagne at the event venue for a nominal fee.

It is best if it is transported as hand luggage, in a suitable protective cover.

In the case of a formal wedding, two people over the age of 18 are required as witnesses. If you are not arriving with a group of friends or family, the Code of Joy team will take care of this.

The master of ceremonies(symbolic) or a registrar office (official), the company’s assistant, photographer, videographer and the decor team in the background.

We don’t usually hold weddings on the beach at a hotel, so to make the environment as intimate as possible, we offer our guests several options. The beaches of the islands are public venues, so by choosing the time of the ceremony and organizing weddings in more intimate, secluded bays, we try to minimize the presence of locals or tourists.

Wedding ceremonies are held in English, other language options are available for request.

Our classic beach weddings (if cake and champagne are included in the package) last approx. 30 minutes, of which the official ceremony takes 15 minutes. Our packages with photography take a maximum of 1 – 1.5 hours.

The Code of Joy team prefers the morning or evening hours on weekdays, as this is the most likely time to avoid another wedding or locals disturbing the intimate moments.

No visa is required, and visitors can stay on the islands for a maximum of 3 months upon arrival. Travelers must present proof of accommodation and a return flight ticket at the border. However, all incoming tourists must register with the e-border application.

The couple has the option to reschedule the wedding to another day at no extra charge. Most of the time, there are only quick 10-minute showers, after which everything dries quickly, and the sun shines again.

Of course, anyone can join the ceremony you wish. If they let us know in advance, we can provide extra chairs, cake, champagne at the event venue for a nominal fee.

It is best if it is transported as hand luggage, in a suitable protective cover.

In the case of a formal wedding, two people over the age of 18 are required as witnesses. If you are not arriving with a group of friends or family, the Code of Joy team will take care of this.

The master of ceremonies(symbolic) or a registrar office (official), the company’s assistant, photographer, videographer and the decor team in the background.

We don’t usually hold weddings on the beach at a hotel, so to make the environment as intimate as possible, we offer our guests several options. The beaches of the islands are public venues, so by choosing the time of the ceremony and organizing weddings in more intimate, secluded bays, we try to minimize the presence of locals or tourists.

Wedding ceremonies are held in English, other language options are available for request.

Our classic beach weddings (if cake and champagne are included in the package) last approx. 30 minutes, of which the official ceremony takes 15 minutes. Our packages with photography take a maximum of 1 – 1.5 hours.

The Code of Joy team prefers the morning or evening hours on weekdays, as this is the most likely time to avoid another wedding or locals disturbing the intimate moments.

Please note that civil or legal weddings for non-residents and tourists are not typically performed in Dubai unless the couple is residing in the UAE and meets certain legal and religious criteria. For tourists, only symbolic wedding ceremonies are offered. These beautiful celebrations are meaningful and personalized but do not carry legal recognition.

A symbolic wedding is a non-legally binding ceremony that celebrates your love and commitment. It can be tailored entirely to your style and beliefs, with no legal paperwork required. Symbolic ceremonies are ideal for couples who:

– Have already completed the legal formalities in their home country

– Wish to celebrate their union in an unforgettable location like Dubai

– Prefer a romantic experience without legal restrictions

Since symbolic ceremonies are not legally binding, no official documents are needed. You will only need to share your preferences and any personal details you’d like included in the ceremony with our planning team.

While same-sex marriages are not legally recognized in the UAE, we can offer symbolic commitment ceremonies in private settings to ensure discretion, respect, and an inclusive experience. Please reach out to us for personalized advice.

Absolutely! Your loved ones are more than welcome. We can accommodate guests with extra seating, drinks, cake, or even arrange a private venue depending on your group size and wishes.

Dubai’s weather is typically sunny, but it can be hot, especially in summer. We advise planning morning or sunset ceremonies for comfort and ambience. Indoor or shaded options are always available as a backup. We’ll advise the best plan based on your chosen date.

For symbolic weddings, the team typically includes:

• A master of ceremonies or celebrant
• Code of Joy’s assistant coordinator
• Photographer and videographer
• Decor and setup crew working discreetly in the background

Most symbolic ceremonies last around 20–30 minutes, depending on personal elements you may wish to include (like vows or readings). If cake, photos, or extra elements are added, the full experience can take 1 to 1.5 hours.

Yes! We recommend transporting wedding attire as hand luggage. If needed, we can also assist you in renting elegant wedding garments locally or sourcing a stylist.

We place a high emphasis on privacy. Dubai offers luxurious beach clubs, desert resorts, rooftop terraces, and gardens that allow us to organize private or semi-private symbolic ceremonies away from crowds and tourists.

Symbolic ceremonies can be performed in English or any other language or any language you prefer. Our celebrants are fluent and flexible to your needs.

We don’t usually hold weddings on the beach at a hotel, so to make the environment as intimate as possible, we offer our guests several options. The beaches of the islands are public venues, so by choosing the time of the ceremony and organizing weddings in more intimate, secluded bays, we try to minimize the presence of locals or tourists.

We recommend early morning or sunset ceremonies to avoid the midday heat and ensure the most romantic lighting for your photos.

To legally marry in Madeira, the following documents are typically required:

– A valid passport 

– An official birth certificate, legalized and translated into Portuguese  

– A Certificate of No Impediment (issued by your home country or with the assistance of your consulate, if available)  

– A prenuptial agreement certificate, if applicable  

– If either party has been previously married, a divorce decree or death certificate confirming the end of the previous marriage is required 

According to Portuguese law, anyone can get legally married in Portugal, regardless of nationality, sexual orientation, or country of residence — as long as no legal impediments exist.

Please note that these requirements are subject to change. To ensure a smooth planning process, we suggest contacting us for more infos.

In the case of an official ceremony, please send the documents to info@codeofjoy.com no later than 2 months before the wedding date. For documents sent within 1 month, the office will charge an urgent fee of €150. The original documents and apostilled copies must be brought by the couple on their trip, as the apostilled copies need to be handed over at the latest upon arrival or sent via DHL to our office in the Madeira. Without these, we will not be able to hold the wedding.

Yes, marriages conducted in the Madeira are legally recognized in your home country. Simply apply to your local registry office for a marriage certificate, and if desired, you can also request a name change.

The preparation time for marriage documents is a minimum of 2–3 weeks. For this reason, we always send the wedding certificate via DHL shipping to anywhere in the world. Please make sure to consult with our colleague regarding the details of this process.

Following the marriage ceremony, you will be issued a marriage certificate, an apostille (which serves as authentication of your Madeira marriage certificate by local judicial authorities) to accompany the marriage certificate, and a certificate of authenticity if required.

No visa is required, and visitors can stay on the islands for a maximum of 3 months upon arrival. Travelers must present proof of accommodation and a return flight ticket at the border. However, all incoming tourists must register with the e-border application.

For those planning their wedding in Madeira, it’s important to consider the unpredictable weather. Postponing the wedding to another day is possible, but there is a risk that certain service providers may not be available. Additionally, the cost of fresh flowers must be covered. There is also the option to rent an indoor venue, and umbrellas are always a good solution. 

Of course, anyone can join the ceremony you wish. If they let us know in advance, we can provide extra chairs, cake, champagne at the event venue for a nominal fee.

It is best if it is transported as hand luggage, in a suitable protective cover.

If it is just the two of us traveling with my partner, how will we get a wedding dress?

In the case of a formal wedding, two people over the age of 18 are required as witnesses. If you are not arriving with a group of friends or family, the Code of Joy team will take care of this.

The master of ceremonies(symbolic) or a registrar office (official), the company’s assistant, photographer, videographer and the decor team in the background.

It’s always important to us that we find the perfect location for each couple. Madeira offers numerous options, and we place great emphasis on organizing weddings in places where there are no crowds, ensuring an intimate and private atmosphere for the couple’s special day. The beaches and locatins of the islands are public venues, so by choosing the time of the ceremony and organizing weddings in more intimate, secluded bays, we try to minimize the presence of locals or tourists.

Official Wedding ceremonies are conducted in Portuguese. Translations in, English, or other languages can be provided upon request.

Our classic weddings (if cake and champagne are included in the package) last approx. 30 minutes, of which the official ceremony takes 15 minutes. Our basic packages with photography take a maximum of 1 – 1.5 hours.

The Code of Joy team prefers the morning or evening hours on weekdays, as this is the most likely time to avoid another wedding or locals disturbing