Why Choose Abu Dhabi for Your Wedding
Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates and an exceptional destination for a luxury wedding. The city blends culture, world-class hospitality and some of the most impressive wedding venues in the Middle East. With pristine beaches, modern architecture and year-round sunshine, Abu Dhabi offers a refined alternative to Dubai, with a slower pace of life, more space and often more competitive pricing.
At Beyond Weddings, we have personally visited every venue featured in this guide, either in 2019 or during our most recent research trip in 2025. We have walked through every ballroom, explored every beachfront and met the teams behind each property. This guide reflects what we’ve experienced first-hand – not just what you’ll find in brochures.
When to Get Married in Abu Dhabi
The best season for weddings in Abu Dhabi is October to April, when temperatures sit comfortably for outdoor ceremonies and late-afternoon receptions.
- Mid-January often falls into a favourable “shoulder period”, offering more flexible pricing with excellent weather.
- May to September is extremely hot. While indoor weddings are possible, we would advise couples to avoid these months if they want outdoor elements.
If your celebration includes lawns, beaches or terraces, secure your date early – availability is tight throughout peak season.
Planning a Wedding in Abu Dhabi: Practical Considerations
Here’s what we learned from our on-the-ground visits:
- Outdoor music usually has to finish by 11pm.
- Across the UAE, alcohol is expensive when compared with the UK and the US, though many venues allow corkage.
- Lead times can be short, many weddings book within three months.
- Most couples work with planners because local licences are required for all suppliers.
- Abu Dhabi offers one of the most accessible civil-marriage frameworks in the UAE for non-Muslim residents and tourists.
Legal Considerations
Abu Dhabi recognises several civil and religious marriage pathways. Non-Muslim couples often find it one of the more straightforward emirates for legal weddings, but documentation requirements vary by nationality and religion. Many couples still opt to complete the legal marriage at home and host a symbolic ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
Cultural Considerations
Abu Dhabi is conservative compared with many global destinations. Key expectations include:
- Modest dress at cultural sites
- Respect for local customs
- Restrictions on public displays of affection
- Regulations around sound, photography, and drones
Wedding planners and venues will guide you through any restrictions.
Find out more about the wedding traditions and cultures in Abu Dhabi here.
Below is our first-hand selection of the best luxury wedding venues in Abu Dhabi.
The Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental
Opened in 2005, Emirates Palace remains the most iconic wedding venue in Abu Dhabi. Having visited this property multiple times, we can confidently say nothing matches its scale or sense of occasion. The hotel is known for its gold interiors, palatial architecture and grand ballrooms, and it continues to attract couples from across the world.
It cost almost 3 billion dollars to complete and features gold-leaf detailing, extensive marble interiors, two spas, a shopping arcade, multiple restaurants and a collection of impressive reception halls.
The main ballroom can host up to 2,500 guests for a reception or 1,500 for a formal seated dinner. It’s particularly popular for Indian weddings. It also has a stunning reception area for cocktails. For outdoor celebrations, the expansive terraces and beachfront spaces provide spectacular settings during the cooler months.
Whether you want a formal, multi-day celebration or a relaxed outdoor event, Emirates Palace offers unmatched luxury and logistical capability.
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
We spent significant time at this property during our research trips, and its versatility stands out. The resort overlooks both the Grand Mosque and the Grand Canal, creating one of the most picturesque backdrops in Abu Dhabi. The ballroom and function rooms are very popular, and the private lift linking the ballroom to the honeymoon suite is a detail that many couples appreciate.
The lawns in front of the hotel overlook the Great Mosque and can accommodate up to 500 guests. Landscaped poolside spaces allow weddings of up to 1,000. For smaller events, the Rose Garden offers a sheltered space surrounded by manicured hedges. A classic beach setup on the white sands beside the Grand Canal is another strong option.
Adjacent to the hotel, Venetian Village brings together several restaurants, open-air courtyards and a piazza-style square. The space can be reserved for private events, including full buyouts for larger wedding celebrations.
Whether you choose a city-view ceremony or a beachside event, the Ritz-Carlton remains one of Abu Dhabi’s most recognisable luxury wedding venues.
Erth Abu Dhabi
We visited Erth in 2025, and it firmly deserves its place near the top of your shortlist. Formerly the Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Erth has undergone significant transformation and now blends Emirati heritage with contemporary design.
The ballroom is vast, elegant and technically advanced, making it ideal for large weddings. Outdoor spaces offer flexibility for ceremonies and receptions during the cooler months. The venue sits close to major landmarks yet remains peaceful within its landscaped grounds.
Erth is a strong choice for couples looking for authenticity, scale and modern design without sacrificing quality.
Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
We were impressed by how well-suited Saadiyat Rotana is for destination weddings. Positioned on one of the best beaches in Abu Dhabi, the resort combines natural beauty with contemporary luxury.
The dedicated ballroom has a grand private entrance and accommodates up to 350 guests. Outdoor locations include beachfront areas, landscaped lawns and a poolside terrace. Lawn events must end before 11pm, but ballroom events can continue all night.
Saadiyat Rotana remains excellent value compared to nearby properties, making it a strong option for couples seeking premium quality without premium pricing. It continues to grow in popularity, and it’s easy to see why.
Saadiyat Beach Club
Saadiyat Beach Club is one of the most popular beachfront wedding venues in Abu Dhabi. As a members-only club, it focuses on relaxation, music and a stylish poolside atmosphere, all set against a long stretch of white sand and turquoise water.
The protected dunes and long wooden boardwalk create an unforgettable ceremony entrance. Ocean views, sunset light and a relaxed atmosphere give this venue wide appeal. The nearby turtle hatching area also offers a rare and memorable moment for guests, especially if they happen to see the hatchlings make their way to the sea.
There is a small bar at the far end of the boardwalk where guests can grab an ice cold beer before heading along a carpeted stretch of beach to the ceremony. After the “I do’s” and as the sun sets over the ocean, the bride and groom lead guests along the boardwalk to an outside reception area for cocktails followed by a wedding feast in their relaxed restaurant to the sound of a live band.
If you don’t want sand between your toes for the ceremony, or for dinner under the stars, there is a large lawn area as an alternative space to use. Although the club does not offer accommodation, it is only a few minutes’ walk from Jumeirah Saadiyat Beach Hotel.
The Rosewood Abu Dhabi
For a city-centre wedding, we loved Rosewood Abu Dhabi. It offers stylish, modern spaces with views over the harbour. The ballroom’s glass wall and chandeliers are very impressive. The rooftop terrace is ideal for smaller, informal weddings and pre-wedding events.
Rosewood is linked to the Four Seasons by an underground designer shopping mall which also offers multiple restaurants and bars. It works particularly well for couples hosting a weekend wedding with guests staying in the city.
Zaya Nurai Island
Zaya Nurai remains one of the most unique wedding venues in Abu Dhabi. A resort enjoyed by celebrities and those seeking privacy, many guests arrive by helicopter to one of the island’s three helipads. Alternatively, this private island is accessible via a 15 minute boat transfer from Saadiyat Island.
The island is popular for intimate villa weddings.
Pineapple restaurant on the far end of Nurai Island. The beach setting has a chilled vibe with swings instead of bar stools, swings in the sea, scatterings of bean bags, hammocks and tipis, and beach activities for your guests.
A more conventional option is the Ginger Mermaid located close to the arrival dock where you can have a ceremony and reception on the beach, by the pool or in the restaurant.
The most exclusive location is the main Beach Estate. This large villa offers complete privacy with a sandy cove and grassy lawns. Ceremonies take place on the manicured lawn, followed by cocktails and dinner for up to 300 guests. The villa accommodates 10 overnight guests and includes separate staff facilities.
Four Seasons Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island
The Four Seasons is another a strong choice for couples seeking a city centre wedding venue in a contemporary setting. With two ballrooms and excellent restaurants, the property creates a seamless weekend experience. However for us this venue stood out for more intimate weddings where the couple are keen to spend the weekend with their guests. Guests can dine at the Italian restaurant or enjoy a pre-wedding celebration in the prohibition-style steakhouse. The outdoor terrace beside the water is perfect for receptions during the cooler months.
Abrahamic Family House (Must-Visit Landmark)
While weddings are not permitted here (currently), the Abrahamic Family House is an essential cultural stop during any wedding trip to Abu Dhabi. This landmark brings together a mosque, a church and a synagogue within one architectural complex. It symbolises unity and interfaith understanding, and it provides a powerful experience for visiting couples and families.
We recommend incorporating it into your itinerary while in the region.
Take a look at our Venues in Abu Dhabi page for more information on these and other venues.
Guest Travel and Accommodation
Abu Dhabi International Airport offers strong global connectivity, making it straightforward for international guests to attend.
Considerations:
- Room blocks at one or two main hotels
- Shuttles for off-site events
- Guidance on dress codes and expected temperatures
- Earlier booking for peak-season travel
Visa rules vary by nationality, but many travellers from Europe, the UK and the US receive visa-on-arrival.
FAQs
Is Abu Dhabi suitable for multi-day weddings?
Yes. Most luxury venues are designed for multi-event itineraries.
Do we need a planner?
Highly recommended. Supplier licensing and logistical requirements are specific to the UAE.
Can we legally marry in Abu Dhabi as non-residents?
In many cases yes, although requirements vary. Some couples choose a symbolic ceremony only.
Can weddings take place outdoors?
Yes, however it is not advised to have an outdoor wedding from May to September.
Are drones allowed?
Drone use is regulated and requires permissions. Check early.
Is alcohol permitted?
Yes, at licensed venues and in accordance with local rules.
When should we book our venue?
Ideally 12–18 months before a peak-season date.
Is Abu Dhabi suitable for large weddings?
Very. Venues like Emirates Palace and the Ritz-Carlton specialise in large capacities.
About the author: Alison is an expert in UK and destination weddings, with over 30 years experience in the industry. She has personally visited and experienced each of the venues shown on this page.