Marriage


The Islamic Society of Tampa Bay Area offers marriage and pre-marriage counseling services. If you would like to have your marriage contract (nikah) officiated by ISTABA, please follow the procedures described in this page.

Procedures for getting married at ISTABA

1. Enroll and finish this free online course : New Muslim Course – Level 1

2. Enroll and finish this free online course : Getting Ready for Married Life

3. You will be getting course completion certificates at the end of above courses. Make sure to save/ print those certificates to show as a proof you completed them.

4. Read "The conditions of an Islamic Marriage" (see below).

5. Call ISTABA to discuss the date and location of marriage and to set up a pre-marriage counseling appointment (if needed).

6. Obtain a marriage license from your local county courthouse and bring it to your marriage appointment. Your marriage license will be signed by the Imam at the same time as your Islamic marriage contract.

7. Complete the Bride and Groom Information Forms (below) and submit them to the main office one week prior to your scheduled marriage date. The forms and the proper ID can be submitted in person or can be email them to ISTABA Main office at mainoffice@istaba.org.

The information provided on the forms will be what will appear on the Islamic marriage contract. You can download and print them below or pick them up at ISTABA’s administration office.

Adobe Reader Required Bride Information Form (PDF)

Adobe Reader Required Groom Information Form (PDF)

The Conditions of an Islamic Marriage

The minimum requirements for a marriage to be valid under the Islamic Shariah are:

  • Mutual agreement and consent of the groom and the bride
  • Dowry (Mahr) paid by the groom to the bride
  • Two Muslim adult male witnesses of sound mind
  • The consent of the bride's guardian (Wali) and his presence, or that of his representative (Wakeel)

Marriage License Resources

Hillsborough Co. Clerk of the Circuit Court Marriage License Dept.
Pinellas Co. Clerk of the Circuit Court Marriage License Dept.
Polk Co. Clerk of the Circuit Court Marriage License Dept.
Pasco Co. Clerk of the Circuit Court Marriage License Dept.
Sarasota Co. Clerk of the Circuit Court Marriage License Dept.
Manatee Co. Clerk of the Circuit Court Marriage License Dept.