Embassy of the United States Kuwait City, Kuwait

U.S. Embassy Kuwait does not conduct marriages nor register them.

Non-Muslims who would like to marry in Kuwait in a civil marriage ceremony must:

1. Please visit the ACS Notary Services page for information and requirements for notary appointments.
2. Complete the attached "Free To Marry" (PDF 68.0 KB) affidavit form.  This form must be notarized by the Consul at the American Embassy (do not sign the affidavit until you appear in front of a Consular Officer). There is a fee of KD 15 for each document notarized by the Embassy. Note:  When two American citizens wish to marry, both are required to complete separate "Free to Marry" affidavits. When the marriage is between an American citizen and a foreign national, the American citizen will fill out the "Free to Marry" affidavit at the U.S. Embassy.  The foreign national must contact his/her Embassy to seek similar assistance.
3. The Authentication Office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait must then authenticate the "Free to Marry" affidavit. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in Shuwaikh next to the Kuwait News Agency. The office is open from: 7:30 A.M. to 12 P.M., telephone: 2243-0541. 
4. Then  the "Free to Marry" affidavit must be translated into Arabic. The Embassy can provide a list of translators.
5. Take the "Free to Marry" affidavit with the Arabic translation to the Office of the Public Notary in the Ministers Complex for the marriage ceremony. Address:  Murgab area, Ministries complex, ground floor, Block no. 15, room 25, telephone: 2248-6444.  The office is open on Sundays and Wednesdays from 7:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon. Two male witnesses are required.   Make sure that the witnesses carry either their passports or valid identifications (someone with a Kuwait civil ID is preferable) with them.  Take photocopies of the identifications for all parties involved.

Suggested:

Because the marriage contract is issued only in Arabic, you may wish to have it translated and authenticated for use outside Kuwait.  The American Embassy cannot translate the document. 

Note: When both parties are Muslim the "Free to Marry" Affidavit is not required.  Kuwait recognizes only the Muslim, Christian, and Jewish religions. Persons of other faiths cannot be married in a civil ceremony in Kuwait.