Proof of Islamic marriage other than wedding pictures

[Ahmisht]

Hi all,

I am not looking for any debates or discussions on Islamic law. I'd like to find a solution that does not go against my faith.

If someone gets married post AOR, what documents can they provide to IRCC as valid proof of marriage other than conventional wedding photographs?

• Free-mixing (mingling of young men and women), music, and dancing are not allowed in Islam. So there won't be any pictures of such events.
• The marriage (Nikkah) will be done in a Masjid (mosque). This means that there won't be any decoration, stages, or sitting arrangements for guests. It will probably take around 15-20 minutes.
• Only close relatives will be present (e.g., parents, siblings, and a few friends).
• The bride will be wearing a Niqab (face covering - see here). Neither the bride's nor the groom's clothing will be flashy or colorful.
• Some photos will be taken, but the couple won't be holding or hugging each other to pose for these photos.
• There are no romantic or intimate text messages available, as relationship before marriage is not permissible. Much of the text messages are discussions aimed at understanding each other's values, opinions on political and social issues, etc. These can be provided with some screening.
• The bride will NOT be taking the husband's last name as it is not allowed in Islam. In her passport and in the marriage certificate, it will be her maiden name.

I'd appreciate any help in identifying other forms of proof of marriage (besides a marriage certificate, an affidavit, and some pictures taken within Islamic guidelines).

 

[SatNight]

I am confused. Why is marriage certificate not enough to provide?

 

[Ahmisht]

I am confused. Why is marriage certificate not enough to provide?

They seem to always ask for photos (from what I can see in these forums). And anything less than what is the norm (many guests, romantic poses, colorful clothes, certain types of atmosphere, etc.) gets a refusal ...

 

[wallp92]

Did they already ask for a proof of marriage?

A marriage certificate can be enough - and it was enough in my case. No further evidence was requested or provided. Although I am aware this may not always be the case.

The Canadian government is very understanding of such issues. If they ask you for proof of marriage, you can send whatever you have and attach a LOE to explain your situation and it'll most likely be good enough.

 

[Ahmisht]

Did they already ask for a proof of marriage?

No, just preparing in advance, since the marriage is expected to be post AOR. And thanks wallp92, hopefully that does the job.

 

[baryonix]

I got my marriage license in Jan 2022 and informed IRCC as such and submitted the license with translation only, no photos.
We had our wedding ceremony at year end. And then Jan 2023, IRCC decides to ask for relationship questionnaire! with some photos and description of wedding.
So luckily we are able to submit several photos of the events, but we also submitted some photos before where we took with our friends and relatives. We're still waiting for them to review it.

Perhaps you can also find some photos where both you and spouse took with other people? Basically show them that the more people know about our relationship, the better!

 

[Ahmisht]

I got my marriage license in Jan 2022 and informed IRCC as such and submitted the license with translation only, no photos.
We had our wedding ceremony at year end. And then Jan 2023, IRCC decides to ask for relationship questionnaire! with some photos and description of wedding.
So luckily we are able to submit several photos of the events, but we also submitted some photos before where we took with our friends and relatives. We're still waiting for them to review it.

Perhaps you can also find some photos where both you and spouse took with other people? Basically show them that the more people know about our relationship, the better!

What is a relationship questionnaire? And it took IRCC 1 year to respond to the documents you uploaded in Jan 2022? Wow that is crazy! The thing is having more people in the wedding is something we would like to avoid. We will have at most 25 people. The ceremony itself will last 15 minutes. And so it will be difficult to provide conventional photos ...

 

[baryonix]

What is a relationship questionnaire? And it took IRCC 1 year to respond to the documents you uploaded in Jan 2022? Wow that is crazy! The thing is having more people in the wedding is something we would like to avoid. We will have at most 25 people. The ceremony itself will last 15 minutes. And so it will be difficult to provide conventional photos ...

Actually we informed them in Jan 2022 and then in Feb 2022, spouse details already appeared in portal, then in June 2022, spouse medical is passed.
So for some reason, IRCC decides to send us the questionnaire doc. Maybe they forgot to ask it in June when they assessed spouse medical.

The questionnaire will have questions like how did you meet your spouse, how do you communicate with each other, show documents of trips you took together, describe the wedding and engagement, and wedding reception, describe your honeymoon, etc... And both PA and spouse have to answer that in each own words!

You can also show pictures of you two going out with friends also, it doesn't restrict to just wedding photos

 

[SatNight]

What is a relationship questionnaire? And it took IRCC 1 year to respond to the documents you uploaded in Jan 2022? Wow that is crazy! The thing is having more people in the wedding is something we would like to avoid. We will have at most 25 people. The ceremony itself will last 15 minutes. And so it will be difficult to provide conventional photos ...

There were 5 people at our wedding (including us!) I never even thought they might ask about it. But we married in 2005 so it might be different for new marriages. In any case, if they ask, they will get the pic of 5 people signing a book at the notary's office.

So far, submit the certificate only and think of a letter of explanation for later. It seems like you are certain they would ask for proof, and you are already sure that nothing you can send would suffice, but why?

 

[Ahmisht]

So far, submit the certificate only and think of a letter of explanation for later. It seems like you are certain they would ask for proof, and you are already sure that nothing you can send would suffice, but why?

Hi SatNight, thanks for your post. To answer your question, I always start with the worst case scenario and prepare accordingly. This way I am prepared for the worst with my best.