How to plan a Nikah and Walima, step by step.
Here is an order that works: the decisions that unlock everything else come first. It follows the four stages of Path, the planning timeline in the Zawjain app, and there are no deadlines.
Before you start
Speak to your imam or mosque early. They will tell you what they need for the Nikah itself, for example the wali, the witnesses and the mahr, and how long the ceremony takes.
Decide early, too, whether the Nikah will also be your legal marriage. In England and Wales it usually is not on its own. See the Nikah and the law below.
If you are having a Nikah and a Walima, plan them as one wedding with two events: one plan, one guest list, and invitations that show each guest only the events they are invited to.
Foundation
The two decisions everything else depends on.
Set your date
Your date decides which venues and vendors are free, so it comes first. Many families avoid holding a wedding during Ramadan, so check your date against the Islamic calendar before you book anything. If you are having a Walima, set its date now as well.
Book your venue
The venue is usually the biggest booking and the hardest to change. Before you visit, check:
- Capacity, seated rather than standing, for your real guest list.
- Separate spaces, if your families want them, and whether that means separate rooms or a partition.
- Whether they host the Nikah, the reception, or both.
- Whether you can bring your own caterer or have to use theirs.
- Where guests can pray, and what time you need to finish.
You can compare capacity, separate spaces and price range across venues in Discover. For the full list of what to ask, see Questions to ask a wedding venue before you book.
Essentials
The vendors who shape the day itself.
Book your photographer
If you want the women’s side photographed without men present, ask whether there is a woman on the team. Look at full galleries rather than highlights, and confirm whether they cover the Nikah, the Walima or both, and whether they offer photo, video or both. See How to find a female wedding photographer.
Book your caterer
Choose the cuisine your families expect, then check how many guests they can serve and how they serve: a buffet, at the table or from live stations. Ask for a tasting, and check what your venue allows before you sign anything.
Sort your attire
Outfits made to measure or ordered from abroad can take a long time to make and alter, so start early and leave room for fittings.
Experience
What turns the venue into your wedding.
Book your decor
Start with what the venue already provides, then decide what you need on top: a stage or backdrop, flowers, lighting, table styling. Confirm when the decorators can get in to set up.
Book hair and make up
Book a trial. If you wear hijab, ask to see their hijab styling, and check whether they can do the bridal party as well as you.
Final stretch
Guests, replies and the last confirmations.
Send your invitations
If some guests are invited to the Nikah and others to the Walima, keep one guest list and mark who is invited to what, so nobody receives details of an event they are not coming to. Ask for replies by a date that leaves you time to confirm numbers.
Confirm the final details
In the last few weeks, confirm timings, guest numbers and payments with every vendor, and share a simple running order with the people who need it.
The Nikah and the law in England and Wales
A Nikah on its own is not a legal marriage in England and Wales unless it takes place in a building registered for marriages, with an authorised person present. Many couples also have a civil ceremony at a register office or a licensed venue, which needs notice to be given in advance.
In July 2026 the government opened a consultation on reforming weddings law, which could change this. Until the law changes, check the current rules on GOV.UK and ask your mosque whether it can register marriages. The rules are different in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
For the detail, read Is a Nikah legally binding in the UK?
Keep the whole plan in one place.
Zawjain puts these steps in order, helps you find venues and vendors from across the UK, and keeps your guest list and invitations in one app you share with your partner.
Coming soon to iPhone and Android.
Free for couples.