Muslim Marriage - Marriage in Islam

The Muslim marriage process is essentially comprised of some of the following steps - Rules related to Islamic marriage in Quran are also included.

Nikah - This is the process by which a man and a woman become husband and wife. The short ceremony is usually conducted by an Imam. A minimum of two witnesses are required to be present in the nikah. The bride must always be accompanied by a Wali or guradian. During this ceremony the mahr (or marriage gift) that the groom gives to his bride is also decided. The Imam delivers the "Khutbah" of the nikah, which is a sermon with Quranic verses and Islamic speech. The Nikah process makes both the man and woman legal for each other as husband and wife.
Dukhlah - The Dukhlah (or Rukhsati as it is referred to in the Indo-Pakistan regions), is the process of "publicly" sending the bride and groom to live as husband and wife. In many cultures this is a very elaborate ceremony. Visit the Muslim Wedding section to review details of some of the traditions in various Islamic countries and cultures.
Walimah - Walimah is an official lunch or dinner invitation by the groom and his family to their family and friends to declare the marriage. In most countries, Walima is followed within a day or two after the dukhlah.
Muslim Engagement - Before marriage, an engagement process is bride's and groom's intention to marry each other. Some Islamic opinions on this matter are included in the Muslim Engagement section
Marriage in Quran - Quran makes many references to marriage that can be found in the Quran on Muslim Marriage link.

The prophet Muhammad (SAWS) said: "When the servant of Allah marries, he has fulfilled half the (responsibilities laid on him by the) faith; so let him be God conscious with respect to the other half". (Mishkat) -

Maintaining a Healthy Muslim Marriage

Recent latest marriage research confirms that a quality marriage is one of the single most important investment that a person can make to live a healthy life. Those who have studied and practiced Islam know that the religion and the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS), are the best guide to enable Muslim couples to sustain a healthy relationship with each other.

As couples or as couples-to-be, every person knows that disputes and disagreements are bound to be present in every relationship. However, disagreement, disputes and conflicts are natural and healthy only if they are managed properly.

Experience and research also suggests that without investing your time and effort, relationship offer suffers – and unfortunately can become extremely draining on both partners.

Muslim Marriage Excerpts

Conditions for valid Muslim Marriage Contract

Question: What is the correct Islamic procedure for a marriage ceremony, I mean if two Muslims are married (legally) without the presence of a religious "person" (like imam etc.), does that mean the marriage is non-existent in terms of Islam?

Answer:

All praise is due to Allah.

A Muslim marriage contract is valid in Islam if the following conditions are met, even if the marriage does not take place in a court, or in the presence of a Judge or the Imam of the masjid. In addition, it does not need to be written.

The wali (guardian) of the girl has accepted the proposal by saying, for example, "I marry you my daughter", and the one who proposed has replied, for example, by " I accept," or "I am satisfied" (i.e. with his acceptance). This takes place in the presence of two witnesses The woman is legally eligible to marry the man according to Islamic shari'ah (that is she is not a Mahram of the proposer [those to whom the proposer is forbidden to marry. etc.])

Allah knows best.

Reference: http://d1.islamhouse.com/data/en/ih_fatawa/en_Conditions_for_valid_marriage_contract.pdf