In the Coptic Orthodox Church, marriage is one of the seven sacraments, and the crowning (الإكليل) is the marriage itself. Each diocese and each church has its own arrangements, so what follows is what usually happens. Your own priest is always the first reference.
If your church is Catholic or Evangelical, or if you belong to different churches, ask both churches early, because each one has its own steps.
The usual papers
- A certificate of no impediment: one for each of you, from the priest of the church in your own area, stating that you are not engaged or married to anyone else. It goes to the diocese with a personal photo and a copy of your ID.
- The pre-marriage course: many dioceses ask for a certified course at a family counselling centre. Ask your church early when it runs, so you can join the next one.
- The premarital medical certificate: from an approved Ministry of Health unit. Since February 2023, a church marriage can't be registered without it. Some dioceses ask for further checks, so ask about them at the start.
- Valid ID cards: for the two of you, your witnesses and your representatives.
- Two adult Christian witnesses, with their IDs.
The church engagement
- The engagement record: signed by the two of you, your representatives and two witnesses with their IDs, and the priest prays over the rings.
- The announcement: the Coptic Orthodox regulations of 1938 say a summary of the engagement is posted on the church door for 10 days, including two Sundays, so that anyone with an objection can raise it.
- The licence: after the engagement record, the priest obtains a licence from the church authority before he performs the marriage.
- Age: the crowning takes place after the age of 18.
The crowning and the contract
The licensed priest writes the marriage contract after the licence is granted. It records your details and your parents', the witnesses, your consent, that the announcement was made, and that the crowning prayer took place. One copy goes to the wife and one to the church authority.
An order that makes it easier
- Start with your priest: ask him for the list of papers and the course dates.
- Do the medical exam early: results can take up to 14 days, and the certificate is valid for 6 months. The details are in the premarital exam guide.
- Ask for the certificates of no impediment: from each of your churches, with photos and IDs.
- Book the church engagement: and leave enough time for the announcement and the licence before the crowning.
- Agree with the witnesses: on the date, and remind them to bring their IDs.
A new law on the way
A draft family law for Christians was sent to the House of Representatives in May 2026 and has not been passed yet. If it passes, some steps may change: the engagement itself, for example, would need a medical certificate and an official certificate of no impediment. Keep in touch with your church.
On Zaghrouta
In the katb el-ketab station, choose "At church" and these papers become a checklist you tick off one by one and can send to the family on WhatsApp. Your choice and your ticks stay on your phone only and are never sent anywhere.