Like the Muslims else where, a Muslim marriage in Kerala is a simple contract between the boy and the girl's father. The presence of the girl is not essential for the marriage.

The "nikkah" - the ritual of contract - needs to be made in the presence of two male witnesses and the services of the mullah (musaliar in local language), is needed for observing some of the Islamic guidelines. The groom needs to give a mehr (dower) to the girl's father while accepting his daughter as his wife.

Islam does not stipulate any religious ceremony for marriage as such. Consequently, local flavor has found their way in to marriage ceremonies.

Like other communities in kerala, the elders occupy the center stage and decide the future of their issue. Rather than the compatibility factor, the financial and social standings get prominence. Once the initial discussions between two families are over, girl and boy get to meet each other.

If they like each other, a particular day is fixed for the conduct of the initial process, "valayidal"- the custom of giving gold ornaments to the girl.

The date for the function of engagement, is arrived at through mutual consultations. On this day, some male members of the bride's family will go to the groom's house, and after reciting some parts of Koran (usually the first chapter); the boy will be given some gold ornaments or cash. At some places dowry is passed. This betrothal is a contract, not bound by any law or religious custom, and can be broken, if one wishes so.

On the preceding day of the marriage, sister of the groom and some female relatives proceed to the bride's house to take part in "mailanchi"(or mehendi)- a practice of applying henna on the girl's hand as part of beautifying her. On the marriage day, the groom and his entourage will reach the place of marriage (it can be held at any place. Usually it is held at marriage halls and some use the option of marrying at mosques) at the appointed time. Brother of the girl receives him there and a bouquet and garland is offered to the groom.

Then the groom is led to the place where "nikkah"- the marriage contract- will take place. After reciting some portions from the holy Koran, by the mullah, the groom and the father of the bride are made to express the oath of acceptance. Bride's father makes the statement to the effect that he marries away the girl to the prospective husband according to the Islamic way. The bridegroom then declares his acceptance of that commitment and that he has married the woman according to the terms specified.

After this the groom is led to the women's section (men and women are segregated at all the functions). Here he will tie a gold chain around the neck of the bride, assisted by his sister.

After the wedding there is a big reception, given by the bride's parents to guests from both sides. After the reception bride is taken to the groom's house and later they will proceed towards the bride's house.