Marriage Loan in Pakistan – Complete Guide 2025
Marriage (Nikah/shaadi) is one of the most important events in a person’s life. In Pakistan, weddings are celebrated on a grand scale, but the rising cost of marriage ceremonies, dowry (jahez), and related expenses have become a heavy financial burden for families. To ease this burden, different banks, government schemes, and microfinance organizations are offering Marriage Loans in Pakistan. These loans help families manage wedding expenses through easy installments, interest-free loans, and Shariah-compliant financing options.
What is a Marriage Loan?
A marriage loan (also called shaadi loan or wedding loan) is a type of personal loan designed to cover wedding-related expenses. It can be used for:
- Dowry items
- Wedding hall booking
- Mehndi/Valima functions
- Bridal jewelry & clothes
- Furniture and household items
Some banks and NGOs also offer interest-free (qarz-e-hasna) marriage loans to support low-income families.
Types of Marriage Loans in Pakistan
There are three main categories of marriage loans available in Pakistan:
1. Bank Marriage Loans
Commercial banks offer personal loans that can be used for wedding purposes. These loans are usually interest-based with monthly installment repayment.
Examples:
- HBL Personal Loan (Shaadi financing)
- UBL Wedding Loan
- Bank Alfalah Personal Loan
- Allied Bank Marriage Loan
2. Islamic & Interest-Free Marriage Loans
For people who prefer Shariah-compliant loans, Islamic banks and microfinance institutions provide Riba-free financing.
Examples:
- Meezan Bank Personal Finance (Shariah-compliant)
- Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance (Interest-free Qarz-e-Hasna for marriages)
3. Government Marriage Schemes
The Government of Pakistan also provides financial assistance for marriage through:
- Ehsaas Marriage Grant Scheme – financial support for poor families
- Prime Minister Loan Scheme (Youth Program) – can be used for marriage or small business
- Punjab Dowry Fund Program – support for low-income families
Eligibility Criteria for Marriage Loan
Although requirements vary across institutions, common eligibility criteria include:
- Pakistani citizen with valid CNIC
- Age limit: usually 21–60 years
- Salaried or self-employed person
- Minimum monthly income requirement (varies by bank)
- Guarantor (in case of Qarz-e-Hasna loans)
Required Documents
Applicants typically need to provide the following:
- Copy of CNIC
- Proof of income (salary slip or business documents)
- Proof of residence (utility bill)
- Bank statement (last 6 months)
- Marriage card/invitation (for marriage-specific loans)
- Guarantor documents (if required)
Loan Amount & Repayment
- Loan Amount: PKR 50,000 – PKR 1,500,000 (depending on bank and applicant profile)
- Repayment Tenure: 1 to 5 years (some banks allow up to 7 years)
- Installments: Monthly repayment (fixed or flexible)
- Interest Rate: 12% – 22% (for conventional banks), 0% for Qarz-e-Hasna
Islamic Marriage Loans (Shariah-Compliant Options)
For many families in Pakistan, taking interest-based loans is not acceptable due to Islamic prohibitions against riba (interest). Luckily, several Islamic financing options exist:
- Akhuwat Marriage Loan: Provides interest-free Qarz-e-Hasna up to PKR 150,000 for marriage expenses.
- Meezan Bank Personal Finance: Offers Shariah-compliant financing under Murabaha/Ijarah models.
- Government Interest-Free Loans: Some provincial programs offer loans without markup.
Major Banks & Institutions Offering Marriage Loans
Here’s a list of popular providers:
| Institution | Loan Type | Features |
|---|---|---|
| HBL | Personal Loan | PKR 50k – 2m, up to 5 years |
| UBL | Wedding Loan | Fast approval, easy installments |
| Meezan Bank | Islamic Finance | Shariah-compliant, no riba |
| Bank Alfalah | Personal Loan | Salary-based, flexible repayment |
| Allied Bank | Marriage Loan | Up to PKR 1.5m, 5 years |
| Akhuwat Foundation | Interest-Free | Qarz-e-Hasna up to PKR 150k |
| Ehsaas Program | Marriage Grant | Financial support for poor families |
Benefits of Marriage Loans
- Helps manage high wedding expenses
- Available in both interest-free and conventional forms
- Easy installment repayment
- Quick processing time (especially for salaried applicants)
- Reduces financial stress for families
Risks & Considerations
- Interest rates (for conventional loans) can be high
- Risk of debt burden if not repaid on time
- Some programs require guarantors
- Marriage grant schemes have strict eligibility criteria (only for low-income families)
How to Apply for Marriage Loan in Pakistan
- Choose a Provider – Decide between a bank loan, Islamic loan, or government scheme.
- Check Eligibility – Make sure you meet income and age requirements.
- Prepare Documents – CNIC, income proof, marriage card, guarantor details.
- Submit Application – Apply online (some banks allow digital applications) or visit a branch.
- Loan Approval & Disbursement – After verification, funds are released directly into your account.
Marriage Loan vs. Personal Loan – What’s the Difference?
- Marriage Loan: Specifically designed for shaadi expenses, sometimes with special discounts or grant support.
- Personal Loan: Can be used for any purpose (including marriage), usually with higher amounts and longer tenure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get an interest-free marriage loan in Pakistan?
Yes, organizations like Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance and some government schemes offer interest-free loans (Qarz-e-Hasna) for marriage.
2. Which bank is best for a wedding loan in Pakistan?
Banks like HBL, UBL, Allied Bank, and Bank Alfalah provide reliable marriage loan options. For Islamic financing, Meezan Bank is recommended.
3. How much loan can I get for marriage in Pakistan?
You can get between PKR 50,000 and PKR 1.5 million, depending on your income, credit score, and loan provider.
4. What documents are required for a marriage loan?
CNIC, income proof, bank statement, residence proof, marriage card, and sometimes a guarantor.
5. Can low-income families get marriage loans?
Yes, under programs like Ehsaas Marriage Grant and Akhuwat Qarz-e-Hasna, poor families can receive interest-free financial support.
6. Is dowry financing allowed under marriage loans?
Yes, most marriage loans cover dowry items (jahez), household furniture, and appliances.
