Is Gay Marriage in Israel? Why Couples Fly Abroad to Get Married (And What Happens When They Return)
Here’s something that catches most people off guard: Israel recognizes same-sex marriages performed abroad but won’t let gay couples marry within its own borders. It’s one of the most unusual legal arrangements in the world—and it affects everyone, not just LGBTQ+ couples.
If you’re wondering whether you can legally marry your same-sex partner in Israel, the short answer is no, you cannot perform a same-sex marriage ceremony inside Israel. But if you marry abroad—in Cyprus, the U.S., Canada, or any country where same-sex marriage is legal—Israel’s government will recognize that marriage and grant you many of the same rights as opposite-sex married couples.
This strange legal limbo exists because Israel has no civil marriage system at all. Religious authorities control all marriages within the country, and none of the recognized religious courts (Jewish, Muslim, Christian, or Druze) perform same-sex ceremonies.
The Direct Answer: Can Gay Couples Get Married in Israel?
No, same-sex couples cannot legally marry inside Israel’s borders. Here’s what you need to know:
- No civil marriage exists in Israel for anyone—straight or gay
- Religious courts control all marriages performed within Israel
- None of the religious authorities (Jewish Orthodox rabbinate, Islamic courts, Christian churches, Druze tribunals) recognize or perform same-sex marriages
- Foreign same-sex marriages ARE legally recognized when couples return to Israel
- Common-law partnerships offer some legal protections for couples who live together
The practical reality? Thousands of Israeli same-sex couples travel to nearby Cyprus, just a short flight away, to get married legally. When they return with their marriage certificates, the Israeli Ministry of Interior registers them as married couples.
Why Israel’s Marriage System Is Different From Almost Everywhere Else
Israel inherited its marriage system from Ottoman Empire laws that placed religious communities in charge of personal status matters. This means:
For marriage inside Israel:
- Jewish couples must marry through the Orthodox rabbinate
- Muslim couples through Islamic courts
- Christian couples through recognized Christian denominations
- Druze couples through Druze religious authorities
No secular alternative exists. This affects everyone—interfaith couples, secular Israelis who don’t want religious ceremonies, and same-sex couples all face the same limitation.
This religious monopoly on marriage is why so many Israelis—gay and straight—fly abroad to marry. In recent years, tens of thousands of Israeli couples have married outside the country annually, making Cyprus a wedding destination for more than just its beaches.
What Rights Do Same-Sex Couples Actually Have in Israel?
When Israel recognizes your foreign same-sex marriage, you get substantial legal rights:
Rights Granted Through Foreign Marriage Recognition:
- Joint tax filing and related tax benefits
- Health insurance coverage for your spouse
- Pension and Social Security survivor benefits
- Hospital visitation and medical decision-making rights
- Inheritance rights without additional legal documents
- Immigration and residency rights for foreign spouses
- Employment benefits extended to spouses
What’s Limited or Complicated:
- Adoption rights remain complex—joint adoption by same-sex couples faces legal obstacles, though step-parent adoption is possible
- Surrogacy access is restricted for male couples (though courts have made recent rulings expanding access)
- Religious services like burial in religious cemeteries may be denied
- IVF and fertility treatments coverage varies
The “Common-Law Partnership” Alternative
Don’t want to fly abroad? Israel recognizes common-law partnerships (yadua b’tzibur) for couples who live together. After one year of cohabitation, same-sex couples can register as common-law partners and receive many rights:
- Healthcare coverage for your partner
- Pension benefits
- Certain tax benefits
- Inheritance protections
However, common-law status isn’t identical to marriage—it’s weaker in inheritance law, immigration rights, and legal presumptions.
Recent Legal Developments in 2024-2025
The legal landscape for LGBTQ+ rights in Israel continues evolving:
Surrogacy Rights: In July 2024, Israel’s Supreme Court ruled that same-sex male couples must have equal access to surrogacy services, marking a significant expansion of parenting rights. Implementation is ongoing.
Conversion Therapy Ban: Legislation banning conversion therapy for minors passed in 2023, protecting LGBTQ+ youth from harmful practices.
Marriage Equality Efforts: Multiple bills proposing civil marriage or same-sex marriage have been introduced in the Knesset (Israeli parliament) over the past two years, though none have passed due to religious party opposition.
Recognition Challenges: While foreign marriages are generally recognized, some couples report bureaucratic delays or requests for additional documentation at Ministry of Interior offices.
How Same-Sex Couples Actually Navigate This System
The Cyprus Route (Most Popular)
Cyprus is just 45 minutes by plane from Tel Aviv and offers quick, legal civil marriages. Many wedding planners specialize in Israeli couples, handling paperwork and ceremonies in English, Hebrew, or Russian. The process typically takes 2-3 days total.
Other Popular Destinations:
- United States (often combined with visits to family)
- Canada (recognized for immigration purposes)
- European countries offering quick civil ceremonies
- Online marriages from Utah are sometimes used, though recognition can be inconsistent
The Common-Law Route
Couples register their relationship with Israel’s National Insurance Institute after one year of living together. This requires proof of shared residence and joint financial arrangements.
Comparing Israel to Its Neighbors and the Region
Israel’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights is notably different from surrounding countries:
- Same-sex activity is legal in Israel (criminalized in most neighboring countries)
- Tel Aviv hosts one of the world’s largest Pride parades annually
- Discrimination protections exist in employment and housing
- Military service is open to LGBTQ+ individuals
- However, marriage equality inside the country remains blocked by religious authorities
Israel recognizes more LGBTQ+ rights than any Middle Eastern country, yet lacks full marriage equality available in 36+ countries globally including the United States, Canada, most of Western Europe, and parts of Latin America and Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gay Marriage in Israel
Can two men or two women get married in Israel?
No, same-sex couples cannot perform marriage ceremonies inside Israel. Religious authorities control all marriages within the country, and none perform same-sex ceremonies.
Does Israel recognize same-sex marriages from other countries?
Yes, Israel recognizes same-sex marriages performed legally in other countries. Couples return with their foreign marriage certificates and register with the Ministry of Interior.
What is the easiest country for Israeli same-sex couples to marry in?
Cyprus is the most popular destination due to proximity (45-minute flight), quick processing (2-3 days), and familiarity with Israeli documentation requirements.
Can same-sex couples adopt children in Israel?
Joint adoption remains legally complex. Step-parent adoption (where one partner adopts the other’s biological child) is possible. The 2024 surrogacy ruling expanded options for male couples.
Do Palestinian same-sex couples have the same rights?
Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza live under Palestinian Authority laws where same-sex activity is not legally recognized. Israeli recognition of foreign marriages applies to Israeli citizens and residents.
Is there civil marriage in Israel for anyone?
No, Israel has no civil marriage system for any couples—straight or gay. All marriages performed within Israel must be through religious authorities.
Can tourists get married in Israel?
Only if they meet the religious requirements of one of the recognized religious courts. Most international couples find it impossible to navigate these requirements.
What the Future Holds for Marriage Equality in Israel
The debate over marriage equality and civil marriage continues in Israeli politics. Religious parties, which often hold significant government positions, oppose civil marriage reforms that would undermine religious authority over personal status law.
Public opinion has shifted: Recent polls show growing support for civil marriage among younger Israelis, though resistance remains strong in religious communities.
Political obstacles include:
- Coalition governments often include religious parties as partners
- Marriage law intersects with identity questions about Jewish state character
- Reform would require significant legislative changes to personal status law
Potential developments:
- Courts may continue expanding rights through judicial rulings
- International pressure from human rights organizations
- Grassroots advocacy from LGBTQ+ rights organizations like The Aguda and Hoshen
Understanding Your Legal Options and Rights
If you’re planning to marry your same-sex partner or wondering about your rights in Israel:
- Consider marrying abroad in Cyprus, the U.S., Canada, or Europe
- Register your marriage with Israel’s Ministry of Interior upon return
- Explore common-law partnership registration if you prefer to avoid international travel
- Consult an Israeli family law attorney for adoption, surrogacy, or immigration questions
- Stay updated on court rulings that continue expanding LGBTQ+ rights
For U.S. citizens, the State Department provides updated travel information regarding LGBTQ+ rights in Israel. Israeli LGBTQ+ organizations like The Aguda (Israel’s LGBTQ Task Force) offer legal support and advocacy.
The Bottom Line: Israel occupies a unique legal space where same-sex couples enjoy significant recognition and rights but cannot marry within the country itself. The solution—marrying abroad—has become so common that it’s normalized for thousands of couples annually. While full marriage equality within Israel remains blocked by religious control over marriage law, foreign marriage recognition provides a practical, legal path forward for same-sex couples seeking full legal recognition of their relationships.
This article provides general information about same-sex marriage laws in Israel and should not be considered legal advice. Marriage law, immigration policy, and LGBTQ+ rights continue evolving through court decisions and legislation. Consult with an Israeli family law attorney or LGBTQ+ legal organization for guidance specific to your situation.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a former family law attorney with over a decade of courtroom and mediation experience. She has represented clients in divorce, custody cases, adoption, Alimony, and domestic violence cases across multiple U.S. jurisdictions.
At All About Lawyer, Sarah now uses her deep legal background to create easy-to-understand guides that help families navigate the legal system with clarity and confidence.
Every article is based on her real-world legal experience and reviewed to reflect current laws.
Read more about Sarah