A valid marriage in Kuwait requires several conditions to be met simultaneously under the Personal Status Law (Law No. 51 of 1984). First, the contract must be formed by an offer (ijab) from the bride's guardian (wali) and acceptance (qabul) from the groom, or their authorised representatives (Article 8). The offer and acceptance must be clear, immediate (not conditional on a future date), and consistent with each other — either explicitly or implicitly (Article 10).
The offer and acceptance are typically made verbally in any language, though written communication or a messenger is permitted if one party is absent. If someone is unable to speak, written or sign communication may substitute (Article 9).
Critically, two Muslim male witnesses who are adult, of sound mind, and who simultaneously hear and understand the words of both parties must be present for the marriage to be valid (Article 11). An exception exists where the groom is Muslim and the bride is a Christian or Jewish woman (a 'Kitabiyya'), in which case two non-Muslim witnesses of her faith may suffice (Article 11b).
Expats should also be aware that certain marriages are prohibited under Kuwait law — for example, a Muslim woman may not marry a non-Muslim man, and a Muslim man may not marry a woman who is not from a recognised 'People of the Book' (Article 18). Marriages that violate these rules are considered void.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Kuwait.