Some Sunnahs of Nikah

A Nikah is performed with a proposal (Ijab) by the male or female and acceptance (Qabul) by the male or female in the past and / or present tense in the presence of two male Muslim witnesses. This is the backbone rule which cannot be compromised.

It is Sunnat that the marriage be announced and be performed in the Masjid and the bride be represented by her Mahram (e.g. father, brother, etc.). In this procedure, the bride gives consent to her representative (Wakil) in the presence of two witnesses to perform her marriage at the Masjid. At the Masjid, the Wakil represents the bride in the presence of the two witnesses who must be trustworthy and pious male Muslims. They should not be from among the girls ascendants e.g. father, etc. nor from her descendants, e.g. son, etc.

In the Shafi'i school of jurisprudence, permission of the female's guardian i.e. usually the father - is incumbent. Having said that, in the Hanafi school of taught, if the female (who has attained puberty) wishes to represent herself at the time and place of Nikah, then she may do so without a Wakil.

A person must abide to his / her own school of jurisprudence, without picking and mixing according to convenience and fancy.

Also, a marriage without the two witnesses is not valid, and any relationship without it will be illegal and Haraam.