Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Mercy-Giving

 

All praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad.

 

It is a good idea for you to do  if by Nikah you mean proper marriage contract fulfill the conditions of marriage. As for the conditions of marriage, let me cite here one of my earlier answers:

 

Marriage in Islam is essentially a social contract, and so long as it is contracted conforming to the stated requirements, it shall be deemed valid. The presence of an Imam at the function is not at all one of the stated requirements, but the marriage should be solemnized by someone who has been allowed (legally) to solemnize marriages.

 

The stated requirements of marriage in Islam are as follows: Full consent of both partners to the marriage, expressing the above consent through eejaab ( offer) and qabool (acceptance), finally the presence of two reliable witnesses. Apart from the above, with females, their guardian’s consent is  essential for the validity of marriage according to most of imams and scholars. Imam Abu Hanifah, however, is of the view that a mature woman can fully contract her own marriage. Accordingly, the marriage of a woman without a  guardian  shall be valid so long the woman has chosen someone who is deemed as compatible (in faith and character).

 

Scholars are also agreement to the fact that marriages should not remain a secret affair; rather they should be publicized. Another important integral of marriage is the bridal gift; although it is not essential to stipulate it in the marriage contract it must be paid either before consummation of marriage or after.

 

Now coming to contracting marriages in a society where Islamic laws are not enforced or recognized, it is also highly crucial to get the legal papers before a marriage contract; for legal, someone who has been authorized by the law of the land to perform marriage must solemnize the marriage.  In the absence of such legalization, there is no guarantee of legal protection for anyone in the event of a dispute.

 

Although some people may consider legalization as being not so crucial, I would, however, insist that it is quite crucial and essential; it is not advisable for anyone to get married without legal papers.

 

This can is because in Islam marriage is primarily a social contract and and thus we should do so in conformity with the laws of the land we live so that such a contract can be legally enforced.

 

 

Apart from this, Islam teaches us to do what we do as efficiently, methodically and professionally as we can. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Allah loves you to do your work as best as you can.”

 

In conclusion, one should insist on getting the marriage legalized through an official (an Imam or a person who has the authority to solemnize marraiges).

 

Once such conditions are met, the marriage contract is valid. Throwing a feast, etc. is are extras which in no away affect its validity in Islam.

 

I pray to Allah to guide our steps in all our affairs and help us to remain steadfast on what is true and right,Ameen!

 

Almighty Allah knows best.