Malala Yousafzai Got Married in a Dreamy Fall Ceremony

The world-renowned activist donned a peach-coloured traditional salwar suit.

Congratulations are in order for Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, who got married in an intimate ceremony on November 9.

The girls’ education activist took to social media to announce that she and her partner Asser Malik wed quietly in Birmingham, England. “Today marks a precious day in my life,” Yousafzai wrote on Twitter. “Asser and I tied the knot to be partners for life.” She went on to share that they held a small Nikkah ceremony — a religious tradition for Muslim couples to be legally wed under Islamic law — at home with their families. “Please send us your prayers,” she continued. “We are excited to walk together for the journey ahead.”

Wedding photos show Yousafzai and her husband surrounded by nature, holding hands while standing amid colourful fall trees. Other shots feature the couple sitting with family in front of a decorative wall of white and pink flower petals.

The simple yet elegant setting draws even more attention to Yousafzai’s radiant bridal attire. The 24-year-old donned a peach-hued traditional salwar suit with gold detailing. Her shawl, called a dupatta, featured gold embellishments along its border. The shawl was rested on top of her head, touching a gold forehead accessory, called a maang tikka.

Her husband Asser Malik, who works as a manager for the Pakistan Cricket Board, wore a simple black suit with a peach tie that perfectly matched Yousafzai’s ensemble. He shared a picture of the pair cutting cake on Twitter, with the caption, “In Malala, I found the most supportive friend, a beautiful and kind partner — I’m so excited to spend the rest of our life together.”

Yousafzai, the youngest-ever recipient of a Nobel Peace Prize, has never been in a rush to get married. In June 2021, she opened up about her apprehensions around marriage to British Vogue. “If you want to have a person in your life, why do you have to sign marriage papers, why can’t it just be a partnership?” she said. But even then, she noted that this mindset was subject to change as she grew older. At the time, Yousafzai said she was looking for someone she could trust, and it looks like she found him.

The couple received many a congratulatory message from public figures, including Greta Thunberg, Priyanka Chopra and Reese Witherspoon. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — who made Yousafzai an honorary Canadian citizen in 2017 — also extended his best wishes, writing on Twitter, “Sophie and I hope you enjoyed your special day — we’re wishing you a lifetime of happiness together.”

The couple’s autumnal-coloured wedding attire perfectly set the scene for this dreamy ceremony. Best wishes to Malala and Asser!