Do the procedures that took place permit us to be in seclusion (khalwa) together, or must we await the official marriage contract?

If there has been an offer and acceptance between the guardian (wali) and the husband, then the marriage contract is concluded, and it is permissible for you both to be in seclusion and do what is permissible for spouses. Legal procedures are not given consideration. However, if explicit offer and acceptance have not taken place, then the contract is not yet concluded, and merely handing over the dowry and reaching an initial agreement does not constitute a contract. The contract can be concluded in the presence of the guardian, the husband, and witnesses before the legal procedures.