Sometimes, in the modern world, people face complex problems when trying to get officially married if they live in a foreign country. Most countries require multiple documents, appointments at the consulate, and a lot of additional paperwork. But luckily, there is a solution for cases like this: destination wedding or marriage registration.

If you need to get legally married without complicated bureaucracy, Georgia is one of the easiest countries for foreign couples to do so. A legal marriage in Georgia is one of the simplest and fastest options for couples of any nationality, and that’s why more and more people choose to get married here every year.

In this guide, we explain how to get legally married in Georgia, what documents you need, how long the process takes, and why Georgia is such a popular choice for international couples.

 Why get legally married in Georgia?

Georgia is well known for its simple marriage laws for foreigners. Unlike many other countries, there is:

·        No residency requirement

·        No waiting period

·        No proof of single status required

·        No citizenship or interreligious marriage restrictions

·        No visa requirement for many nationalities.

This makes marriage in Georgia for foreigners fast, stress-free, and affordable.

A civil marriage registered in Georgia is official and internationally recognized in most countries worldwide.

Who can get married in Georgia? 

As previously mentioned, a legal wedding in Georgia is available to:

·        Foreign couples (both partners can be non-citizens, without Georgian residency, and simply tourists in Georgia) of legal age, 18 or above

·        Couples of any nationality

·        Interfaith couples

·        Couples marrying for the first time or after divorce

📌 Important note: Same-sex marriage is not legally allowed in Georgia at this time. However, it is possible to choose a symbolic wedding in Georgia for celebration purposes.

Polygamous marriages, such as those permitted in some countries under Islamic law, are not legally recognized in Georgia.

Documents required for legal marriage in Georgia

To get legally married in Georgia, you will need:

·        Valid passports of both partners

·        Proof of legal entry into Georgia (visa, visa-free entry stamp, or residence permit of certain countries such as the US, EU, or Gulf countries)

·        Two witnesses (any nationality, age 18 or above, possibly relatives, parents or siblings, any gender, including both men or both women)

If one or both partners were previously married:

·        Original divorce certificate or death certificate of the former spouse

·        The document must be apostilled or legalized, depending on the country of issue.

o   If issued in Europe, the UK, or the US, an Apostille stamp is required

o   If issued in Arabic countries, legalization stamps are required (attestation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then at the Georgian consulate of the country)

What is NOT required:

·        Birth certificates of the couple

·        Proof of singleness of either partner

·        Parental or third-party consent (written or oral)

·        Any kind of health certificate

This simplicity is what makes getting married in Georgia so attractive.

📌 Important note: If both partners have the same last name in their passports, they may be required to present proof that they are not brother and sister, as marriage between siblings is forbidden in Georgia. As proof, they can use the passport page showing their parents’ names, if these are different for each partner.

 How long does marriage registration take?

The process is surprisingly fast.

·        Standard registration without a festive civil ceremony: same business day. This type of registration is available Monday to Friday only, as weekends in Georgia are Saturday and Sunday.

·        Marriage registration with a festive civil ceremony at the Wedding Hall: available any day of the week (fees vary for weekdays and weekends). The process takes two days:

o   Day 1: submission of the application and scheduling the ceremony

o   Day 2: the ceremony and official marriage registration

As you can see, most couples legally marry in Georgia within 1–2 days after submitting their documents. There is no mandatory waiting period and no long lines in wedding halls, which makes it possible to choose almost any date you like.

Interesting fact: There is no dress code requirement, neither for standard registration nor for the festive ceremony. You can wear casual attire, a national costume from your home country, or a formal wedding gown and suit. The choice is yours.

Where does the marriage take place?

A legal marriage registration in Georgia takes place at a Public Service Hall aka House of Justice (available in almost every city in Georgia) in the case of standard registration, or at a Wedding Hall if you choose a festive civil ceremony.

📌 Important note: Marriages do NOT take place at the City Hall.

After the legal paperwork is completed, couples often opt for a symbolic outdoor ceremony in Georgia, such as:

·        An intimate wedding in Tbilisi (venues like Tbilisi Botanical Gardens or restaurant premises)

·        A mountain elopement in Gudauri or Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) with breathtaking views

·        A vineyard wedding in Kakheti, ideal for a relaxed celebration with your dearest ones

·        A destination wedding ceremony in Batumi, Kobuleti, Shekvetili, or Tsikhisdziri with sea views

The legal part is minimal – the celebration can be anything you dream of and can afford.

Is a marriage in Georgia recognized abroad?

The short answer is: yes, a civil marriage certificate issued in Georgia is internationally valid.

For use abroad, the marriage certificate requires:

·        Apostille or legalization stamps (depending on the country where it will be used)

·        Official translation into your home country’s language (English translation works for many countries)

This is a routine process and can usually be handled by a local wedding planner. It typically takes 8-15 business days. In the case of Apostille only, it is possible to expedite issuance to 1-2 business days for an additional fee.

📌 Important note: If you choose 995 Weddings as your wedding planner, you can be confident in the quality of the paperwork. We are locals, speak Georgian, and have over 8 years of experience in the industry. We ensure the process goes smoothly, with no mistakes in name spelling, translations, paperwork, or attestation of the marriage certificate. You pay for comfort, hassle-free wedding and peace of mind.

How much does a legal wedding in Georgia cost?

Compared to many other destinations, Georgia is very affordable.

Costs usually include:

·        State registration fee

·        Translation and notary services

·        Apostille or legalization of the marriage certificate

Many couples combine the legal process with destination wedding packages in Georgia, keeping everything simple and well organized. Our packages for legal marriage registration start from €450, and can be even lower if you need only one or two services (such as legal witnesses or a wedding-day coordinator). This is a fair and affordable price for the services provided.

Additionally, you should consider expenses such as:

·        Airfare to and from Georgia (Tbilisi, Kutaisi, or Batumi airports)

·        Accommodation in Georgia (hotels with breakfast or Airbnb/daily rental apartments)

·        Wedding dress or gown and groom’s suit (if you choose to wear them)

·        Meals, transportation, and sightseeing (group or private tours in Georgia)

·        Airport pickup and drop-off

Why work with a wedding planner in Georgia?

While the process is simple, working with a professional wedding planner in Georgia helps you:

·        Prepare documents correctly (there is a lot of confusing information on the internet)

·        Avoid delays or mistakes in spelling names, places of birth, and other details on the marriage certificate

·        Handle translations and paperwork efficiently

·        Combine legal registration with a beautiful celebration (planners know non-obvious and non-trivial options for your case)

This is especially helpful if you’re planning a destination wedding in Georgia from abroad.

📌 Important note: You can always request a free consultation with us to explore your options and discuss your budget, especially if you’re looking for something beyond fixed packages. After the consultation (Zoom call or WhatsApp audio call), you will receive a personalized offer with estimated costs for the requested services. This is a great way to see whether you feel safe in the hands of a wedding planner and whether all your important questions are answered.

Final thoughts

A legal marriage in Georgia is one of the easiest options in the world for foreign couples.

Whether you’re planning a romantic elopement or a full destination wedding, Georgia offers:

·        Simple legal requirements

·        Fast marriage registration

·        Affordable costs

·        Stunning locations for celebration

If you want a stress-free way to get married legally and beautifully, Georgia is an excellent choice. It offers a fast and efficient process, a wide variety of options, and beautiful nature in all four seasons.

Still have questions? Contact us!