Question 1

What documents are needed to register a marriage in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

For a first marriage, all you need are valid passports for both spouses. The passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the date of registration. No certificates of marital status, medical examinations, or additional forms are required — this is one of Georgia's biggest advantages.

If either of you has been previously married, you will also need the original divorce certificate with a notarized translation into Georgian. For citizens of Russia, the translation can be arranged in Tbilisi within 1 business day; the same applies for Israel and Ukraine. If the divorce was finalized through a court, you will need a copy of the court decision with a notation that it has entered into force.

We recommend sending scans of your documents in advance — we will review them free of charge and let you know if anything is missing. That way you arrive in Georgia fully prepared.

Question 2

How long does the registration process take?

Accepted Answer

The registration ceremony itself at the House of Justice takes 15-20 minutes. With standard processing, the marriage certificate is issued the same day — usually within 2-3 hours of submitting the application. There is also an express option: for an additional fee (approximately $40), the documents are processed within one hour.

Apostille of the certificate takes an additional 1-2 business days. An apostille is an international seal that makes your certificate valid outside of Georgia. We submit the apostille application immediately after registration.

The ideal plan: arrive one day before the registration, register and have your photo session the next day, and pick up the apostilled certificate the day after. In total: 3 days, which you can easily combine with a mini-vacation in Georgia.

Question 3

Will our marriage be recognized in our home country?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Georgia is a party to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. A marriage certificate with an apostille is automatically recognized in over 180 countries.

Specific examples by country:
• Russia — fully recognized. You will need a notarized translation of the certificate into Russian for submission to the local civil registry (ZAGS).
• Israel — recognized. Georgia is one of the most popular destinations for Israeli couples precisely because of the simple procedure.
• Ukraine — recognized. A translated certificate with an apostille is accepted by all authorities.
• Germany / EU — recognized across all European Union member states.
• USA / Canada — recognized.

For certain countries (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia), additional legalization through the embassy may be required — we will help you navigate your specific case.

Question 4

Are witnesses required for the registration?

Accepted Answer

No. Under Georgian law, witnesses are not required for marriage registration. This is a significant difference from many other countries. The presence of both spouses and valid passports is all that is needed.

However, if you would like your loved ones to be present during the registration, they are welcome to attend without any restrictions. The House of Justice has a waiting area for guests, and the ceremony itself takes place in a separate room.

For outdoor ceremonies, we often invite the couple's friends and family — it creates a warm atmosphere, although their presence is not formally required.

Question 5

Can citizens of different countries marry in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Georgia is one of the most welcoming countries in the world for international couples. You can register a marriage between citizens of any two countries, regardless of nationality, citizenship, or place of residence.

The process is the same for everyone: passports, application, registration. It does not matter whether you are from Russia and Israel, Ukraine and Germany, or any other combination of countries. This is precisely why Georgia has become a popular destination for couples who find it difficult or impossible to register a marriage in their own countries.

Our team speaks Russian, English, and Hebrew, and we bring in interpreters for other languages as needed.

Question 6

What is the minimum age for marriage?

Accepted Answer

The minimum age for marriage registration in Georgia is 18 for both spouses. This requirement applies without exception, including for foreign nationals. Age is verified by passport at the time of document submission.

Unlike some countries, Georgia does not allow a reduction of the marriage age with parental consent or by court order for foreign citizens. Both partners must have reached their full 18 years of age at the time of registration.

Question 7

How much does registration at the House of Justice cost?

Accepted Answer

The state fee for marriage registration in Georgia is 50 lari (approximately $20) for standard processing (certificate issued the same day within 2-3 hours). Express processing within one hour costs 100 lari (approximately $40).

Apostille of the certificate costs an additional 50 lari (approximately $20). The total cost of government services: 100-150 lari ($40-60).

Important: all of these fees are already included in the price of our packages. You do not need to pay anything beyond the listed package price. We also cover transportation to and from the House of Justice, interpreter services, and the preparation of all documents.

For comparison: marriage registration for foreigners in Europe costs between 200 and 1,000 euros in government fees alone, plus dozens of supporting documents are required. In Georgia — minimal paperwork and minimal expense.

Question 8

Can the ceremony be held outside Tbilisi?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Registration is possible at any House of Justice in Georgia — there are over 60 throughout the country. The most popular are located in Tbilisi (the central office on Freedom Square), Batumi, Kutaisi, and other major cities.

A special place is the House of Justice in Sighnaghi, known as the City of Love. It operates around the clock, 7 days a week — you can register your marriage even at night under the stars.

In addition to the official registration, we organize outdoor ceremonies anywhere in Georgia: against the backdrop of Mount Kazbek (2,170 m), among the vineyards of Kakheti, in ancient fortresses, on the shores of the Black Sea in Batumi, or at the historic temples of Mtskheta. An official registrar comes to your chosen location — making the ceremony fully legally binding.

Question 9

How far in advance should we book?

Accepted Answer

Recommended booking timelines depend on the season and your chosen package:

• Registration package (basic) — can be arranged within 3-5 days at any time of year.
• Classic or Ceremony package — we recommend 2-3 weeks to secure the best locations and photographer.
• Premium and VIP packages — 3-4 weeks, especially during peak season (May-October), when popular restaurants and hotels fill up quickly.

Peak season in Georgia: May-June and September-October — the best weather, the most sunny days, but also the highest demand. If you prefer tranquility and lower prices, November through April is also wonderful, especially for intimate weddings.

If you are spontaneous — write to us. We can often arrange a registration in as little as 2-3 days.

Question 10

Are there any hidden fees in the packages?

Accepted Answer

All of our packages are all-inclusive. The price covers absolutely everything listed in the package description, with no hidden charges or surprises. Government fees (registration + apostille), transportation, and interpreter services are all included.

What is NOT included (and is paid separately if desired):
• Flights and accommodation — you book these on your own, or we can help you select a hotel.
• Additional services beyond the package — for example, if you want to add videography or dinner to the Classic package.
• Document translation for second marriages — approximately $50-80 per document.

We always calculate the exact total in advance and confirm it with you before booking. No "it turned out to be more expensive" — that is our principle.

FAQ About Weddings and Marriage Registration in Georgia