Georgia is an increasingly popular destination for couples wishing to get married — whether one or both partners are foreign nationals. The country offers a clear legal framework, welcoming approach, and relatively efficient registration process. Whether you plan a romantic destination wedding or a civil registration for legal purposes, Georgia provides a reliable system for marriage recognition.
Marriage in Georgia is governed by civil law and is registered by the Public Service Development Agency (SDA). The institution ensures all legal requirements are met, marriage records are maintained, and official marriage certificates are issued. Foreign nationals have the right to register their marriage in Georgia, regardless of citizenship, provided all legal conditions are satisfied
Flexible and welcoming legal framework for foreigners
Efficient civil registration procedures
Beautiful destination settings for weddings
Cost-effective compared with many other jurisdictions
Possibility to combine the ceremony with relocation or study plans
Whether you are formalizing your status for legal reasons or planning a memorable wedding, Georgia offers a reliable and structured system for marriage registration.
Marriage in Georgia can be registered between:
Two foreign citizens
A foreign citizen and a Georgian national
Two Georgian nationals
The marriage must comply with Georgian family law, and both parties must be of legal marriage age and free to marry (i.e., not currently married under Georgian law or the law of their home country).
Foreigners wishing to register a marriage in Georgia typically need to prepare and present:
Valid passports for both partners
Notarized translations of passports and other required documents (if not in Georgian)
Certificates of no legal impediment to marriage (e.g., single status, certificate of no marriage)
Birth certificates, with legalization or apostille if required by the authorities
Any additional documents requested by the SDA or local registry
Documents issued outside Georgia may need apostille or legalisation and certified translation before submission. UniPath can assist with all document preparation, translation, apostille/legalization, and notarization to ensure compliance.
Submission of Application
Couples submit a marriage application and required documents to the Public Service Hall or relevant SDA office.
Document Verification
The documents are verified, including identity, marital status, and conformity with legal requirements.
Scheduling the Ceremony
Once all documents are accepted and verified, a date for the civil wedding ceremony is scheduled. This may occur at the Public Service Hall or another authorized location.
Civil Marriage Ceremony
The civil ceremony is conducted in accordance with Georgian law. An official registrar performs the marriage, and both partners, along with witnesses, sign the official marriage register.
Issuance of Marriage Certificate
After the ceremony, the official Georgian marriage certificate is issued. This document is recognized in Georgia and, with the appropriate apostille or consular legalization, internationally.
Marriages registered in Georgia are legally valid in Georgia. To ensure recognition in another country, the marriage certificate may require:
Apostille (if your home country is part of the Hague Convention)
Consular legalization (for non-Hague Convention countries)
Any specific requirements of the home country’s civil registry
UniPath provides comprehensive assistance with apostille or legalization and guidance on recognition procedures in your home country.
Document preparation and verification
Translation, notarization, and apostille/legalization
Submission and tracking of marriage application
Coordination with Public Service Hall registries
Language and logistics support for civil ceremonies
Guidance on international recognition and certification