How the Wedding Day Works
Civil registration at the Civil Registry Agency takes 30 minutes. You receive your Georgian marriage certificate the same day. The government provides witnesses — you do not need to bring your own. State fee: ₾50 (express same-day: ₾150).
After registration, the ceremony moves to your chosen location: Ananuri Castle, the Kakheti vineyards, or a panoramic terrace above Tbilisi. A professional photographer captures every moment. The wedding dinner is a genuine Georgian feast — 15–20 dishes, wine from clay amphorae, a tamada leading heartfelt toasts, and live music that turns every table into a celebration.
Best Ceremony Locations in Georgia
Three iconic settings — each with its own atmosphere:
- Ananuri Castle (75 km from Tbilisi, 1 hour). Medieval towers rising above an emerald reservoir. The castle grounds are open to visitors; entry ₾5. The best shot: through the arched gateway with water in the background.
- Tsinandali Vineyards, Kakheti (100 km, 1.5 hours). The 19th-century estate of the Chavchavadze princes, with a 14-hectare park. Venue rental available on request. Golden autumn in October is the most photogenic season.
- Tbilisi Panoramic Terrace — several restaurants in the Mtatsminda district at 700 m altitude with a full panorama of the city. Ideal for an urban wedding with a dramatic backdrop.
Full Hour-by-Hour Wedding Day Program
09:00 — Hotel pickup. Transfer to the Civil Registry Agency of Tbilisi (Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue, 12). Registration takes 30 minutes. The official ceremony is conducted in Georgian with interpretation. State fee ₾50. Witnesses are provided by the state — you do not need to arrange them.
10:30 — Departure to the chosen ceremony location. Three options in detail:
- Ananuri Castle — 75 km north of Tbilisi along the Georgian Military Highway. Medieval towers overlooking the jade waters of Zhinvali Reservoir. Open grounds, entry ₾5. Best photo angle: inside the arched fortress gate with water in the background. Drive 1 hour.
- Tsinandali Estate (Kakheti) — 100 km east, 1.5 hours. Former residence of the Chavchavadze family (19th century), with a 14-hectare park and winery. Venue can be rented for private ceremonies on request. October harvest season offers spectacular golden colors.
- Tbilisi Old Town Terrace — Mtatsminda restaurants at 700 m altitude, 15 minutes from the center. Panoramic views across the entire city and the Kura River. Best at golden hour, around 18:00–19:00.
13:00 — Photo session at the chosen location. Recommended photographer: ₾300–400 for 4 hours, fluent in English, knows all the best angles at each site.
16:00 — Wedding dinner. Traditional Georgian table: 15–20 dishes, wine, meat, cheese, fresh herbs. Budget: ₾50–80 per person including wine. The tamada (toastmaster) leads the toasts — this is not a simple emcee role. Each toast is a brief speech on love, family, and the meaning of life. Two formats available: an intimate restaurant for 10–20 people, or a private hall in a historic building.
Registration Documents — What You Need
Georgia makes international civil marriage refreshingly simple. Required documents:
- Valid passports of both partners (originals)
- Divorce certificates if either partner was previously married (originals + Georgian translation)
- Application form (completed on-site at the Civil Registry)
The Georgian marriage certificate is legally valid in most countries. For use in the UK, US, Canada, and EU, an apostille is required (₾80, issued the same day at the Justice House). Timur helps coordinate the paperwork and appointments in advance so there are no surprises on the day.
Specific Tips for a Wedding in Georgia
- Book the registration for Wednesday or Thursday — fewer queues at the Civil Registry Agency. Fridays and Saturdays can have waits of 3–5 couples ahead of you.
- The Georgian marriage certificate is legally recognized in the UK, EU, US, and most other countries with an apostille (₾80, same-day processing).
- Best months for photography: April (spring blossoms), May (green hills with snow on the mountains simultaneously), October (golden autumn in Kakheti vineyards).
- For Sighnaghi ceremonies — the "City of Love" — registration is available around the clock. You need passports, Georgian-language translations (notarized), and a certificate of civil status. Venue from ₾500 including the hall. Book at least one month in advance.
What to Bring
- Valid passports of both partners (originals)
- Divorce certificates if applicable (originals + translation)
- Wedding outfit — a lighter version if the ceremony is outdoors
- Comfortable shoes for stone paths in castle grounds
- ₾300–500 cash for initial expenses (registration fee, tips, first meals)
Practical Information
The tour starts from your hotel in Tbilisi. Transfer is in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Maximum 7 people in the primary vehicle — individual attention for each guest. Additional vehicles are arranged for larger wedding parties. The route is flexible: stops can be added or removed based on your preferences. Languages: English, Russian, Georgian.
Booking and Payment
Message on WhatsApp (+995 511 272 623) — Timur responds within 10–15 minutes, including evenings. Send your date, number of guests, and any specific wishes. You will receive a confirmation with the full itinerary, timing, and price. Prepayment: 10% at booking, balance on the day of the tour. Payment accepted: Georgian lari (₾) cash, bank transfer, cryptocurrency. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. During high season (May–October) book 3–5 days in advance; for weddings, 3–4 weeks is strongly recommended.
What to Pack
Comfortable shoes — even if you picture a purely seated ceremony, Georgian castle grounds have uneven stone paths and short 30–60 minute walks are typical. A bottle of water (additional water provided). Georgian lari cash for local purchases and gratuities. In winter: warm layers and gloves. In summer: sunscreen and a hat for outdoor ceremonies. A light outfit option if the ceremony is outdoors in the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners legally get married in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia officially registers civil marriages of foreign nationals at the Civil Registry Agency. The process takes one day: valid passports are the only requirement. The Georgian marriage certificate is internationally recognized. An apostille (₾80) is required for use in most Western countries and takes the same day to process.
Where in Georgia can a wedding ceremony be held?
Medieval churches of Mtskheta, Ananuri Castle, the vineyards of Kakheti, the mountains of Kazbegi — the guide helps you choose and organize the ceremony of your dreams. For something unconventional: rooftop restaurants in Tbilisi old town, private villa estates in Kakheti, or the round-the-clock registry office in Sighnaghi, the "City of Love."
What does a wedding tour in Georgia include?
Ceremony organization, coordination of the Civil Registry appointment, photo session at the best locations, banquet at a traditional Georgian restaurant, full-day private transfer, and document assistance. The complete program is assembled individually based on your preferences and budget.
Can we have a religious or symbolic ceremony?
Orthodox Christian ceremonies are available at Georgian churches with advance arrangement. For other faiths, symbolic ceremonies at any scenic outdoor location are the most popular option — no legal paperwork required, maximum creative freedom.
What is the best time of year for a wedding in Georgia?
April (spring blossoms), May (green mountains with snow simultaneously), September (warm, clear, uncrowded), and October (golden Kakheti harvest season) are the best months for outdoor ceremonies and photography. Avoid July–August when Tbilisi regularly reaches 36–38°C.
Detailed Route Notes
Civil marriage registration in Georgia is valid internationally and takes one full day. The Civil Registry Agency in Tbilisi processes applications in 30 minutes (standard fee ₾50; same-day express ₾150). Timur organizes: transfer, recommended photographer (from $200), florist if desired, and restaurant for the banquet. Popular photo locations: Ananuri Castle against Zhinvali Reservoir, Sighnaghi gardens above the Alazani Valley, Tbilisi Old Town with the Kura River below. Banquet at a family-run restaurant: from ₾80/person including Georgian wine, khachapuri, grilled meats, and dessert.
Book Your Wedding Tour
Timur · Sakhva Travel · licensed guide No. 8247109128 · rating 4.9 · 500+ guests