Getting married in Georgia is an official civil-status process, not only a ceremony. The practical work starts before travel: establish the correct document set, make sure every foreign record is usable in Georgia, and give enough time to resolve spelling, translation, or authentication questions.
This page is a document-preparation checklist. PSDA, Public Service Hall, the registry, and any receiving authority determine the current requirements and acceptance in each case.
What the PSDA currently requires
PSDA states that marriage can be registered at a Wedding House, PSDA territorial office, or Public Service Hall branch. Both people must be at least 18 and attend personally; PSDA says the marriage itself cannot be registered through a representative. Its page separately refers to an application filed by a representative, so confirm any representative role in filing directly with PSDA. Two legally capable adult witnesses must attend.
The official list includes a joint written application, identity documents for the couple and witnesses, and proof ending a previous marriage where applicable. A foreign citizen must also submit evidence of lawful stay in Georgia. Standard marriage registration at PSDA territorial offices and Public Service Hall branches is free when special-ceremony services are not used.
Before travelling: send a document scan pack
Before booking a fixed ceremony date, send readable scans of:
- both passport identity pages;
- any document connected with a previous marriage;
- every apostille, legalization, notarial certificate, and annex already attached;
- the nationality of each partner;
- the intended marriage date and location; and
- the country where the Georgian marriage certificate will later be used.
This lets the document chain be reviewed before originals travel. It does not replace a confirmation from the registration authority.
If neither partner has been married before
The current PSDA list starts with identity documents and the joint application. Do not add unnecessary certificates solely because a blog or agent calls them “standard.” Nationality, the document language, lawful-stay evidence, and the registrar’s current instructions may affect what the individual file needs.
A foreign passport may be accepted without Georgian translation if it contains Latin transliteration of the holder’s personal data. Do not assume this exception applies to another foreign record.
If one partner is divorced
PSDA requires a document proving termination of the previous marriage. Supply the final official document, complete rather than excerpted, and include authentication pages where relevant. A divorce certificate, court judgment, or other record can carry different information; the registrar should confirm what is sufficient for the particular case.
Do not confuse this with Georgia’s own divorce-registration timetable. PSDA publishes five working days and GEL 60 for registration of divorce and certificate issuance; it is not a promise that a court divorce is completed within five days.
If one partner is widowed
Ask the registrar which official evidence of termination is required. A death certificate may need authentication and Georgian translation if it was issued abroad. Send the complete document before arranging an original or courier.
Foreign documents, apostille/legalization, and Georgian translation
PSDA states that a foreign-issued document other than an identity document must be duly apostilled or legalized and accompanied by a notarized Georgian translation for marriage registration. The authentication route depends on the issuing country and document. A foreign document should normally be authenticated through its issuing country’s competent authority, not in Georgia.
Make sure the translation includes every relevant page: certificate, court decision, apostille or legalization page, seals, stamps, annexes, and notes. For a broader explanation, see apostille and legalization in Georgia and using foreign documents in Georgia.
Witnesses and interpreting
Two legally capable adult witnesses are required. Confirm their identity-document and language arrangements with the registrar in advance. If either partner or witness cannot follow the registration process in the working language, ask the authority whether an interpreter is required and in what form. Caucasus Translations can provide interpreting support subject to confirmed availability; we do not replace the registrar’s decision about procedure.
After marriage: prepare the certificate for its next use
A Georgian marriage certificate may later be needed for a visa, residence, bank, inheritance, name-change, family, or overseas administrative matter. Ask the future recipient whether it needs a newly issued certificate, apostille/legalization, translation, or a document issued within a particular period. See marriage certificate translation and apostille in Georgia.
Enquiry checklist
Send Caucasus Translations:
- nationality of each partner;
- passport scans;
- previous-marriage status and supporting documents, if any;
- intended registration date;
- location/registrar if known;
- country and institution where the certificate will be used after marriage; and
- language/interpreting needs.
We can review the translation scope, help coordinate document preparation, and arrange delivery where appropriate. We do not give legal advice or guarantee registration or overseas acceptance.
Frequently asked questions
Are witnesses required for a marriage in Georgia?
Yes. PSDA’s current marriage page requires two legally capable adult witnesses.
Is marriage registration free?
PSDA states that standard registration at its territorial offices and Public Service Hall branches, without special-ceremony services, is free.
Do foreign documents need Georgian translation?
For marriage registration, PSDA says foreign-issued non-identity documents must be duly apostilled or legalized and accompanied by a notarized Georgian translation.
Can we register a marriage through a representative?
No. PSDA states that marriage registration through a representative is not permitted.