5 countries where it is easiest for foreigners to get married

Getting married abroad isn’t always a smooth or quick process. Couples often find themselves lost in the rules and requirements of a foreign country, drowning in paperwork, and gathering countless documents. There’s a risk that your happiest day could turn into a stressful one. To make sure that doesn’t happen, we suggest having your wedding and legally registering your marriage in Georgia.
We are Violet Weddings, a professional wedding agency. Our mission is to organize a seamless and legally sound marriage for your couple, handling all the nuances and details. A Georgian marriage certificate is recognized in most countries around the world. Plus, the country’s location, stunning nature, hospitable traditions, and unique culture will make your celebration truly unforgettable.
We also encourage you to look through this guide to getting married in other countries, so you can weigh all the pros and cons. Choose the best option for your wedding—and let this day be one of a kind.
Georgia: get legally married in just 1 day
This beautiful country of mountains, vineyards, lakes, valleys, and the sea seems tailor-made to bring happiness to couples in love. Here, you can easily get married within 24 hours. The cost of the marriage service is affordable, and there are minimal requirements for the couple. Registration is quick, hassle-free, stress-free, and won’t require significant financial outlay.
Required documents for marriage registration in Georgia
Couples from other countries must provide documents translated into Georgian and notarized. These include: foreign passports, divorce certificates, or death certificates of a former spouse. If the couple has children together, their birth certificates must also be submitted. The bride and groom complete the registration application and submit it to the House of Justice. No other extensive paperwork or certificates are required.
Our team will handle the entire documentation process, including the legalization of your marriage certificate. An organizer will guide you through every step of the legal procedure. We can plan, organize, and execute your entire wedding, complete with a ceremony at your chosen stunning location, a modest reception, or a lavish banquet featuring traditional Georgian hospitality. We have top-tier packages to suit any budget.
Why couples worldwide choose Tbilisi and Batumi:
- wonderful nature: mountains, vineyards, the sea, and lakes.
- abundance of unique locations (both urban and rural) for your ceremony and photo shoot.
- stylish venues for banquets or receptions to fit any request.
- high-quality wedding services at an affordable price.
- opportunity for interfaith marriages.
- religious ceremonies (Catholic, Orthodox, and others).
- rapid marriage registration (within 24 hours).
Denmark: Europe's capital for quick weddings
In this European country, couples of any nationality, gender, or orientation can legally tie the knot within one to two weeks. It’s an ideal location for a wedding and honeymoon. The charming, historic streets of Copenhagen, the breathtaking Scandinavian scenery, and a plethora of cozy spots are truly enchanting. Denmark is perfectly suited for an intimate celebration, an elopement, or even a festive weekend with many guests.
Conditions and Registration Process for Foreign Citizens
Current law requires foreigners to submit a specific list of documents, translated into Danish or English and legalized with an apostille. In addition to the couple’s passports, a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is required. Any documents confirming a prior divorce or the death of a previous spouse must also be submitted. The future spouses must complete a marriage registration application. In some cases, couples may need to confirm a registered place of residence or arrange an entry visa.
Benefits of Marrying in Denmark for EU and CIS Residents
EU citizens: those marrying a Danish national gain the right to reside in Denmark. The registration process is simplified, requiring less extensive paperwork.
CIS citizens: for citizens of CIS countries, getting married here legalizes their stay in Denmark (provided they have a valid visa). A legal marriage allows them to apply for a residence permit under family reunification rules, if their partner is Danish.
See also: How foreigners can get married in one day: the easiest countries for a wedding
Turkey: romance and a legal ceremony by the sea
A wedding in Turkey is truly a vivid, memorable event. The warm sun, light sea breeze, and the enchanting veil of Oriental tales will make your celebration unique. Foreign couples do not need a visa to stay in the country, and the pricing for wedding services falls within the mid-range.
Required documents and registration procedure
Getting legally married in Turkey is neither particularly easy nor quick. By law, couples are required to undergo a compulsory medical examination at a state-accredited healthcare facility. The couple must also meet age requirements and prepare a full document package. This includes passports, translated into Turkish and notarized either by a notary at the embassy or a local one. Birth certificates are required with translation and apostille. Documents confirming a previous divorce or the death of a former spouse must be similarly processed.
If both spouses are foreign citizens, you must provide a certificate from your hotel administration to confirm your residency and the duration of your stay. A medical certificate from a private clinic is not accepted; it must come from a state-accredited institution. The application for marriage registration, submitted by the couple to the local municipality, must be accompanied by six recently taken 3×4 cm photos.
Key considerations for foreign marriages in Turkey
Turkish legislation is strictly enforced by local authorities. Any documents you submit for marriage registration must be in perfect order. Paper translations must be notarized or apostilled in the country of issue. Be aware that every document will be thoroughly checked.
Frequently Asked: marriage registration in Georgia for foreigners: documents, requirements and process
Cyprus: the island of love and rapid legalization
You can get married here quickly and without bureaucratic delays. The island is warm and sunny almost year-round, so the wedding season truly never ends. Stunning coastal scenery and a straightforward legal process make Cyprus a popular choice for couples. Be aware that to obtain a marriage license, you must be present on the island for a minimum of three days.
Requirements for foreign citizens to register
If you choose to marry in Cyprus, you should prepare your documents, including translation, certification, and legalization, well in advance. The accepted languages are Greek or English. You will need passports valid for at least six months, and birth certificates. A notary must certify an Affidavit of Freedom to Marry (a sworn statement confirming your legal ability to wed). For those who have been married before, proof of the termination of the previous civil status is required, which means providing a death certificate or a divorce decree. The couple and the witnesses must also submit copies of the photo pages of their passports.
Civil vs symbolic marriage in Cyprus: the difference
It’s important to note one key detail: When the wedding season peaks, the cost of renting the best venues increases, and securing a booking can be difficult. The overall cost of wedding services on the island is generally quite high. If a wedding here is your dream, consider organizing a Symbolic Ceremony. You can legally sign the papers in your home country and then hold a beautiful, romantic celebration on the coast in Cyprus. This approach allows you to bypass the hassle of processing documents and waiting in line for a slot at the local municipality.
Want to discuss your event? Write to us!
Gibraltar: a British marriage without the bureaucracy
This small British Overseas Territory is located on the southern Spanish coast. Couples come here to get married quickly and without excessive complexity. A marriage certificate issued in Gibraltar is recognized in most countries worldwide, including the EU, the UK, and many others. Official weddings are available here for couples in the LGBTQ+ community as well. The legal policy is flexible and free of bureaucratic obstacles.
Required documents and application procedure
Regardless of gender, citizenship, or nationality, couples submit the same set of documents for registration. If you plan to officially marry in Gibraltar, you should prepare your paperwork in advance. Documents not in English require a certified translation by a qualified professional translator, whose contact details must be provided. If you are submitting copies instead of originals, they must be notarized.
Couples must provide their passports and full birth certificates that include information about their parents. Documents confirming current marital status are necessary: a previous divorce certificate or a death certificate (if one partner is widowed). If the spouses have changed their names, official confirmation of this fact is also required. The foreigner must prove their presence in Gibraltar for a minimum of 24 hours. This can be confirmed with a letter from a hotel administrator or a note from a local resident. Finally, the couple completes the marriage application forms obtained from a notary.
Why Gibraltar has become a popular alternative for international couples
Gibraltar perfectly combines the speed of bureaucratic procedures, legal validity, and stunning natural beauty. If a couple wants to get officially married quickly, hold a beautiful ceremony on the coast, and host a celebration at a modern, stylish venue—it can all be easily arranged right here. Your wedding memories will include amazing photographs and incredible experiences.
Summary
To help you with your decision, we’ve compiled a summary table below that outlines the key features and possibilities available to foreign couples in the countries discussed.
| Country
Possibilities |
Georgia | Denmark | Turkey | Cyprus | Gibraltar |
| Visa-free entry | + | + | + | + | – |
| Marriage registration within 24 hours | + | – | – | – | + |
| Minimum documentation required | + | + | – | + | + |
| Need for additional certificates (medical, proof of stay, etc.) | – | – | + | + | + |
| Beautiful venues for the ceremony | + | + | + | + | + |
| Low prices for wedding services | + | + | – | – | + |
Each of the countries has its own advantages that attract couples for official marriage. We believe that Georgia is the best option. It offers a perfect balance of natural beauty, simplicity, and a unique atmosphere. In Sakartvelo (Georgia), the most cherished dreams come true. A wedding here will be stress-free and without bureaucratic hurdles. Marriage registration can take place on the same day the application is submitted, which is highly convenient for foreigners.
If you wish not only to legally sign the papers but also to hold a wedding celebration on Georgian soil, we are ready to organize it for you at the highest level. It will be an unforgettable celebration of love in an atmosphere of light, warmth, hospitality, and natural beauty.
Just call or write to us, and our team will offer your couple unique, creative ideas for your special day. We will do everything possible to ensure the start of your family life is fantastic, comfortable, and beautiful.