A Wedding Abroad Without the Bureaucracy: Georgia or Bulgaria for Foreign Couples

Newlyweds from different countries are increasingly choosing Georgia for the official registration of their marriage. The wedding procedure in this country is максимально simplified, and resolving legal formalities requires minimal time. A major advantage of the state is the picturesque and diverse nature of the Caucasus. Mountains, valleys, vineyards, the Black Sea coast, ancient towns and villages — all of this creates a unique праздничная atmosphere that will remain in memory for a lifetime.

Marriage registration in Bulgaria for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus is possible, but the process is strictly regulated by local and European legislation and requires careful preparation. The country recognizes only traditional marriage between a man and a woman; same-sex unions have no legal force. The main requirement is that both the bride and groom must be adults, although in exceptional cases a court may permit marriage from the age of sixteen. Voluntary consent and valid documents are also mandatory.

For citizens of the above-mentioned states, the procedure is complicated by the need to provide official certificates of marital status, confirmation of divorce, or a spouse’s death certificate. All documents must be translated into Bulgarian and notarized or apostilled. Nevertheless, Bulgaria remains a popular destination due to its status as a member of the European Union and its relatively affordable service costs.

In Bulgaria, marriage between foreign nationals is regulated by the Family Code and various administrative acts. In practice, this means that a foreign couple must meet the same requirements as residents, along with additional conditions related to their legal stay in the country. It is essential that at least one of the future spouses has legal grounds to stay in Bulgaria (such as a visa or residence permit); without this, marriage registration is impossible.

Both parties must present certificates of marital status confirming there are no legal impediments to marriage. Such documents are usually issued by the consulate or embassy of the home country. If issued in a language other than Bulgarian, they must be officially translated and notarized. The future spouses must also provide valid passports and birth certificates translated into Bulgarian.

For official marriage registration in Bulgaria, foreign citizens must prepare the following documents in advance, recognized by the local civil registry office:

• An international passport of each spouse, valid at the time of application.
• A birth certificate translated into Bulgarian and notarized.
• A certificate of marital status (confirming the applicant is not married in their home country), issued by the competent authority of the country of citizenship and legalized with an apostille.
• A medical certificate issued in Bulgaria confirming there are no impediments to marriage (such as infectious diseases).
• An application for marriage submitted to the municipality where the ceremony will take place.
• A receipt confirming payment of the state registration fee.

Each certificate — whether a birth certificate or proof of marital status — must undergo translation into Bulgarian and notarization, and in some cases apostille legalization. This makes the preparation process complex and bureaucratic, where even minor errors can result in refusal of registration.

Another challenge is obtaining a certificate of marital status in the country of citizenship or through a consulate, which requires time and bureaucratic coordination. Delays often occur due to differences in wording and legal requirements. Citizens must also have a legal basis for staying in Bulgaria; otherwise, the application will not be accepted.

Marriage registration in Georgia for non-residents offers several legal advantages that make the country especially attractive for couples not only from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, but also from EU countries and many other regions:

• The registration process is extremely simple. A minimal set of documents is required — usually international passports and, if applicable, a divorce decree or death certificate of a previous spouse.
• Short processing times — marriage can be registered within one day, which is far more efficient compared to bureaucratic procedures in other countries that may take months.
• International recognition of Georgian marriage certificates. Documents can be legalized with an apostille and are accepted worldwide.
• Marriage without knowledge of the Georgian language. All procedures are available with translation, and legal validity is ensured through notarization.
• Flexible legislation with no strict restrictions based on citizenship, religion, or nationality.

The difference in approach is striking. In Bulgaria, the process takes significantly more time due to document collection, translation, notarization, apostille legalization, and official checks, which may last weeks or even months. Even after submitting the application to the municipality, couples must wait for an agreed registration date. As a result, wedding preparation becomes lengthy and bureaucratically complicated.

In Georgia, the situation is the opposite. Marriage registration can be completed in a single day. Foreign couples only need to provide international passports, and all other formalities, including translation and legalization, can be handled through affordable wedding agencies. This makes Georgia highly attractive for those who want to formalize their relationship quickly and obtain a document recognized worldwide thanks to the apostille.

The cost of organizing a wedding in Bulgaria and Georgia also differs. In Bulgaria, expenses are influenced not only by European price levels but also by document preparation, translation, notarization, apostille legalization, visa costs, and municipal fees. Even a modest ceremony can become expensive due to bureaucratic requirements. Accommodation, restaurants, resorts, and wedding agency services are also relatively costly.

In Georgia, marriage registration is more affordable because the required document package is minimal and the procedure is fast and accessible. A wedding can be organized literally within one day, with costs depending mainly on the chosen celebration format. The country actively supports tourism, making it possible to arrange a beautiful and atmospheric ceremony at a reasonable price.

For organizing a wedding in Bulgaria, many foreigners require a visa. Since March 2024, Bulgaria has been part of the Schengen Area, meaning entry requires a visa or a valid residence permit from an EU country. Ukrainian citizens may enter visa-free with a biometric passport and stay for up to three months.

In Georgia, the situation is much simpler. For most foreign nationals, including citizens of the Russian Federation, Ukraine, and Belarus, visa-free entry is available. This means couples can travel and register their marriage without additional visa formalities — only valid international passports are required.

As for preparation time, in Bulgaria it may take weeks or even months due to the need to collect and legalize numerous documents. In Georgia, the entire process usually takes one or two days, making the country one of the fastest options for marriage registration.

In Bulgaria, the procedure is carried out through the Ministry of Justice and other authorized bodies. The country is a participant in the Hague Convention, meaning marriage certificates can be apostilled and recognized in member states. However, mandatory translation into Bulgarian, notarization, and additional approvals are required.

In Georgia, the procedure is significantly simpler. The country joined the Hague Convention in 2007. An apostille can be obtained at the Public Service Hall or offices of the State Services Development Agency. It is important to note that the apostille is issued only for new-format certificates; if the document is outdated, a modern duplicate must first be obtained.