Traveling to other countries has long been a part of our daily lives, and the geography of people’s travels is constantly expanding due to the growth of specific tourism destinations, such as medical tourism, shopping tours or wedding tourism.
Each of these niches has its own countries and «patrimonies». As part of wedding tourism, back in the early 2000s, couples “chased” the notorious beach views and chose the Maldivian template for their wedding, today the approach to choosing a wedding destination has changed significantly, and the list of countries attractive for the wedding of foreign couples has been replenished with new noteworthy options.
The number of reasons why couples decide to marry abroad is constantly growing. Let’s look at the most significant of them:
- Wedding + honeymoon. Many couples choose to save money and combine their marriage registration and honeymoon trip, thus saving time and money.
- Wedding budget. Depending on the location and format of the wedding, a celebration abroad could be cheaper than a traditional wedding in your home country. This is especially true for couples who prefer a modest, intimate wedding format.
- Legal restrictions. In some cases, lovers cannot legally marry in their country of residence due to legal or religious restrictions. A wedding abroad may be the only way for them to legitimize their relationship.
- Family issue. For future spouses whose family members live abroad or have cultural ties to another country, a wedding abroad can be a way to honor traditions and reunite with their loved ones on this important family day.
- Unique experience. A wedding abroad gives inexpressible emotions, impressions and memories, unlike a traditional wedding in a familiar setting and established wedding patterns. The couples may choose completely unique format, whether it be a ceremony on the beach, in a castle or on a mountain top, that will guarantee a truly unforgettable experience.
- Simple planning. Some couples find planning a wedding abroad easier and less tiring than planning a traditional wedding back home. This is especially true for people who prefer all-inclusive packages or entrust everything to a planner who specializes in providing turnkey wedding planning services.
All in all, getting married abroad offers many benefits and unique experience for couples looking to «tie the knot». However, before making a decision, it is important to carefully plan the logistics and note all the legal requirements related.
Georgia and Turkey are among the most popular destinations in the list of the best places for foreigners to register a marriage due to simple and pretty clear legislative formulations regarding the marriage procedure for foreigners. For example, in Georgia, couples can get married just in one day, and this is the most budget and fastest process compared to other countries. Turkey is also a popular wedding destination for foreign couples, with many beautiful and affordable locations to choose from.
Is worth to note that the stunning natural landscapes, ancient architecture, and vibrant cultural traditions of both countries inspire couples in an effort to organize their wedding day in a special way.
Let’s just compare the most significant parameters of the two directions mentioned above:
Marriage registration: pro and cons objectives:
| Turkey | Georgia | |
| Opportunity to get married for foreigners (with no citizenship or residence permit obtained) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa requirement | In most of cases, the entrance visa is not required and you may stay in the country for 90 day with no any specific confirmation. (Please check with your embassy the relevant visa requirement to visit Turkey) | In most of cases, the entrance visa is not required and you may stay in the country for 90 day with no any specific confirmation. (Please check with your embassy the relevant visa requirement to visit Turkey) |
| Basic marriage registration cost (excluding the offsite ceremony) | 25-55 USD | 28-84 USD |
| Marriage registration cost (including the offsite ceremony) | From 2 300 USD | From 1 960 USD |
| 5* Hotel room rate per night | 200-600 USD | 150-400 USD |
| Car rental per day | 20-50 USD | 20-50 USD |
| Top destinations among the country | Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, Cappadocia | Tbilisi, Batumi, Gudauri, Sighnaghi |
| Top wedding venues | – Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel. – Four Seasons Hotel. – Resort complex «Marmara Antalya Beach & Resort». – Hotel «Argos». – Resort complex «Hillside Beach Club». – Hotel «Palazzo Versace Istanbul». – Hotel «D Maris Bay». Boutique hotel «The House Hotel Bosphorus». | – Kvareli Lake Resort Pier – Radisson Hotel. Collection Tsinandali Hotel. – Zurab Tsereteli Museum of Contemporary Art. – Vazisubani Estate – a complex for recreation and winery. – Ampelo Resort Hotel. |
| Documents required | – Valid international passport ot travel document – Relevant marital status certificate. – Birth certificate. – 6 color photos (on a white background, size 4.5×6 made in the last 6 months). – Medical certificate – In case of previously changed your last name or first name, providing the apostille certificate confirming the change of data mentioned is a must. – All documents should be tranlated to Turkish passsing the notarization and apostille. | – Valid international passport or travel document |
| Recognition of the legitimacy of the marriage certificate in other countries | Yes. After returning to the country of residence, you must legalize it with the local authorities. | Yes. After returning to the country of residence, you must legalize it with the local authorities. |
| General requirements for the marriage registration | – The actual presence of all the necessary documents. – Both partners must be of legal age. – Partners cannot be related by blood. – Both partners must be legally capable. – Arrival to Turkey a few days before the marriage in order to proceed the medical examination. – Personal presence at the marriage registation Providing two witnesses who present at the ceremony (not parents of the couple). | – The actual presence of all the necessary documents. – Both partners must be of legal age. – Partners cannot be related by blood. – Both partners must be legally capable. – Personal presence at the marriage registration. Providing two witnesses who present at the ceremony. |
| Same sex marriage availability | No | No |
Organizing the wedding abroad is not an easy process, and is extremely important to take the right choice of a country for the marriage registration seriously, as your decision determines not only the terms of the marriage registration process, but the overall impression of the most important day of your life and the wedding faery as well.
If you are planning your marriage and celebration here in Georgia, you just need to contact the manager of the «Shu Wedding» agency.
We will gladly take care of all the preparations, fulfill all your wishes and do our best to make your wedding in Georgia memorable for a lifetime!
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We organize weddings in Georgia , for any budget and wishes. With us, you won't have to think about how to organize your event or what documents you'll need. Georgia has simple laws and quick administrative resources, all you need for your dream wedding is your passports, we do the rest for you.
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