5 min
Why Georgia Has Become a Favorite Wedding Destination
In recent years, Georgia has become one of the most popular destinations for wedding tourism. Guests do not need to go through complicated bureaucratic procedures: to get married, valid passports are sufficient, along with their translation into Georgian and, if necessary, documents confirming the dissolution of any previous marriage. Registration takes place at the House of Justice and takes one to two days, and the ceremony can be held either in the city or in nature. Only two witnesses are required for the marriage; they can be brought along or arranged through an agency. The country has no visa requirements for citizens of most states, and documents issued in Georgia are recognized worldwide. Because of this, couples from Europe, the Middle East, America, and the CIS come to us — we see newlyweds combining the ceremony with a honeymoon, seaside vacation, or wine tasting.
Traditions of a Georgian Wedding
The wedding cycle consists of three stages: machankloba — matchmaking, when relatives and friends arrange meetings between potential spouses; nishnoba — the official engagement; and kortskhili — the wedding celebration itself. The celebrations are widely known for their scale: the number of guests often exceeds two hundred per family. Refusing to attend is considered a serious offense and can lead to family conflict. Bridesmaids and groomsmen traditionally should not engage in romantic relationships with each other to avoid scandals.
Home Rituals
After registration, at the groom’s house, the newlyweds follow ancient customs. The bride, upon entering the house, steps on a decorative plate and circles a pot with oil or grain three times, then touches the cauldron as a symbol of the home hearth. The groom may climb onto the roof and release a white bird to let go of the old life and welcome the new one. In some regions, the groom dips the wedding ring into a glass of wine, takes the first sip, and passes it to the bride, after which he retrieves the ring and places it on her finger.
Wedding Feast (Supra)
A Georgian wedding is unthinkable without a lavish feast. At the head of the table sits the tamada — the host and chief toastmaster. He gives toasts dedicated to the couple, their parents, future children, and parents-in-law. Each table is assigned a deputy who continues the tradition. The feast can last until the next morning, and jokes about family fights have become part of folklore. Guests should remember that wine is served in small glasses, but there are many toasts, so it is important to keep pace and not overindulge in alcohol.
Wedding Procession and Noisy Parade
After the ceremony, it is customary to organize processions along the streets. Newlyweds often appear through the sunroof or on the roof of the car, followed by a long column of cars honking and signaling. In some families, it is considered an honor to be immediately behind the bride and groom’s car, so vehicles maneuver, overtake each other, and sometimes create chaos on the road — forums describe convoys of 20–30 cars moving at high speed, honking simultaneously and occupying multiple lanes. Such spectacles are memorable, but foreigners should remember traffic rules and not try to compete with locals.
National Values and Atmosphere
Hospitality is a key feature of Georgian culture. Even a stranger in the house becomes a dear guest, cared for as if they were family. At a wedding, this trait is especially prominent: hosts make sure that no one leaves hungry, and everyone takes home a jug of wine and sweets.
Respect for elders and family. Parents and senior relatives play an important role in decision-making. Traditionally, marriages were previously arranged by families, and although in cities young people often make decisions independently, parental blessing remains important.
Faith. Most Georgians practice Orthodox Christianity, but the country is tolerant of other confessions; therefore, interfaith marriages are allowed in Georgia, and marriage registration is purely secular. If desired, a church ceremony can be held after state registration.
Wedding Convoy: Most Popular Cars
As a car rental company, we observe how our clients’ requests have changed over the years. While previously the main star of a wedding was a white “Volga” or a family-decorated car, today newlyweds aim to make a strong impression.
- Luxury Brands — Rolls‑Royce, Maybach, Bentley, and Maserati — are consistently associated with royal elegance. In Tbilisi, Hummer H2, Cadillac Escalade, and Lincoln Town Car limousines are popular: these vehicles accommodate 16–25 people, feature stylish interiors, and powerful audio systems.
- Premium Sedans — Mercedes‑Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, or Audi A8. These models are chosen by couples who value comfort but want to avoid the bulkiness of a limousine.
- SUVs and Crossovers — Range Rover, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Mercedes‑Benz G-Class are suitable for weddings in the mountains or at wineries.
- Party Buses and Coaches — for large weddings, we provide decorated minibuses and buses to transport guests in a single convoy.
When choosing transportation, newlyweds consider the style of the event, number of guests, route, and budget. Thanks to a large fleet, we can offer models from Mercedes, BMW, Range Rover, Toyota, Lexus, Audi, and others.
Tips for Tourists and Foreigners
Respect Traditions
- Stay Until the End. Leaving early at a Georgian wedding is considered impolite. If you cannot stay until morning, inform the hosts.
- Follow the Tamada. Do not interrupt the toasts and do not raise your glass before the tamada does.
- Give Gifts. Cash in an envelope is the most common gift, especially if you are unsure of the couple’s taste.
- Dress Respectfully. For a church ceremony, women are recommended to wear a headscarf, and men should wear trousers and a shirt.
Precautions
- Mountain Roads. For trips to Kakheti, Mtskheta, or Kazbegi, choose vehicles with all-wheel drive and trust professional drivers.
- Toasts and Alcohol. Georgian toasts are not only an opportunity to drink but also part of the culture. Wine is served in small glasses, but there are many toasts, so watch your consumption. It is better to stay sober when driving.
- Nighttime Feasts. Plan your energy in advance: banquets can last until morning, and afterwards guests face the journey home.
- Language Barrier. In large cities, many speak English and Russian, but in remote areas a translator may be needed.
- Documents and Legal Accuracy. Make sure all documents are correctly translated and certified. If you conclude a prenuptial agreement, it should also be prepared by a notary.
- Weather and Season. Summers in Tbilisi are very hot, so prepare vehicles with air conditioning and water; winters in the mountains may have snow — choose SUVs.
Conclusion
A wedding in Georgia is a celebration of the soul. Ancient traditions, genuine hospitality, delicious cuisine, and beautiful nature come together here. We, as a car rental company, help make this day special: offering vehicles for every taste, assisting with logistics, recommending reliable vendors, and sharing our experience. Georgia is open to foreigners: the marriage registration process is simple, and organizing the celebration can easily be combined with a trip.
The key is to respect local customs, plan ahead, and trust professionals. Then a wedding journey to Georgia will leave the warmest memories and provide the beginning of a new happy story.
