Lebanese law prohibits civil marriage within the country, so couples must go abroad for this option. The top destinations for Lebanese couples are Georgia, the UAE, and Cyprus. After marrying abroad, they must submit their marriage certificate to the Personal Status Department at Lebanon’s Ministry of Interior for official recognition.

In this article, we will look at the marriage process in these three countries. We will also explain why Georgia and the UAE might be better options than Cyprus.

Civil Marriage in Cyprus for Lebanese Couples

For Lebanese couples, getting married in Cyprus is often not the easiest option due to the complex and time-consuming process. Here are the steps they need to go through for a civil marriage in Cyprus:

Document Requirements for Lebanese Couples for Civil Marriage in Cyprus

Lebanese couples must provide several documents to have a civil marriage in Cyprus. Here’s what they need:

1. Civil Registry Records: You need two copies of your original civil registry records, and two copies of your partner’s as well. This process can be time-consuming.
2. Family Registry Records: Next, you must provide two copies of your original family registry records, along with two copies of your partner’s family registry records.
3. Translation: After gathering these documents, you’ll need to have them translated into English by a sworn translator. The translator will also sign and seal the translations. These services can be costly.
4. Travel Insurance: You must get travel insurance that covers medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation. The minimum coverage required is $32,800 (about 2.8 billion Lebanese pounds).
5. Proof of Accommodation: You need to provide evidence of where you will be staying during your time in Cyprus.
6. Proof of Financial Means: Show that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay. This can be demonstrated through bank statements, proof of employment, or other financial documents.
7. Return or Onward Ticket: You must provide proof of a return ticket or an onward travel ticket.

Conditions for Civil Marriage in Cyprus

The civil marriage process in Cyprus comes with several important requirements:

• Age: Both individuals must be at least 18 years old.
• Marital Status: Both must be unmarried. If divorced, a divorce certificate is required. If widowed, a death certificate of the previous spouse is necessary.
• Consent: Both parties must willingly give their consent without any form of coercion.
• Legal Eligibility: There must be no legal obstacles to the marriage, such as close familial ties or mental incapacity.
• Marriage Notice: A marriage notice must be submitted to the local civil registry office at least three days before the wedding.
• Marriage Officer: The ceremony must be conducted by a registered marriage officer.
• Marriage Registration: After the ceremony, the marriage must be officially registered with the local civil registry office.
• Waiting Period: The marriage can only take place within three months after a minimum of 15 days from the application.

Civil Marriage in the UAE for Lebanese Couples

The UAE, while not always the first choice for Lebanese couples seeking civil marriage, still offers a valid option. The country recently updated its civil marriage laws through Federal Decree-Law No. 41/2022. This law allows non-Muslim foreigners and UAE residents to marry civilly, though it excludes Muslim UAE nationals. For Lebanese couples looking to marry in the UAE, the following conditions must be met:

• Consent: Both individuals must willingly provide their consent to the marriage.
• Age: Each person must be at least 18 years old.
• Relationship: The couple must not be related by first or second degree.
• Marital Status: Neither party should be currently married to someone else.

Document Requirements for Lebanese Couples for Civil Marriage in the UAE

Compared to the more complex process in Cyprus, the UAE has simpler documentation requirements for civil marriage:

• Completed Marriage Form: Both individuals must fill out and sign the marriage application form.
• Passport Copies: Submit copies of both parties’ passports.
• Proof of Divorce: If either person was previously married, they must provide proof that the previous marriage has been legally dissolved.

Conditions for Civil Marriage in the UAE

For Lebanese couples to have a civil marriage in the UAE, the following conditions must be met:

• Religion: Both individuals must be non-Muslim.
• Residency: At least one partner must be a resident of the UAE.
• Age: Both parties must be at least 21 years old.
• Court Appearance: The couple, or their legally authorized representative, must appear in court.
• Identity Verification: Original identification documents must be presented.
• Proof of Single Status: Both individuals must provide evidence that they are currently unmarried.

Civil Marriage in Georgia for Lebanese Couples

For Lebanese couples looking for an affordable, quick, and simple civil marriage, Georgia is an excellent option. Georgia has become a popular destination for couples who want to get married easily and without delay. Unlike other countries where the process can take weeks or months, Georgia allows couples to complete their civil marriage in just 24 hours.

Documents Required for Lebanese Couples in Georgia

Lebanese couples wishing to marry in Georgia need to provide the following essential documents:

1. Valid Passport: Both partners must have a valid passport.
2. Passport Translation: If the passports are not in Georgian, they must be translated into Georgian.
3. Certificate of Divorce or Death: If either partner was previously married, they must provide a certificate of divorce or a death certificate of the former spouse.

Conditions for Civil Marriage in Georgia for Lebanese Couples

In Georgia, couples from any country can marry legally, with no residency requirement. For Lebanese couples, the conditions are:

• Age: Both partners must be at least 18 years old. If either is 17, parental consent is needed.
• Consent: Both individuals must verbally agree to the marriage and give their consent.

Georgia’s straightforward process and flexible requirements make it a popular choice for Lebanese couples, often preferred over Cyprus and other destinations.

Comparison of Visa Costs: Cyprus, UAE, and Georgia for Lebanese Citizens

Visa costs for Lebanese citizens vary significantly across Cyprus, the UAE, and Georgia:

• Cyprus: A short-stay visa costs approximately $100.
• UAE: A visa is more expensive, at around $193,
• Georgia: Lebanese citizens do not need a visa to enter, making it the most cost-effective option among these destinations.

This comparison shows that Georgia is the most cost-effective option for Lebanese couples seeking a civil marriage.

Hotel Booking Charges Comparison: Cyprus, UAE, and Georgia

For Lebanese couples planning a civil marriage abroad, hotel accommodation costs are an important factor:

• Georgia: Offers the most budget-friendly hotel rates.
• UAE: Comes next in terms of affordability.
• Cyprus: This is the most expensive option for hotel bookings.

Thus, Georgia not only provides the most cost-effective civil marriage fees but also the most economical accommodation, making it an attractive choice for Lebanese couples.

Wedding Destination Comparison: Georgia, UAE, and Cyprus

• Cost: Georgia is the most budget-friendly option for a wedding, generally cheaper than both the UAE and Cyprus.
• Wedding Experience: Georgia provides a traditional and cultural setting. In contrast, the UAE and Cyprus offer more modern and luxurious experiences.
• Climate: Cyprus enjoys warm summers and mild winters, which is ideal for those who prefer a consistent climate. The UAE is typically hot and humid, while Georgia features a varied climate with cooler temperatures in the mountains.
• Things to Do: The UAE offers a wide range of activities, including shopping, dining, and theme parks. Cyprus is known for its beautiful beaches and ancient sites. Georgia provides a rich cultural experience with historical sites and stunning natural landscapes.

Comparison of Wedding Packages: Cyprus, UAE, and Georgia

• Wedding Packages in Cyprus: Weddings in Cyprus can be quite expensive for Lebanese couples, with costs ranging from $11,000 to $17,700.
• Wedding Packages in the UAE: Starting at $1,145, UAE wedding packages offer a range of options. For a more luxurious experience, couples can choose from various upscale packages.
• Wedding Packages in Georgia: Georgia provides affordable wedding packages for Lebanese couples. The “Cute Marriage” package, priced at $1,214 includes everything needed for a civil marriage, such as initial consultation, document preparation, full wedding planning support, passport translation, and wedding paperwork.

Wrapping UP

For Lebanese couples seeking a civil marriage, Georgia is a top choice. The process there is much simpler and faster than in Cyprus and the UAE. You can complete your marriage in Georgia within 24 hours, while Cyprus requires a minimum waiting period of 15 days. Georgia also offers a significant advantage with free visas for Lebanese citizens, valid for up to 365 days. With the lowest civil marriage fees among the three options, Georgia is the most cost-effective and hassle-free choice.