As of April 7, 2026, a new procedure for the state registration of marriage outside the civil status registration service centers (CSRS) has been implemented in Armenia. The normative act adopted in 2026 clarifies the conditions for organizing the state registration of marriage outside the CSRS, the permissible and prohibited locations, the application procedure, as well as the duties of the official conducting the ceremony.
We present answers to the most frequently asked questions.
If you are already planning your marriage and wish for the marriage certificate to be handed to you in a ceremonial manner, please note that the application must be submitted at least seven days in advance. Moreover, the application is submitted alongside the application for marriage.
In the Republic of Armenia, marrying individuals can choose the location for the state registration of marriage and submit the relevant application to carry out the registration at that location. This means that the official registration of marriage can be organized not only at the CSRS service center but also, for example, in a restaurant, hotel, banquet hall, or other suitable venue.
Moreover, this is not just a symbolic wedding ceremony, but a legally binding state registration of marriage conducted by an authorized employee of the CSRS. Thus, marrying individuals have the opportunity to organize the state registration of marriage at their wedding venue, provided that the legal requirements stipulated by law are met. Additionally, the legislation provides for ceremonial state registration of marriage outside working days and hours.
Where is the state registration of marriage not allowed?
Although marrying individuals can choose the location for the external registration, this right is not unlimited. According to the procedure established by decree No. 166-N dated April 3, 2026, state registration of marriage is not permitted to be conducted:
- in air or water areas, including in a balloon, airplane, or ship,
- in specially protected natural areas, such as national parks and reserves,
- in hard-to-reach places, particularly in mountains, on cliffs, and similar areas,
- in emergencies and during martial law,
- in public areas where the ceremony may pose a danger to the life and health of the marrying individuals or others, such as on rooftops, bridges, or roads.
Therefore, when choosing the venue for the wedding ceremony, it is necessary to consider not only its aesthetic or organizational advantages but also the legal restrictions set for state registration. It is especially important to clarify in advance whether the selected area allows for the state registration of marriage, and not just the wedding ceremony.
Who conducts the state registration of marriage at the chosen location?
The external state registration of marriage is carried out exclusively by an authorized employee of the CSRS service center.
How much does the ceremonial state registration of marriage cost?
The fees for additional services related to the ceremonial state registration of marriage are established by the decision No. 1188-N of the Government of the Republic of Armenia dated July 22, 2021.
According to the current regulations,
-Ceremonial procedure at the CSRS or in a designated area: 20,000 AMD,
-Ceremonial registration at the chosen location of the marrying individuals: 40,000 AMD,
-Ceremonial registration at the chosen location during non-working hours and/or non-working days: 60,000 AMD.
The above amounts are the fees for additional services established for ceremonial state registration.
Do marrying individuals have to pay for the transportation of the CSRS employee?
No. The new procedure clearly states that the transportation of the CSRS employee conducting the state registration of marriage to and from the registration location is covered by state budget funds. Therefore, charging marrying individuals separately for the transportation of the CSRS employee is not provided for by the new procedure.
According to decree No. 166-N dated April 3, 2026, if the external state registration of marriage is conducted on a non-working day, the marriage registration certificate will indicate the last working day preceding that date.
For example, if the ceremonial registration of marriage is scheduled for Sunday, the certificate may indicate the date of the previous Friday, provided that Friday was the last working day. This circumstance can be significant, especially when property, migration, or other legal relations of the spouses depend on the date of marriage registration. Therefore, when choosing a non-working day, it is necessary to clarify in advance the date reflected in the marriage registration documents.
What requirements are set for the furnishing of the state registration of marriage location?
The new procedure also establishes minimum requirements for the venue of the ceremony. In particular, the area designated for the state registration of marriage must be furnished with:
- a table,
- the state flag of the Republic of Armenia.
These requirements aim to ensure that even outside the CSRS service center, the registration of marriage retains the nature of an official state ceremony.
How should the official conducting the marriage registration present themselves and behave?
The new procedure also sets detailed requirements for the appearance and official conduct of the CSRS employee. The employee conducting the external state registration of marriage must present themselves in classic style clothing and with a well-groomed appearance.
In particular, female employees are restricted from wearing overly pronounced festive makeup, hairstyles, and excessively large or attention-grabbing jewelry, while male employees are required to present themselves with a well-groomed hairstyle and beard. Additionally, the employee must adhere to the rules of conduct for civil servants and demonstrate polite and proper communication. The procedure also stipulates that the employee must leave the ceremony area immediately after completing the state registration of marriage. These regulations aim to ensure the official and proper conduct of the state ceremony.
One of the most notable features of the new regulation in 2026 is that for the first time, the text of the speech used by the official during the external state registration of marriage has been clearly defined. During the ceremony, the CSRS employee first addresses the significance of the institution of family and the legal foundations of marriage. Then, they pose two main questions to the marrying individuals: whether they agree to become legal spouses and whether their mutual consent to marry is based on voluntariness. This procedure particularly emphasizes the mutual and voluntary consent to marriage, which is one of the fundamental legislative requirements for marriage.
After receiving positive responses, the official invites them to confirm their expressed consent with signatures. The ceremony concludes with the declaration of the marrying individuals as legal spouses.
31.10.2026