Well, I don’t need to give you absolutely any reason why Greece is an ideal place to tie the knot. You know it all. One of the most romantic destinations in the world, known for mesmerizing sunsets, beautiful beaches, cave hotels, the pure blue sea color, and other hidden beauties make Greece and its islands a paradise to commit a lifelong promise of love. From legal requirements to ideal destinations, here’s what you need to know about conducting your special day in Greece.
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The Wedding Notice
You don’t need to be a citizen or a resident of Greece to get married there. However, if you’re marrying a Greek citizen or resident, he or she must hold a valid residence permit. There has to be an intent to marry. An announcement has to be made in a local newspaper or at the local community office at least 8 days before you need to submit the application for the wedding license. You must submit a joint application to the mayor stating where you’d like to marry, and confirming the wedding ceremony date.
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Marriage License
Once you have received a copy of the local newspaper in which the wedding notice was published, the couple or the wedding planner has to apply for a license at the Town/City Hall. You will need to carry these documents for both the bride and the groom separately:
- A valid passport
- A birth certificate with the Apostille stamp certifying the copy
- An official Apostille translated into Greek, which can be certified by a lawyer, a foreign ministry’s translation department, a certified translator or the Greek consulate from your home country
- Proof of freedom to marry, or affidavit of marriage, notarised, in both English and Greek
- A decree of absolution of your previous marriage, if applicable
- A copy of the local newspaper where your intent to marry was published
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Registration
Head to the local Registar (called Lixiarchio in Greek) for filing the marriage certificate within 40 days of your wedding. Marriages that aren’t registered are not legally valid. This is very important when couples choose to have a destination wedding that they must remain at the location where their wedding took place for at least the next working day (weekday) to obtain their official registration. The marriage certificate (lixiarchiki praxi gamou) is issued within three days of the registration.
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Greece has many places to get hitched. If you are confused about which place to select, have a look at these popular choices among couple:
Santorini
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Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in the world and it would be a one-lifetime experience to enjoy with your loved ones. Hotels often hold civil ceremonies by their open pools or on terraces, from where couples can enjoy the view to the volcano of Santorini.
Rhodes
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Besides having easy access to the airport, Rhodes has a multitude of charming churches and chapels that make the ideal wedding location. The most famous wedding chapel is the small church above Lindos Bay, with a great view of the sea and the Acropolis. The magnificent Spring of Kallithea also provides a romantic venue for weddings in Rhodes.
Mykonos
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Mykonos is the most cosmopolitan Greek island, the islands of Cyclades with their famous architecture and beautiful beaches are perfect backdrops for nice weddings in Greece.
Fees Involved
The estimated legal fees for a Greek wedding are:
- €7 for affidavit of marriage
- Between €200 and €500 for documentation costs
- Around €100 for translation services, if required
Greece is ancient sun-bleached ruins piercing blue skies, the balmy Aegean lapping an endless coastline and a culture alive with passionate music, wonderful cuisine and thrill-seeking activities. Head on to visitgreece.gr to discover Greece’s best sights and travel advice!
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