Frequently Asked Questions

Legal Requirements for a Civil Wedding in Greece

Planning your dream civil wedding in Greece involves understanding the legal requirements and procedures to ensure your marriage is legally recognized. Here’s what you need to know.

Publication of Wedding Notice

Before you tie the knot in Greece, you must publish a wedding notice in a local Greek language newspaper at least 8 days before your wedding date. This notice, written in Greek, serves as an official announcement of your intention to marry and is a crucial step in obtaining a marriage license.

Documentation Required

Regardless of whether you’re having a civil or religious ceremony, certain documents are mandatory for obtaining a marriage license in Greece. These include:

• Valid passports for both the bride and groom.
• Attested copies of the couple’s birth certificates with an Apostille stamp affixed, accompanied by official translations into Greek. These translations must be certified by the Greek consulate in your home country, the Foreign Ministry’s Department of Translation in Greece, a lawyer, or a certified translator.
• If either party has been previously married, proof of the dissolution of the previous marriage is required. This may include a death certificate or divorce decree with an Apostille stamp, along with an official translation into Greek.
• Documentation proving the marital status of the couple, often referred to as a “Proof of Freedom of Marriage,” “Affidavit of Marriage,” “Certificate of Non-Impediment,” or similar. This document should be available in both English and Greek and authenticated by the respective embassy.
• A copy of the local newspaper in which the wedding notice was published.

Additional Considerations

• If you’re marrying in a remote town or village without newspaper distribution, the wedding notice must be posted at the town hall or a community office.
• US citizens may be able to avoid the need for a Greek marriage license if they possess a valid marriage license issued by their home state.

Minimum Age Requirement

In Greece, the minimum legal age for marriage is 18 for both the bride and groom. However, individuals under 18 may marry with consent from the court.

A Historic Milestone: Same-Sex Marriage Now Legalized in Greece

In a landmark move for equality and human rights, Greece has made history by legalizing same-sex marriage, effective as of February 16, 2024. This significant step forward marks a pivotal moment not only for Greece but also for the wider LGBTQ+ community worldwide.

The journey towards this momentous decision began in July 2023 when the re-elected government, led by the New Democracy party, announced its intention to legalize same-sex marriage. After months of deliberation and advocacy, legislation was introduced to the Hellenic Parliament on February 1, 2024. The bill garnered substantial support and was ultimately passed on February 15 by a decisive vote of 175 to 77.

With this enactment, Greece becomes the 21st country in Europe and the 36th in the world to extend the right to marry to same-sex couples. Notably, Greece, as a Christian Orthodox-majority country, sets a significant precedent by embracing marriage equality. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis aptly described the new law as boldly abolishing a serious inequality.

Moreover, the legalization of same-sex marriage in Greece also opens doors for same-sex couples to adopt children, further advancing their rights and recognition within society.

This historic decision reflects Greece’s evolution towards a more progressive and inclusive society, where love and commitment are celebrated regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. It marks a triumph for equality, diversity, and the fundamental principle of human dignity.

Other Things You Need to Know of The Wedding – Ceremony & Registration

Civil Marriage Ceremony

For couples opting for a civil union, the process begins with the submission of necessary documents to the town hall or the president of the community. These documents, including birth certificates and certificates of no impediment, must meet specific authenticity and standard requirements.

Upon approval, couples typically receive their marriage license within eight days, valid for six months across all locations in Greece. Civil ceremonies are conducted at town halls, mayor’s offices, or pre-approved venues, officiated by the mayor. While the ceremonies are in Greek, couples can arrange for translators if needed.

Two witnesses with valid passports or Greek residence documents are required to be present to witness the union.

Religious Marriage Ceremony

For those desiring a religious ceremony, the required documents are handed over to the priest, who facilitates the application for the marriage license. The processing time for the license may vary depending on the church and location. Couples have the option to host weddings according to their religious affiliations, including Greek Orthodox, Protestant, Roman Catholic, or Jewish ceremonies.

Marriage Registration

After the joyous celebration of the wedding ceremony, couples must register their marriage within 40 days at a registrar’s office or the office of vital statistics. This requirement applies to both civil and religious weddings. Any individual with a notarized power of attorney can handle the registration process, and the marriage certificate is issued within three days. It’s also important to note that marriages not registered under the registrar’s office are considered legally invalid.

Planning Your Civil Wedding in Greece

Now that you’re familiar with the legal requirements and procedures for a civil wedding in Greece, it’s time to delve into the exciting process of planning your dream wedding in this enchanting destination. Here are some essential considerations to help you along the way:

Early Planning Considerations

Planning a destination wedding requires careful organization and foresight, so it’s essential to start early. Aim to begin the planning process at least 12 to 18 months before your desired wedding date. This timeframe allows ample time to secure your preferred venue, make travel arrangements for you and your guests, and handle any necessary paperwork.

Choosing the Right Wedding Venue

One of the most crucial decisions you’ll make when planning your civil wedding in Greece is selecting the perfect venue. Greece offers an array of stunning locations, from idyllic islands like Santorini and Mykonos to historical cities like Athens and Thessaloniki. Consider the scenery, capacity, amenities, and ambiance of each venue to find the one that best reflects your vision for your special day.

Selecting the Ideal Wedding Package

Many venues in Greece offer wedding packages designed to simplify the planning process and accommodate various budgets and preferences. These packages often include essential services such as venue rental, catering, decor, and entertainment. Take the time to explore the available options and customize your package to suit your unique needs and preferences.

Working with a Santorini Wedding Planner

If you’re planning a wedding in Santorini, consider enlisting the services of a local wedding planner. A Santorini wedding planner can provide invaluable assistance and expertise, from recommending the best venues and vendors to coordinating logistics and handling legal requirements. Their local knowledge and connections can help ensure a seamless and stress-free planning experience.

Why You Should Choose Our Wedding Planner

Planning a wedding can definitely be an overwhelming task, especially when you’re going through the complex details of a destination wedding in a place as enchanting as Santorini, Greece. That’s where our wedding planning services come in. Here’s why you should entrust us with the coordination of your special day.

Total Wedding Coordination

From the moment you reach out to us, we embark on a journey together to bring your dream wedding to life. Our Total Wedding Coordination service is more than just event planning; it’s about understanding your vision, preferences, and style, and meticulously curating every aspect of your wedding day to perfection. From selecting the most breathtaking venue to deciding on floral arrangements, lighting, and decor, we handle every detail with care and expertise.

Luxury Santorini Wedding Tour

For brides with grand dreams of the most exquisite and stylish wedding Santorini has to offer, our Luxury Santorini Wedding Tour is the ultimate experience. We’ve curated a selected collection of the island’s most prominent wedding venues, along with top florists, photographers, and cake designers, for you to explore and choose from. With a chauffeured vehicle at your disposal, you can leisurely visit each location, sip champagne, and make decisions without haste, ensuring your wedding day reflects your unique style and personality.

Day-Of Wedding Coordination

If you’ve already started planning your wedding independently but need expert support leading up to the big day, our Day-Of Wedding Coordination service is perfect for you. We step in to provide guidance and assistance before the wedding day, ensuring everything runs smoothly and orchestrating the day itself with precision and care. You can relax and enjoy every moment, knowing that we have everything under control.

Multi-Day Weddings

For couples who want to extend the celebration beyond a single day, our team is here to prepare and coordinate delightful rehearsal dinners, exclusive group activities, and farewell post-wedding brunches. We ensure that every aspect of your multi-day wedding celebration is seamlessly executed, leaving you and your guests with unforgettable memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Additional Services

In addition to our comprehensive wedding planning packages, we offer a range of additional services to enhance your Santorini wedding experience. From private sea cruises exploring the island’s breathtaking coastline to exhilarating helicopter tours offering bird’s-eye views of Santorini’s picturesque landscapes, we provide opportunities for unforgettable adventures and romantic memories.

At the heart of our wedding planning services is a commitment to exceeding your expectations and creating a wedding day that reflects your love story and exceeds your wildest dreams. With our expertise, attention to detail, and dedication to personalized service, we ensure that your wedding in Santorini is nothing short of spectacular. Trust us to bring your vision to life and craft an unforgettable celebration of love in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.