Getting married in Greece is easier than most couples expect. This guide explains the legal requirements, documents, Apostilles, translations, timelines, and step-by-step process for a civil wedding in Greece, based on both official rules and my own experience getting legally married here. Use this as your complete resource for planning a smooth and stress-free marriage in Greece.
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Getting legally married in Greece is one of the most meaningful, beautiful, and memorable experiences a couple can have. Modern Greek weddings combine deep cultural traditions with unforgettable scenery, and after going through the legal process myself with my husband, I can confidently say that the paperwork is far less intimidating than most couples expect. Once you understand the required documents, apostille rules, and timelines, everything becomes surprisingly manageable. Many couples even find the process empowering because it connects them more deeply to their wedding location and to Greek traditions.
Before diving into the exact requirements, it is important to understand that there are three ways to get married in Greece. A couple may choose to have a civil wedding, a Greek Orthodox wedding, or a symbolic ceremony without legal paperwork. The information below focuses mainly on legal civil weddings, because this is the most common choice for foreigners. However, symbolic and Orthodox weddings are also included so you can see the full picture.
Quick Overview: What Foreigners Need to Get Married in Greece
Here is a concise summary of the essential requirements for a legal marriage in Greece:
- Valid passports for both partners
- Original long form birth certificates
- Certificate of No Impediment or Single Status affidavit
- Divorce or death certificate if previously married
- Adoption or name change documents if applicable
- Apostilles for all foreign public documents
- Official Greek translations of all foreign documents
- Submission of documents to the local municipality
- Issuance of a marriage license
- No residency requirement
- Ceremony conducted by a mayor or civil official
If you are from the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia, you will still want to check your country specific requirements, I’m linking those pages here linked from this master guide:
- Legally Getting Married in Greece as a US Citizen
- Legally Getting Married in Greece as a UK Citizen
- Legally Getting Married in Greece as an Australian Citizen
Why We Chose to Marry Legally in Greece: My Experience
When my husband and I went through the process last year, we were surprised by how doable everything was once we understood the steps. My husband holds both American and Polish citizenship, so he needed to gather documents from two different countries. The most time consuming part was simply locating the correct long form birth certificate and making sure each document had the proper Apostille. After that, the rest of the journey was smooth.
We chose to get legally married in Greece because of the cultural significance. We wanted to pay tribute to my heritage and give our guests the chance to experience a real Greek wedding and the meaning behind the traditions. Once we followed the instructions carefully and kept an eye on the timelines, we discovered that the legal process was much simpler than expected.
For couples who prefer to avoid paperwork, a symbolic ceremony remains an easy option. You handle the legal part in your home country and enjoy the celebration in Greece without any administrative stress.
Three Ways to Get Married in Greece
There are three types of ceremonies available in Greece. Your choice affects which documents you need and what steps you must follow.
Civil Wedding in Greece
A civil wedding is the most common option for foreigners. The marriage is legally recognized worldwide and performed by a mayor, deputy mayor, or authorized civil official. A civil wedding can take place at a town hall or an approved venue.
Greek Orthodox Wedding
A Greek Orthodox wedding is legally recognized in Greece, but it comes with additional religious requirements.
- At least one partner must be baptized Orthodox
- Baptism certificate required
- Religious documents may be requested by the priest
- Civil paperwork may still be required
- Some parishes request premarital meetings
Symbolic Wedding in Greece
This is the simplest option. A symbolic ceremony looks and feels just like a wedding, but it holds no legal status. All legal paperwork is completed in the couple’s home country. This option is ideal for couples who want the feeling of a Greek wedding without the administrative steps.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Greece
Foreign couples can legally marry in Greece without being residents. Greece recognizes both civil and Orthodox religious weddings equally.
General Requirements
- Both partners must be at least 18
- Both must be legally free to marry
- Passports must be valid
- All documents must be translated into Greek
- Apostilles required on foreign public documents
- Municipality approval required before the ceremony
Residency Requirements
There is no residency requirement for foreigners. You may arrive shortly before the ceremony as long as your documents were approved in advance.
Required Documents to Get Married in Greece
These documents are required for most civil weddings in Greece. Some municipalities may request small variations, but the list below covers the standard requirements.
Documents Required From Both Partners
- Valid passport
- Original long form birth certificate
- Certificate of No Impediment or Single Status affidavit
- Divorce decree if previously married
- Death certificate if widowed
- Adoption documentation if applicable
- Name change certificate if applicable
Civil vs Religious Requirements
For a civil ceremony, the documents above are normally enough. For an Orthodox religious wedding, the local priest will require additional religious documents.
Municipality Variations
Each municipality can have different preferences. For example:
- Some prefer notarized translations
- Some require hard copy submissions
- Some accept digital documents once originals are shown
Always contact your chosen municipality early to confirm local rules.
Step by Step: How to Get Married in Greece (Civil Ceremony)
This is the most important section of your planning process. These steps reflect both the official process and the real timeline experienced by couples like us.
Step 1: Gather All Required Documents in Your Home Country
Requested documents typically include your passport, birth certificate, Certificate of No Impediment, divorce decree, or any other legal records. This step can take one to six weeks depending on your nationality and local authorities.
Step 2: Obtain Apostilles on All Required Documents
An Apostille certifies that your document is valid for international use. All foreign public documents need an Apostille. Passports do not need one. This process is usually handled by your national or local government offices.
Step 3: Translate Documents Into Greek
All foreign documents must be professionally translated into Greek. Accepted translation options usually include:
- Greek Ministry certified translators
- Greek Consulate translators
- Court appointed translators in Greece
- Accredited translation agencies
Unofficial translations are never accepted.
Step 4: Submit Documents to the Municipality
The municipality checks your documents for accuracy. Some accept email submissions, while others require in person review. Approval times vary by region but are usually completed within a few days to a week.
Step 5: Receive Your Marriage License
After review, the municipality issues your marriage license. It is typically ready within seven to ten days. This license authorizes the civil ceremony.
Step 6: Hold Your Civil Wedding Ceremony
Civil ceremonies can be held at the town hall or approved venues. A mayor or civil official performs the ceremony. Two witnesses may be required depending on the region. A temporary confirmation of marriage is provided after the ceremony.
Step 7: Register Your Marriage
The final step is marriage registration. Once registered, you can request your official Greek marriage certificate, which is recognized internationally and can be Apostilled if required by your home country.
Costs of Getting Married in Greece
While costs vary by region, the typical expenses include:
- Municipality ceremony fee: 100 to 250 euros
- Apostille fees: 5 to 30 euros per document depending on your country
- Greek translation fees: 20 to 50 euros per page
- Courier or mailing costs: 30 to 80 euros
- Optional planner fees depending on level of service
Translation and Apostille fees often make up the largest portion of legal expenses.
Marriage License & Marriage Certificate Explained
Marriage License
Issued before the ceremony by the municipality. This confirms that your documents are approved and that you are legally permitted to marry in Greece.
Marriage Certificate
Issued after the ceremony and registration. It’s the official document required for:
- Name changes
- Passport updates
- Legal recognition in your home country
- Visa or residency applications
- Administrative updates after marriage
Therefore, I’d recommend to request multiple certified copies.
Apostille & Translation Requirements in Greece
Before diving into specific documents, let’s clarify what the apostille is. It will be essential for most paperwork you’ll submit to Greek authorities.
An Apostille (Hague) is a standardized certificate issued under the 1961 Hague Convention, and it is used to confirm the authenticity of the signature, seal, and capacity of the official by whom a document was signed. Because Greece is a member of the Hague Convention, public documents are accepted by Greek municipalities and registries once they have been Apostilled, without requiring consular legalization.
What the Apostille Does
- Proves the signature/seal on your document is genuine
- Makes the document directly acceptable in Greece (no embassy “legalization” step)
The Apostille Doesn’t Do
- Does not validate the content of your birth certificate or CNI
- Does not replace required translations into Greek
What Requires Translation
- Birth certificates
- Certificates of No Impediment
- Divorce decrees
- Death certificates
- Adoption records
- Name change documents
- Any legal documents issued abroad
What Requires an Apostille
- All government issued documents from your home country
Documents That Never Need Apostille
- Passports
- Documents issued in Greece
- Notarial acts issued by a Greek authority
Country Specific Requirements for Foreigners
These summaries highlight the most important points for each nationality. Detailed country specific guides will be linked directly from this section.
United States Citizen Greece Marriage Legal Requirements
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of No Impediment or sworn affidavit
- Apostille on all foreign documents
- Greek translation of all foreign documents
United Kingdom Citizens Greece Marriage Legal Requirements
- Certificate of No Impediment from local registrar
- Birth certificate
- Apostilles
- Greek translations
- Municipality approval in Greece
Australian Citizens Greece Marriage Legal Requirements
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of No Impediment issued by DFAT
- Apostilles
- Translations into Greek
How Long It Takes to Get Married in Greece
A realistic timeline for a full legal marriage in Greece:
- Document gathering: 2 to 6 weeks
- Apostille process: 1 to 3 weeks
- Translation: 1 to 2 weeks
- Municipality review: 1 to 2 weeks
- Marriage license issuance: 1 week
- Ceremony scheduling: flexible based on availability
The longest delays are usually linked to obtaining original documents from your home country.
Checklist of What to Bring to Greece
- Valid passports
- Certified copies of all legal documents
- Greek translations
- Apostilled originals
- Municipality approval letters
- Confirmation emails
- Contact details for your local municipality
- Witness passport copies if required
Final Tips for a Smooth Marriage in Greece
If you start early and follow these steps with a bit of patience, getting legally married in Greece is absolutely doable. Once the paperwork is out of the way, you can focus on the beautiful part, celebrating your wedding in one of the most magical places in the world!
- Start collecting documents early
- Double check all spellings and dates
- Use certified translators only
- Bring extra copies of all key documents
- Contact your municipality for exact local rules
- Keep all Apostilled documents dry and protected while traveling
Frequently Asked Questions
Legal Eligibility & Ceremony Types
Yes. Foreigners can legally marry in Greece as long as they provide the required documents, obtain Apostilles where needed, have certified Greek translations, and receive a marriage license from the municipality. There is no residency requirement in Greece for civil weddings, which makes it ideal for destination weddings.
In most cases, yes. Countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and EU member states follow the “place-of-celebration” rule—if your marriage is legally valid in Greece, it’s recognised at home. You typically don’t need to re-register. Keep your Greek marriage certificate safe and have it translated if needed for administrative purposes. For country-specific requirements, see our guides for US citizens, UK citizens, and Australian citizens.
Yes. Since February 2024, Greece recognizes same-sex civil marriages. The process and documents required are exactly the same as for opposite-sex couples. Religious ceremonies for same-sex couples are not available yet.
Yes. A symbolic wedding requires no paperwork in Greece. This option is perfect if you prefer to handle the legal marriage in your home country and simply enjoy the ceremony in Greece without administrative steps. Many couples choose this when timelines are tight.
A civil wedding is performed by a mayor or civil registrar and is the simplest legal option for foreigners.
A Greek Orthodox wedding is legally valid too, but requires actual church documentation, and at least one partner must be baptized Orthodox. You still need to register the marriage at the Civil Registry afterward.
Documents & Paperwork Requirements
Most couples need:
– Valid passports
– Long-form birth certificates
– Certificate of No Impediment or Single Status affidavit
– Divorce decree or death certificate if previously married
– Adoption or name-change documents if applicable
– Apostilles on foreign government-issued documents
– Certified Greek translations for all foreign documents
Municipalities can vary slightly, so always confirm with your chosen town hall.
A CNI is an official document stating you are free to marry.
Most nationalities must provide one.
For US citizens, this can be replaced by a Single-Status Affidavit notarized at the embassy or consulate in Greece.
Regardless of your nationality, the CNI is one of the most time-sensitive documents, because many municipalities require it to be issued within the past 3 to 6 months.
All public documents issued abroad generally require an Apostille before translation. This includes:
– Birth certificates
– CNIs
– Divorce or death certificates
– Name change documents
Passports do not need Apostilles.
Timeline, Processing & Practical Planning
Most couples need 8 to 12 weeks to complete everything, depending on nationality. A typical timeline:
– Document gathering: 2–6 weeks
– Apostilles: 1–3 weeks
– Greek translations: 1–2 weeks
– Municipality review: 1–2 weeks
– Marriage license issuance: ~8 days
Start early, especially if your home country takes long to issue vital records.
Marriage licenses in Greece are typically valid for 6 months from the date of issue. This makes planning flexible for destination weddings.
Yes. Greek law requires that the marriage is registered at the Civil Registry (Lixiarcheio) within 40 days after the ceremony.
If you leave Greece immediately after the wedding, you can authorize your planner or a trusted person through a Power of Attorney to complete the registration.
Recognition in Your Home Country
In most cases, no. Countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia follow the principle of “valid where celebrated.” This means if your marriage is valid in Greece, it is valid at home. Some agencies may require:
– A certified English translation
– A Greek Apostille
But no additional registration.
Yes. If you plan to change your name, your Greek marriage certificate (plus translation and Apostille if required) will be used for passports, driver’s licenses, financial institutions, and other administrative updates.
Yes. It is recommended to request multiple certified copies. Some couples also Apostille one copy for future use. Keep at least one unaltered version safely stored.
Planning, Translators & Municipality Differences
No. Greece has national requirements, but individual municipalities may have quirks. Variations may include:
– Whether a CNI must be issued within 3 or 6 months
– Whether they accept e-Apostilles
– Whether they require newspaper announcements
– Whether they allow pre-checks by email
– Whether they accept courier submissions
Always verify with your chosen municipality early in your planning.
Yes, but with limitations. Planners can help with:
– Document submission
– Municipality communication
– Translation coordination
– Registration (with proper Power of Attorney)
But they cannot bypass legal requirements or timelines.
Even small spelling differences can cause delays. You may need:
– A name-change certificate
– A notarized affidavit
– A corrected or re-issued certificate
Make sure all documents match exactly before apostilles and translations.
Official Resources & Useful Links
Greek Government Resources
- Civil Marriage License Process (Greek Government Portal)
- Register of Certified Translators (Greek MFA)
United States Resources
- US Embassy Athens: Marriage in Greece
- US Consulate Thessaloniki: Notarial Services
- US Consulate Athens: Notarial Services
- US Department of State: Apostille Information
- Social Security Name Change Requirements
