If you’re planning your destination wedding in Greece as an Australian citizen, there is specific Greek paperwork you’ll need to navigate to make your marriage official. The good news? The process is straightforward, and absolutely worth it for your dream Greek wedding.
Quick Answer: Australian Citizens Getting Married in Greece
| REQUIREMENT | DETAILS |
| Timeline | 8-12 weeks total preparation |
| Key Documents | Long-form birth certificate, CNI, valid passport |
| License Processing | ~8 days after submission |
| License Validity | 6 months |
| Registration Deadline | Within 40-days after the ceremony |
| Residency Required? | No – Australian citizens can marry without living in Greece |
Table of Contents
Greek Wedding Paperwork Overview: My Personal Experience
Having gone through a similar process for my own wedding with my non-Greek husband, I can tell you that while it may seem overwhelming at first, breaking it down into manageable steps makes everything much clearer.
The essentials remain the same throughout the years:
- gather the required documents,
- obtain DFAT apostille certification,
- secure a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI),
- apply for your Greek marriage license with proper certified translations,
- and follow a realistic timeline.
Planning ahead is crucial because document validity periods (typically 3 months) mean timing coordination is everything. But with proper planning, this should be a relatively smooth and stress-free process.
Below is your step-by-step guide, grounded in official sources from both Australian and Greek governments, so you can plan with confidence.
NOTE: If you are not an Australian Cizitezn, I additionally have articles on general requirements for getting legally married in Greece as well as for US and UK citizens:
- Legally Getting Married in Greece as a US Citizen
- Legally Getting Married in Greece as a UK Citizen
- Legally Getting Married in Greece General Overview
Essential Requirements: What Australian Citizens Need to Get Married in Greece
- Valid passports for both partners
- Birth certificates (long-form showing parents’ names, DFAT apostilled + officially translated into Greek)
- Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI) from DFAT or Australian Embassy Athens
- Proof of divorce or death certificate (DFAT apostilled + translated) if either party was previously married.
You’ll apply for your Greek marriage license at your chosen municipality (Dimos). Typical processing time is about 8 days, and licenses remain valid for 6 months. After your ceremony, Greek law requires you to register the marriage within 40 days at the local Civil Registry Office (Ληξιαρχείο, Lixiarcheio).
There are no residency requirement exists for Australian citizens wanting to marry in Greece.
Understanding DFAT Apostille Requirements for Greek Weddings
Before diving into specific documents, let’s clarify Australia’s apostille process, as 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 that confirms the authenticity of the signature, seal and capacity of the official who signed your document. Since Greece is a Hague Convention member, Greek municipalities and registries use the apostille to accept Australian public documents without consular legalization.
What DFAT Apostille Does
- Proves the signature/seal on your Australian document is genuine
- Makes the document directly acceptable in Greece (no embassy “legalization” step)
- Costs A$102 per document with 3-business-day processing
What It Doesn’t Do
- Does not validate the content of your birth certificate or CNI
- Does not replace required translations into Greek
Which Documents Need DFAT Apostille for Greek Weddings
- Long-form birth certificates (showing parents’ names)
- Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI) (check your municipality – some require apostille on CNI, others don’t)
- Divorce order or death certificate of former spouse (if applicable)
- Notarized affidavits or court documents you plan to submit
Greek Marriage Eligibility Requirements for Australian Citizens
No residency requirement exists for Australian citizens to marry in Greece. You simply need to meet documentation requirements and follow proper procedures.
Civil weddings are conducted by mayors or authorized civil officials and are valid nationwide. This is the most common option for destination couples because there’s no residency requirement—you don’t need to live in Greece to marry there.
Religious marriages are also fully valid in Greece once registered at the Civil Registry (Ληξιαρχείο). For Orthodox ceremonies, at least one partner must be baptized Orthodox. Each denomination sets additional ecclesiastical requirements (baptismal certificates, letters from home parish) beyond state paperwork.
Symbolic ceremonies have no legal effect unless you complete either civil or religious marriage and register it properly.
Same-sex civil marriage has been legal throughout Greece since February 2024, making it the first Orthodox Christian country to legalize same-sex marriage.
Required Documents for Australian Citizens Marrying in Greece
Requirements are national but applied locally, so the exact list can vary by municipality. Before booking flights, email your chosen municipality (Dimos) for their current checklist, including any “issued-within-X-months” rules.
Passport and Birth Certificate Requirements
Bring valid Australian passports for both partners. For birth records, Greece expects long-form birth certificates showing parents’ names. Each certificate must carry a DFAT Apostille and official Greek translation.
Plan ahead if you need to order new long-form certificates from your state registry. Ensure name spelling is consistent across all documents.
Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI)
Greece requires a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI) for each non-Greek citizen. You can apply in Australia through DFAT or overseas at the Australian Embassy in Athens.
The current DFAT fee is A$177. Some municipalities also require the CNI itself be apostilled, so confirm with your municipality and time your application accordingly. If they specify document “freshness,” assume the CNI should be recent (issued within the last 2-3 months).
DFAT Apostille and Certified Greek Translations
DFAT’s apostille fee is A$102 per document (indexed annually). Always apostille first, translate second, so the Greek translator can reference the apostille page.
Critical point: Use only translators listed in Greece’s Register of Certified Translators. Australian consulates do not provide translation services. Submit Greek-language translations alongside apostilled originals when applying for your marriage license.
If previously married: Include final divorce order or former spouse’s death certificate, each DFAT apostilled and officially translated into Greek.
Complete Timeline: Getting Married in Greece (8-12 Week Process)
As Soon as You Choose Your Greek Wedding Location
Choose your wedding location immediately. This helps secure vendors early and allows you to verify specific legal requirements with local authorities, including any newspaper announcement requirements.
Contact your chosen municipality or church to validate required documents and confirm if an official interpreter is needed for your ceremony. From a legal perspective, ceremonies may be invalid without proper interpretation.
For this timeline, I’m assuming your municipality requires documents issued within 3 months of submission—this was our experience, though timeframes vary.
8-12 Weeks Before Your Wedding
Check passport validity immediately. Greece requires passports valid for at least 6 months beyond departure. Australian passport processing:
- Standard service: 6 weeks
- Priority service: 2 weeks (additional fee)
- Express service: Available for urgent travel
Order long-form Australian birth certificates needed for your legal ceremony. Check processing times with your state registry.
6-8 Weeks Before Your Wedding
Get DFAT apostilles for each Australian document (budget A$102 per document). Apply for your CNI in Australia or via Australian Embassy Athens (budget A$177).
4-6 Weeks Before Your Wedding
Arrange certified Greek translations for every non-Greek document you’ll file using the official MFA translator registry. If your municipality requires a wedding announcement, arrange publication now.
1-2 Weeks Before Your Wedding
Submit your marriage license application at the municipality. Typical processing: ~8 days; license valid for 6 months. Some municipalities charge a small e-Paravolo fee (~€18).
Your Wedding Day
Civil ceremonies are conducted in Greek. Bring two adult witnesses (any nationality) with passports or Greek IDs. One witness can often act as interpreter, though some municipalities may require certified interpretation services.
Within 40 Days After Your Ceremony
Register your marriage at the local Civil Registry (Ληξιαρχείο). Late registration incurs fines. Order certified copies of your Greek marriage certificate. For Australian use, you may need a Greek apostille on the certificate.
Legal Requirements for Australian Citizens Getting Married in Greece
8-12 Weeks Before Your Wedding
Check passport validity immediately. Greece requires passports valid for at least 6 months beyond departure. Australian passport processing:
- Standard service: 6 weeks
- Priority service: 2 weeks (additional fee)
- Express service: Available for urgent travel
Order long-form Australian birth certificates needed for your legal ceremony. Check processing times with your state registry.
6-8 Weeks Before Your Wedding
Get DFAT apostilles for each Australian document (budget A$102 per document). Apply for your CNI in Australia or via Australian Embassy Athens (budget A$177).
4-6 Weeks Before Your Wedding
Arrange certified Greek translations for every non-Greek document you’ll file using the official MFA translator registry. If your municipality requires a wedding announcement, arrange publication now.
1-2 Weeks Before Your Wedding
Submit your marriage license application at the municipality. Typical processing: ~8 days; license valid for 6 months. Some municipalities charge a small e-Paravolo fee (~€18).
Your Wedding Day
Civil ceremonies are conducted in Greek. Bring two adult witnesses (any nationality) with passports or Greek IDs. One witness can often act as interpreter, though some municipalities may require certified interpretation services.
Within 40 Days After Your Ceremony
Register your marriage at the local Civil Registry (Ληξιαρχείο). Late registration incurs fines. Order certified copies of your Greek marriage certificate. For Australian use, you may need a Greek apostille on the certificate.
Where to Submit Documents and Applications
Greek Municipality (Δήμος, Dimos)
Apply for the marriage license, set your ceremony date, and register the marriage afterward. Government guidance indicates ~8-day processing and 6-month license validity.
Australian Embassy Athens
Provides CNI services and notarial services. Fees are set in AUD and charged locally in EUR at prevailing exchange rates.
DFAT Apostille Services (Australia)
DFAT is the competent authority for Australian apostilles. Services available in Australia and via selected overseas posts.
Certified Greek Translations
Use only translators from the Greek MFA Register of Certified Translators. Australian consulates do not provide translation services.
Civil Registry (Ληξιαρχείο, Lixiarcheio)
Register your marriage within 40 days for full legal recognition. Late registration incurs fees.
Processing Times & Associated Fees
- Greek marriage license: ~8 days processing; valid 6 months; some municipalities charge ~€18 e-Paravolo fee
- CNI (DFAT): A$177 (in Australia or overseas via embassy)
- DFAT apostille: A$102 per document (indexed annually; 3-business-day processing)
- Australian birth certificates: A$50-70 per state registry (2-5 week processing)
- Greek certified translations: Market rates; plan 1-2 weeks in peak season; source via MFA registry
Total Estimated Cost for Australian Citizens
Basic legal requirements: A$400-600 for never-married couples
If previously married: A$500-750 (add A$100-150 for divorce documentation)
Both partners previously married: A$650-900
Cost breakdown:
- Long-form birth certificates: A$50-70 each
- CNI: A$177
- DFAT apostille: A$102 per document (typically 2-3 documents)
- Greek certified translations: A$100-200 per document
Money-saving tips: State registry fees vary. Some offer faster service for additional fees. Get quotes from multiple certified Greek translators as rates differ significantly.
This covers only legal paperwork—not venue, photography, or other wedding expenses.
Common Mistakes Australian Citizens Should Avoid
- Using short-form birth certificates. Greece wants long-form certificates showing parents’ names—plus DFAT apostille and official Greek translation.
- Skipping the DFAT apostille. Greece requires Hague Apostille certification; unauthenticated documents will be rejected.
- Using uncertified translators. Use only translators from the Greek MFA Register. Australian NAATI translations are not accepted; consulates don’t translate.
- Assuming residency is required. It isn’t for Australian citizens, but plan time for proper paperwork coordination.
- Ignoring local municipality requirements. Some still require newspaper announcements for license approval—confirm early to avoid delays.
- Missing the 40-day registration deadline. Registration at the Civil Registry completes the legal process and prevents fees.
Helpful Resources for Australian Citizens
- Australian Embassy Athens – Getting Married in Greece: CNI requirements and local guidance
- DFAT – Certificate of No Impediment: How to apply, processing, and delivery
- DFAT – Apostille Services: Where to apply, by mail or in-person at passport offices
- Greek Marriage License Process: Official procedure, 8-day processing, ~€18 fee
- Greek MFA Register of Certified Translators: Find certified translators
- Australian Passport Name Changes: Evidence required for passport updates after marriage
FAQ: Australian Citizens Marriage in Greece
Basic Requirements & Eligibility
Yes. Australian citizens can marry in Greece without residency requirements, provided you meet documentation requirements set by your chosen municipality (Δήμος, Dimos). You’ll need valid passports, long-form birth certificates with DFAT apostilles, certified Greek translations, and a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI). After receiving your marriage license and completing your ceremony, you must register the marriage within 40 days at the Civil Registry (Ληξιαρχείο). Always confirm specific requirements with your chosen municipality.
Yes. Greece legalized same-sex civil marriage in February 2024, making it the first Orthodox Christian country to do so. Your civil marriage is valid nationwide when properly registered, regardless of whether you’re Australian citizens.
Wedding Process & Timeline
Yes. Two adult witnesses (any nationality, 18+) with valid passports or Greek IDs must attend civil ceremonies. If one witness speaks Greek, they can often act as interpreter since ceremonies are conducted in Greek. Otherwise, confirm with your municipality if certified interpretation services are required. Many couples use their wedding planner, local contacts, or other guests as witnesses.
A CNI proves you’re legally free to marry and is required by Greek authorities for each non-Greek citizen. Australian citizens can obtain it from DFAT in Australia (A$177) or the Australian Embassy in Athens. Processing takes 2-3 weeks, and some Greek municipalities require the CNI itself to be DFAT apostilled. Check with your specific municipality about CNI requirements and apostille needs.
DFAT charges A$102 per document for apostille services with 3-business-day processing. You’ll typically need apostilles for your birth certificate and potentially your CNI, depending on your municipality’s requirements. The apostille proves your Australian document’s authenticity so Greek authorities accept it without further legalization.
Australian Recognition & Post-Marriage
Yes. If your marriage is legally performed and registered in Greece, it’s generally recognized in Australia under the “valid where celebrated” principle. Australia doesn’t re-register overseas marriages. You’ll use your Greek marriage certificate (often with certified English translation and, if requested, a Greek apostille) for Australian administrative purposes like passport and banking updates.
Your Greek marriage certificate (usually with certified English translation and potentially a Greek apostille) serves as evidence for name changes with Australian agencies. Requirements vary by organization—passports, banks, ATO, Medicare, and state registries each have specific document rules. Check current requirements with each agency before applying.
No. Australia doesn’t maintain a national marriage registry, and marriages performed legally overseas don’t require re-registration. Your Greek marriage certificate with proper translation and apostille (when required) is your proof of marriage for all Australian purposes.
