Greek Weddings: Frequently Asked Questions

No, you don’t need to be a resident to have a legal marriage in Greece. However, the legal documents required and possibilities for a legal marriage vary. For example, you can’t get married at a Greek Orthodox church, unless if one of you is officially baptized Orthodox.

However, many couples choose to have their wedding in their country of residence. They then opt for a symbolic ceremony in Greece. If you choose to go down that path, I recommend ensuring that you offer more guest experiences. This will make your guests’ trip worth their effort.

As a bare minimum, there’s a number of documents required for both parties. Those are:

Valid passports: Ensure that your passports are up-to-date.
Birth Certificates: Those need to be certified, and translated in Greek. The certification process may vary.

Some places in Greece may request those documents to be certified with an Apostille Stamp. However, there is also an option to issue and present those files in a multilingual translation form. The later requires no translation. For more information, you can read here.

I strongly recommend researching this part thoroughly. In the case of my husband, the multilingual translation form was accepted in Greece. However in my hometown, they don’t accept it.

Certificate of No Impediment (CNI): Affirms that you are free to marry. Those need to be translated in Greek. Depending on the type of marriage you plan to have, those might require to be issued from different parties. In our case, we had to request the same file from the local municipality we reside in, and also from the Orthodox (myself) and the Catholic (my husband) churches as well.
Divorce or death certificates (if applicable): Those need to be translated, and they are requested to prove celibacy.

Depending on the type of legal marriage you are planning to have, it’s strongly advisable to check what additional files might be needed.

For are a detailed overview on US citizen’s getting married in Greece, check my article here.

Yes, both ceremonies are legally recognised in Greece. Civil ceremonies are conducted by the mayor, or another authorized official. Religious ceremonies are typically performed by a Greek Orthodox priest at a Greek Orthodox church. Other religious denominations may also officiate weddings, however it’s important to verify their legal recognition with the local authorities.

To get a marriage license in Greece:

Submit the required documents: Those include, but aren’t limited to, the valid passports, Certificate of No Impediment (CNI), and the birth certificates

Publish a wedding notice: That needs to be planned in a local newspaper or a dedicated website.

This step depends on the region that you are getting married. For example, we didn’t have to publish a wedding notice, however in other areas of Greece they still require it. It’s important that you verify.

Processing period: The documentation will be processed and the license issued. On average it can take 7 days. However, in our case it took longer.

It’s important to verify if additional documentation is needed, depending on the type of wedding you want to have. Additionally, verify the validity period of the license. Typically, the marriage license is valid for 6 months since it’s issued. The documents presented for the marriage license have a validity period of 3-6 months. This depends on the area.

In most cases, the legal documents are valid for 6 months from the date of issue. However, in our case, they gave us only a validity period of 3 months since the date of issue.

It’s important to ask this question to the person responsible for receiving all the documents. This individual will handle your submission for the marriage license. This could be the priest who will perform the Orthodox wedding or the legal representative at the municipality.

As from February 2024, same-sex marriage is legal in Greece. However, same-sex couples can only get married legally through civil marriage.

The average cost varies based on the location, the guest count, and services you choose, including working with a wedding planner.

However, on average, you can expect the following costs:
Intimate weddings (20 guests): Anything between €10.000 – €15.000
Larger weddings (100+ guests): Anything between €25.000 – €35.000

These amounts include venue, catering and essential services, such as decoration.

For more detail and my latest research from actual vendor quotes, check out my article here.

Also, if you’re ready to check different budgeting and cost options, try my free Greece wedding cost calculator.

First things first, allocate 10% – 15% of your budget on unexpected expenses. This way you can effectively prioritise what matters to you the most, while you don’t compromise.
Some other things to consider are the following:

Consider off-peak seasons: Weddings outside the summer season may offer better rates. Consider May, September and October instead.

Hire local vendors: To reduce travel and accommodation costs, choose vendors that operate in the area (of the island) you are getting married. Vendors can also operate on extended areas without additional charges, however this is mostly an exception.

Consider DIY: If there are any elements of the wedding planning that you can pick up on yourselves, and in the process save on costs, then you might want to consider it. Think of wedding invitations and wedding graphics in general, wedding favors, etc.

For a good starting point to estimate your budget tailored to your vision, try our Greece Wedding Cost Calculator. Also check out my articles on 10 Planning Tips and What to DIY to Save Money

Absolutely! Greece offers a range of venues that caters to different budgets. The more popular the destination, the higher the prices. Therefore, Santorini and Mykonos sit on the pricier scale, however destinations such as Crete, Naxos, and parts of the mainland offer beautiful venues at more affordable prices.

Depending on the location you can choose to have your wedding, venues can start as low as €1.500.

For complete pricing breakdowns and what’s included versus extra costs, see our comprehensive Greek wedding venue cost guide.

Some hidden expenses that can arise include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
Legalisation and translation of documents: Essential for non-Greek couples.
Transportation of guests: If you decide on wedding transportation or the venue is remote.
Overtime charges: Venues and vendors may charge overtime if you want to keep the party going after the offered time.
Currency exchange fees: If you live in a country that uses a different currency than Euro (€).

Greece is the most unique location for a destination wedding (okay, I may be a little biased). Greece is blessed with its Mediterranean climate, stunning wedding venues, world-class food, and a hospitable culture (known in Greek as Filoxenia). Regardless whether your vision is a wedding on a Greek island or under the roof of a historic mainland venue, Greece’s unique array of wedding venues is suitable for all styles and plans. Whether you’re looking for luxurious resorts, beautiful vineyards, or something else entirely, Greece will provide the backdrop for a fairytale wedding you’ll all remember forever.

For more on why Greece is great for a destination wedding, check out our article: Why Greece is the Perfect Destination Wedding Location

If you decide to choose Greece, I am happy for you! (And I’m obviously biased). For a good start, check out my article: How to Plan a Destination Wedding in Greece: 10 Expert Tips for Perfect Celebrations.

It all comes down to your style and preference! The Greek Island wedding destinations are simply stunning.

Santorini, for example, is popular among couples who want cliffside ceremonies with dramatic backdrops.

Mykonos is known for its trendy vibe and high-end, exclusive beach bars.

Our style and preference matched Crete. It is known for its genuine Greek wedding traditions and hospitality. The island offers beautiful views and a variety of dishes prepared with its famous vegetables, fish, and meat. In Crete, you can find wedding venues which are anything from historical areas to lavish beachfront locations.

For more on why we chose Crete for our destination wedding, check out our article. Why We Chose Crete: Our Ultimate Greek Destination Wedding Guide.

The best season for a wedding in Greece depends on your preference.

We opted for springtime in Greece (April–June). This season presents mild weather and picturesque scenery. There is also a decrease in tourists, ultimately making for a good (and cheaper) selection. Greece’s high season (July–August) ensures sunshine but can be hot and crowded; avoid mid-day ceremonies or activities, in particular. If you want a more private wedding experience, consider traveling between November and March. This period is an unconventional time to visit Greece for a winter wedding. But wedding venues on islands could be closed.

To help you choose the best time for your vision, you can read our article. When to Get Married in Greece: Complete Wedding Season Guide

A wedding planner in Greece can be helpful, especially for navigating vendor relationships and legal paperwork. Some wedding venues include an in-house coordinator, so you might not need an out-of-house planner.

Be mindful that some planners charge a markup on vendor costs. It’s crucial to have transparent pricing from the get-go. If you have spare time, you can take a hands-on approach to planning your ideal wedding. This way, you’ll save 10–15% of the total. I suggest being bold and going for DIY! If you’re going for a symbolic ceremony in the same location as the reception, planning will be simpler.

To start on your vendor discovery and more vendor tips. Check out my article: Expert Greek Wedding Professionals: Essential Vendors for Your Special Day.

If you do choose to go with a planner, I do recommend that they be based in Greece. Local planners have their planning networks that ensure things can go quickly and seamlessly.

Check here for our curated list of wedding planners across Greece.

For a dream destination wedding in Greece, planning 12–18 months in advance is ideal.

The most sought-after Greek wedding venues get booked quickly, particularly in Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete.

When we reached out one and a half years in advance; some of the most popular places were already booked! An early visit trip is highly recommended. It helps to get a physical sense of the place. It also allows you to clear the first hurdle with a reservation.

Also be mindful that during wedding season many vendors and venues are quite busy with weddings. It’s best to time your outreach and communication between September – April to get the most reactive vendors.

Greece boasts a variety of unique wedding venues, including historical wedding venues, luxury resorts, and authentic Greek cultural experiences. In planning an unforgettable wedding reception, couples can choose among vineyards, olive groves, or exclusive beach clubs.

I’ve pulled together a wide range of venue types across the Greek Islands and the mainland. Check out my Greek Wedding Venue directory for more.

Here are some tips on what to look for when touring a wedding venue in Greece: Wedding Venue Tours in Greece: Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Location.

Crete offers diverse wedding venues for all styles. Our choice was Metohi Istoria in Chania which is a historic Venetian estate. Agreco Farms is perfect for the authentic Greek wedding tradition. Other highlights include Dourakis or Manousakis Winery for wine lovers. If you desire a beach wedding in Crete, luxury beachfront resorts can be a great option. Resorts like Avra Imperial Hotel offer tiered all-inclusive packages.

Check out our Crete wedding venues here.

Wedding venue rental costs in Greece vary significantly by location and venue type. We conducted a research of 11 venues across Greece’s top destinations.

You can expect to pay €3,500-€7,000 for mainland venues, €5,500-€8,000 for Crete venues, and €12,000-€14,000 for premium Santorini locations for 100 guests.

These costs typically include basic venue rental, ceremony setup, and reception space, but exclude catering, photography, and additional services.

Location is the biggest price driver. Santorini commands premium rates for its iconic caldera views. Meanwhile Crete offers excellent value with sea views and flexible vendor policies.

For complete pricing breakdowns and what’s included versus extra costs, see our comprehensive Greek wedding venue cost guide.

From what I could research, etiquette doesn’t require you to cover guest accommodation. We did it for our closest family and bridal party as a gift.

Another tip is to reserve hotel blocks near the venue. Once you have a venue in mind, you can then negotiate with the owners to get a discount. It allows them to book in advance while offering your guests some good rates to be sure. We offered a combination of luxury and mid-price hotels to accommodate the guests comfortably and with their budgets in mind.

Many Greek island weddings involve remote locations, so arranging transportation logistics is key. It’s important to be mindful of how far the venue is from where you’re staying.

A Greek Orthodox wedding features many important and symbolic rituals such as:
– Stefana (wedding crowns)
– Common Cup Ritual
– Dance of Isaiah

These traditions hold deep spiritual significance and highlight the union between the couple. The role of Koumbaro and Koumbara (Best Man and Best Woman) are also crucial during the Orthodox marriage ceremony. Check out our article here.

Each will have to be baptized Orthodox for them to play an official role, but keep that detail between us; our priest graciously offered to let our Koumbaro stand next to us and the Koumbara during the ceremony. That being said, you have nothing to lose by just asking if you’re going for an Orthodox wedding.

For more on Greek Wedding traditions, check out our article: Greek Orthodox Wedding Traditions: Ancient Rituals and Their Beautiful Meanings

The Koumbaro and Koumbara are much more than simply a Best Man and Maid of Honour. They serve as the marriage’s spiritual sponsors.

Their responsibilities include assisting with the wedding Stefana (crown), participating in the ceremony, and offering lifelong spiritual guidance.

For more information, read Greek Orthodox Wedding Roles:
Complete Guide to Koumbara and Koumbaro

The highlight of the celebration is the Greek wedding feast!!

Couples can choose from Greek wedding dishes like a traditional Greek wedding Meze with many healthy tapas-style choices, grilled meats pork, chicken, beef, and lamb (Antikristo in Crete), and Greek wedding desserts such as Baklava and a multitude of other pastries.

Greek wedding caterers often provide traditional Greek wedding cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

To get a better taste for authentic Greek wedding cuisine, check out our article: A Taste of Greece: Exploring Authentic
Greek Wedding Cuisine

Many people we spoke to before our wedding wanted the Big Fat Greek Wedding, an immersive wedding guest experience!

It’s ideal to include a few Greek cultural traditions, especially if you have a Greek background. Some ideas include the Zorba dance (Sirtaki), and live Bouzouki bands.

Also consider some unique Greek wedding favors like personalized bottles of Greek wine or local olive oil. Or if you’d like to be traditional, hand out Koufeta (Greek bonbonieres – candied almonds); we opted for the latter!


To get more ideas on how to create memorable guest experiences, check out our article How to Create Unforgettable Guest Experiences at a Greek Destination Wedding.