If you’re planning on getting married in Greece as a US citizen, there are specific Greek wedding 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. And yes, the United States recognizes marriages that are legally valid where performed. Your Greek marriage certificate (with translation) serves as legal proof.
Quick Answer: US Citizens Getting Married in Greece
| REQUIREMENT | DETAILS |
| Timeline | 3-4 months total preparation |
| Key Documents | Apostilled birth certificate, single-status affidavit, valid passport |
| License Processing | ~8 days after submission |
| License Validity | 6 months |
| Registration Deadline | You must register your marriage within 40-days after the ceremony |
| Residency Required? | No – US citizens can marry without living in Greece |
Table of Contents
Greek Wedding Paperwork Overview: My Personal Experience
Having gone through this exact process for my 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 apostille certification,
- secure a single status affidavit,
- apply for your Greek marriage license with proper certified translations,
- and follow a realistic timeline.
If you are mindful of this early and take it one step at a time, this should be a relatively easy and stress-free process. Below is a step-by-step guide, grounded in official sources so that you can plan with confidence. At the end of the article I have added an extensive list of websites, both in the US and Greece, with all relevant information.
NOTE: If you are not an US citizen, I additionally have articles on general requirements for getting legally married in Greece as well as for Australian and UK citizens:
- Legally Getting Married in Greece General Overview
- Legally Getting Married in Greece as a Australian Citizen
- Legally Getting Married in Greece as a UK Citizen
Essential Requirements: What US Citizens Need to Get Married in Greece
- Valid passports for both partners
- Birth certificates (long-form showing parents’ names, apostilled + officially translated into Greek)
- Single-Status Affidavit sworn before a US consular officer at the US Embassy in Greece
- Proof of divorce or death certificate (apostilled + translated) if either party was previously married.
You’ll apply for your Greek marriage license at your chosen municipality. 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). This is the local Town or City Hall where you get married.
Understanding Apostille Requirements for Greek Weddings
Before we go into the details of the documents required to legally tie the knot in Greece, let’s cover first the topic of the Apostille, as it will be requested for majority of the documents that will be submitted to the Greek authorities.
A Hague Apostille is a standardized certificate under the 1961 Hague Convention that authenticates the signature, seal, or office of the public official who issued your document, making it legally recognized in Greece. It doesn’t verify the document’s content; it only confirms the authority of the person who signed it.
In the United States, apostilles are issued by your state Secretary of State for state-issued documents (like birth certificates, court orders, notarized affidavits) and by the US Department of State for federal documents.
When I mention US Apostille, this simply means a Hague Apostille issued by the appropriate US authority. Greece requires apostille certification (not authentication/legalization) since both countries are Hague Convention members.
Greek Marriage Eligibility Requirements for US Citizens
There’s no national residency requirement to marry in Greece; non-Greeks can marry if they meet the paperwork rules. However, there are some town halls that may still ask for a local address for filling – make sure to check ahead if it’s needed in your case.
Civil weddings are conducted by a mayor or civil official. Religious weddings are legally valid when properly registered at the marriage registry office. For a religious wedding, at least one of you needs to be baptized Orthodox.
For religious weddings, expect extra church requirements (e.g., baptismal certificates, letters from your home parish, and church approvals). These are ecclesiastical rules in addition to the state paperwork. The ecclesiastical rules vary depending on what parish your church belongs to – it’s therefore crucial to verify with the church of your choosing the timings and extra paperwork needed.
Many couples choose to stage a symbolic ceremony for the celebration, instead of going through the process of obtaining a marriage permit. In this case, no paperwork or permit is required.
Required Documents for US Citizens Marrying in Greece
Your municipality’s (local town hall in Greece) or church’s list is the final word, but US citizens typically prepare the following.
Passport and Birth Certificate Requirements
Both partners must present valid US passports. For birth certificates, Greek authorities require the long-form version showing both parents’ names, authenticated with a Hague Apostille and certified Greek translation.
US apostilles come from the state that originally issued your document, or from the US Department of State for federal documents.
Single-Status Affidavit from US Embassy Greece
Most Greek municipalities require proof you’re legally free to marry. The US Embassy in Athens and US Consulate in Thessaloniki provide Single-Status Affidavits by appointment. The consular notarial fee is $50 per seal.
Some municipalities accept US-notarized affidavits with state apostilles – confirm this option with your specific city hall (Δήμος, Dimos) before choosing this route.
Apostille Certification and Greek Translations
Since Greece participates in the Hague Apostille Convention, your US documents must carry proper apostilles (not authentication) followed by certified Greek translations.
Critical point: Not all translators qualify as certified translators. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains an official Register of Certified Translators.
You can check the official list of English certified translators for Greek wedding translations here.
Note: Greek consular authorities do not provide translation services – you must hire certified translators from this official registry.
Complete Timeline: Getting Married in Greece (3-Month Process)
As Soon as You Choose Your Greek Wedding Location
Choose the location you want to get married as soon as possible. Selecting your marriage location helps secure vendors early (good ones book quickly) and allows you to verify specific legal requirements with local authorities.
Contact your chosen municipality or church immediately to confirm required documents and ask about official interpreter needs for your ceremony. From a legal standpoint, ceremonies may be invalid without proper interpretation.
For timeline purposes, I’m assuming your municipality requires documents issued within 3 months of submission – this was our experience, though timeframes can vary.
6-8+ Months Before Your Wedding
Check your US passport validity immediately. Greece requires passports valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date. US passport processing times:
- Routine service: 6-8 weeks
- Expedited service: 2-3 weeks (additional $60 fee)
- Emergency service: Available through US Embassy for urgent travel
If you don’t have a passport or yours expires within 8 months of your Greek wedding, apply immediately. Processing delays can occur during peak travel seasons.
3-4 Months Before Your Wedding
Order any required US vital records in long-form format. Check processing times with issuing authorities, as these can vary significantly.
8-10 Weeks Before Your Wedding
Obtain apostilles for all US documents (state or federal level). Schedule your US consular appointment in Athens or Thessaloniki for your single-status affidavit. Bring the required bilingual form as specified by the embassy.
3-5 Weeks Before Your Wedding
Commission certified Greek translations for every non-Greek document you’ll submit. If your municipality (Δήμος, Dimos) requires marriage announcement publication in local newspapers, arrange this now and save the newspaper page.
1-2 Weeks Before Your Wedding
Submit your marriage license application at your chosen municipality. Typical processing time is 8 days, with licenses valid for 6 months.
Your Wedding Day
Civil ceremonies are conducted in Greek, requiring two adult witnesses with valid passports or Greek IDs. One witness often serves as interpreter, though some municipalities may require certified interpretation services.
Within 40 Days After Your Ceremony
Register your marriage at the local Civil Registry Office (Ληξιαρχείο, Lixiarcheio). Late registration incurs fees, and unregistered marriages lack full legal recognition under Greek law.
Legal Requirements for US Citizens Getting Married in Greece
6-8+ Months Before Your Wedding
Check your US passport validity immediately. Greece requires passports valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date. US passport processing times:
- Routine service: 6-8 weeks
- Expedited service: 2-3 weeks (additional $60 fee)
- Emergency service: Available through US Embassy for urgent travel
If you don’t have a passport or yours expires within 8 months of your Greek wedding, apply immediately. Processing delays can occur during peak travel seasons.
3-4 Months Before Your Wedding
Order any required US vital records in long-form format. Check processing times with issuing authorities, as these can vary significantly.
8-10 Weeks Before Your Wedding
Obtain apostilles for all US documents (state or federal level). Schedule your US consular appointment in Athens or Thessaloniki for your single-status affidavit. Bring the required bilingual form as specified by the embassy.
3-5 Weeks Before Your Wedding
Commission certified Greek translations for every non-Greek document you’ll submit. If your municipality (Δήμος, Dimos) requires marriage announcement publication in local newspapers, arrange this now and save the newspaper page.
1-2 Weeks Before Your Wedding
Submit your marriage license application at your chosen municipality. Typical processing time is 8 days, with licenses valid for 6 months.
Your Wedding Day
Civil ceremonies are conducted in Greek, requiring two adult witnesses with valid passports or Greek IDs. One witness often serves as interpreter, though some municipalities may require certified interpretation services.
Within 40 Days After Your Ceremony
Register your marriage at the local Civil Registry Office (Ληξιαρχείο, Lixiarcheio). Late registration incurs fees, and unregistered marriages lack full legal recognition under Greek law.
Where to Submit Documents and Applications
Greek Municipality (Δήμος, Dimos)
You’ll apply for your marriage license and register your completed marriage through your local Civil Registry. Key details:
- Government administrative portals show typical license processing time of ~8 days
- Marriage licenses remain valid for 6 months
- Some municipalities require newspaper wedding announcements
- Small e-Paravolo fees may apply for license processing
US Embassy Athens and US Consulate Thessaloniki
These offices provide notarial services for Single-Status Affidavits by appointment. The standard fee is $50 per seal. Thessaloniki also handles marriage affidavits – follow their specific booking and form requirements.
Important: For certified translations, hire professionals from the Greek MFA Register of Certified Translators. US consulates do not provide translation services.
Processing Times & Associated Fees
- Greek marriage license: ~8 days processing; valid 6 months; approximately €18 via e-Paravolo in some municipalities
- US consular affidavit services: $50 per seal (schedule online; follow embassy requirements for English-Greek forms)
- US document apostilles: $20 per document through US Department of State (state apostille fees vary)
- Greek certified translations: Market rates vary; allow several business days; peak wedding seasons require longer lead times; source from official MFA translator registry
Total Estimated Cost for US Citizens
Basic legal requirements: $300-450 for never-married couples
If previously married: $400-600 (add $100-150 for divorce documentation)
Both partners previously married: $500-700
Cost breakdown:
- Greek marriage license: €18 (~$20)
- US Embassy affidavit: $50 per person
- Document apostilles: $20-45 per document (federal + state fees)
- Certified Greek translations: $75-150 per document
Money-saving tips: State apostille fees vary dramatically ($5-25), and translator rates differ significantly. Get quotes from multiple certified translators and consider your home state’s apostille costs when planning.
This covers only legal paperwork – not venue, photography, or other wedding expenses.
Common Mistakes US Citizens Should Avoid
- Using wrong authentication methods. Greece requires Hague apostilles – not generic notarization or authentication, before translation.
- Hiring uncertified translators. Greek authorities only accept official translations by professionals listed in the MFA Register. US consulates do not translate documents.
- Ignoring local municipality (town hall) requirements. Some towns still require newspaper wedding announcements for license approval (although rare), verify early to avoid delays.
- Missing the 40-day registration deadline. You must register your marriage at the Civil Registry Office (Ληξιαρχείο) within 40 days of your ceremony to ensure full legal recognition and avoid penalties.
- Assuming residency requirements exist. There’s no national residency requirement for US citizens marrying in Greece, but allow time for logistics and potential local administrative requests.
Helpful Resources for US Citizens
- US Embassy Greece Marriage Guide: Getting Married in Greece overview (appointments, affidavit procedures, fees, witness requirements, timelines)
- US Embassy Notarial Services: Notarial Services (bilingual affidavit template, scheduling, requirements)
- Greek Marriage License Process: Civil Marriage License (processing ~8 days, 6-month validity, newspaper announcements, fees)
- US Document Apostilles: US Department of State Authentication Services
- Certified Greek Translators: Greek MFA Translator Registry
- Marriage Registration Requirements: 40-day registration rule via US Embassy guidance
FAQ: US Citizens Marriage in Greece
Basic Requirements & Eligibility
Yes. US citizens can marry in Greece without residency requirements, provided you meet documentation requirements set by your chosen municipality / Greek Town Hall (Δήμος, Dimos). You’ll need valid passports, apostilled birth certificates, certified Greek translations, and a Single-Status Affidavit from US consular services. After receiving your marriage license and completing your ceremony, you must register the marriage within 40 days at the Civil Registry Office (Ληξιαρχείο). Always confirm specific requirements and timelines with your chosen municipality.
Yes. Greece legalized same-sex civil marriage in February 2024; your civil marriage is valid nationwide when registered.
Wedding Process & Timeline
Yes. Two adult witnesses (of any nationality) with valid passports or Greek IDs are required for civil ceremonies. One witness often serves as interpreter since ceremonies are conducted in Greek, though some municipalities may require additional certified interpretation services. Verify interpreter requirements with your local municipality ahead of time. Witnesses can be of any nationality, they don’t need to be American citizens. Many couples use their Greek wedding planner, local contacts, or other international guests as witnesses. The key requirement is valid identification and being 18 or older.
Greek marriage licenses remain valid for 6 months after issuance. Processing typically takes about 8 days after document submission to your municipality. This gives US citizens flexibility in planning their ceremony date within the six-month window.
US citizens can stay in Greece (Schengen Area) up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism without a visa. Longer stays require appropriate visas or residence permits from Greek authorities. Note: the EU’s ETIAS pre-travel authorization system is scheduled to begin in late 2026 for visa-exempt travelers.
US Recognition & Post-Marriage
No. The United States does not maintain a national marriage registry, and US embassies do not register foreign marriages. If your Greek wedding is legally performed and properly recorded, it’s generally valid in the US under the “place-of-celebration” rule. For US administrative purposes (name changes, immigration), present your Greek marriage certificate with certified English translation and sometimes a Greek apostille.
Yes. If your marriage is legally performed and registered in Greece, it is automatically recognized in the United States under the “place-of-celebration” rule. The US does not require you to re-register foreign marriages. For administrative purposes like passport name changes or immigration benefits, you’ll present your Greek marriage certificate with certified English translation. Some agencies may request a Greek apostille on the certificate.
With Social Security, your marriage document is acceptable evidence of a name change if the new name can be derived from it; you also prove identity. Then update your driver’s license and passport.
