Planning a wedding in Greece is a dream for many couples thanks to its stunning landscapes, historic settings, and Mediterranean charm. Whether you’re considering a legal ceremony or a symbolic one, here’s a comprehensive Weddings in Greece Guide to help you navigate the process:
Weddings in Greece
🏛️ Why Get Married in Greece?
- Scenic beauty: Iconic islands (Santorini, Mykonos), historic cities (Athens, Thessaloniki), mountain villages, and coastal towns.
- Romantic ambiance: Breathtaking sunsets, whitewashed architecture, ancient ruins.
- All-in-one destination: Combine your wedding and honeymoon.
✍️ 1. Legal vs. Symbolic Weddings
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal | Recognized in most countries if properly documented. Requires paperwork. |
| Symbolic | Non-legally binding. Great for destination weddings without legal hassle. |
📋 2. Legal Requirements (for foreigners)
General Legal Marriage Requirements:
- Valid passports
- Full birth certificates with Apostille
- Certificate of No Impediment (or similar depending on your country)
- Divorce/death certificates (if applicable)
- Documents translated into Greek and certified by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Greek Embassy
⚠️ Tip: Start gathering documents 3–6 months in advance.
Types of legal ceremonies:
- Civil Wedding – Conducted at a town hall by the mayor or registrar.
- Religious Wedding – Greek Orthodox (requires at least one baptized Orthodox Christian), Catholic, Jewish, etc.
📍 3. Best Wedding Locations in Greece
🌅 Islands
- Santorini: Iconic cliffside views, caldera sunsets
- Mykonos: Luxury venues, vibrant nightlife
- Crete: Larger island with diverse venues and culture
- Rhodes / Corfu: Historic and romantic
🏛️ Mainland
- Athens: Urban chic + ancient ruins
- Peloponnese: Castles and vineyards
- Thessaloniki: Cosmopolitan north with cultural richness
💒 4. Types of Venues
- Cliffside chapels
- Beach resorts
- Luxury villas
- Historic ruins
- Vineyards & olive groves
- Traditional stone villages
📅 5. Best Time to Get Married
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| April–June | Pleasant weather, fewer crowds | Some places not fully open |
| July–August | Warm, vibrant atmosphere | Peak season – more expensive |
| September–October | Warm weather, post-summer deals | Shorter daylight hours |
💰 6. Budgeting (2025 Estimate)
| Type of Wedding | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Intimate (10–20 guests) | €5,000 – €10,000 |
| Mid-size (50–100 guests) | €10,000 – €25,000 |
| Luxury (100+ guests) | €30,000 – €100,000+ |
Factors: Venue, catering, travel, accommodation, decor, documentation, planner
👰 7. Hiring a Wedding Planner
Highly recommended, especially if:
- You’re organizing from abroad
- You want help navigating legalities
- You don’t speak Greek
Top wedding planning services specialize in:
- Island weddings
- Elopements
- Multi-day celebrations
✈️ 8. Travel & Accommodation Tips
- Book flights and rooms early (especially for summer)
- Recommend hotels for guests
- Consider transportation for the wedding day
- Look into group discounts
📸 9. Vendors to Consider
- Photographer/videographer
- Caterer
- Florist
- DJ/band
- Hair & makeup
- Celebrant/officiant
- Transportation (vintage cars, boats, etc.)
🗣️ 10. Cultural Tips & Etiquette
- Greek weddings often involve dancing, traditional music, and plate smashing (symbolic fun).
- Be ready for generous hospitality—Greeks love to celebrate!
- Church weddings often follow strict traditions; respect local customs.
✅ Quick Checklist
✔ Choose legal vs symbolic
✔ Select your location and venue
✔ Hire a planner or coordinator
✔ Gather documents (if legal)
✔ Book vendors and accommodations
✔ Plan travel logistics
✔ Confirm with the local town hall or church
✔ Enjoy your dream Greek wedding!