Guide to Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Greece

Essential Steps for a Smooth Destination Wedding

Planning a destination wedding in Greece?

Known for its stunning landscapes and charming venues, Greece is a top choice for couples seeking a picturesque setting for their nuptials.

However, before you can say “I do” on a beautiful Greek beach or in a historic town, it’s crucial to understand the legal requirements for getting married in Greece.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to ensure a smooth and stress-free process.

Legal Requirements for Foreign Nationals

To get married in Greece as a foreign national, you’ll need to fulfill certain legal requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the essential documents and steps:

a. Required Documents

Valid Passports: Both parties must have passports valid for at least six months beyond the wedding date.

Birth Certificates: Recent copies of birth certificates are required. These should be translated into Greek by a certified translator.

Affidavit of Marital Status: This document, often provided by your home country’s embassy, verifies that you are legally free to marry.

Divorce Decree or Death Certificate: If either party has been previously married, you’ll need to provide the final divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse.

b. Document Translation

All documents not in Greek must be translated by a certified translator.

Additionally, many documents need to be authenticated with an apostille stamp, which verifies the document’s legitimacy.

c. Getting Documents Approved

Submit your documents to the local Greek municipality where you plan to marry.

It’s a good idea to start this process well in advance of your wedding date, as approvals can take time.

Steps to Get Legally Married in Greece

Follow these steps to ensure your wedding complies with Greek legal requirements:

a. Plan Ahead

Book an Appointment: Schedule a document submission appointment with the local municipality or town hall in Greece.

Check Local Regulations: Verify any specific requirements or procedures for your chosen region.

b. Submit Your Documents

Present your translated and apostilled documents to the Greek authorities. They will review and approve them, allowing you to proceed with the wedding preparations.

c. Conduct a Civil Ceremony

In Greece, civil ceremonies are typically performed at the town hall.

If you wish to have a religious ceremony, you must also complete the civil requirements beforehand.

d. Obtain a Marriage Certificate

After the ceremony, you’ll receive a marriage certificate in Greek.

You can request an international marriage certificate, which is useful for legal purposes in your home country.

A Stress-Free Wedding with Professional Planners

Hiring a professional wedding planner ensures a smooth and stress-free experience for couples wanting to get married in Greece.

Our team handles all the intricate details, from navigating legal requirements to coordinating with local authorities.

We provide comprehensive assistance with document preparation, translation, and submission, ensuring that every legal aspect of your wedding is managed efficiently.

This allows you to focus on enjoying your special day without worrying about paperwork and procedural complexities.

Additionally, our expertise extends to planning and executing the perfect ceremony, whether it’s a civil ceremony on the beach, a religious service, or a personalized symbolic celebration.

With our deep local knowledge and connections, we secure the best venues, vendors, and services tailored to your vision.

Our goal is to create a seamless and memorable wedding experience, where you can cherish every moment and leave the logistics to us.

Conclusion

Ready to start planning your dream wedding in Greece?

Contact us to learn more about our destination wedding planning and photography services. We’re here to make your special day as magical and stress-free as possible.