Understanding Greek Marriage Laws for Foreigners
Greece allows civil and religious marriages for foreign nationals. Most international couples opt for a civil marriage, which is legally recognised worldwide. Religious ceremonies (Orthodox, Catholic, Jewish, Protestant) can also be legally binding if they adhere to Greek law and are conducted by an authorised minister.
Key Legal Principle: Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
Essential Documents Required for Your Greek Wedding
This is the most crucial part of the process. While specific requirements can vary slightly depending on your nationality and the municipality in Greece where you're marrying, these are the core documents you will need:
Valid Passports: Both partners will need their valid passports. Ensure they are valid for at least six months beyond your planned wedding date.
Birth Certificates: Original full birth certificates for both partners, translated into Greek by an official Greek authority (such as a lawyer, a certified translator in Greece, or the Greek Embassy/Consulate in your home country).
Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI) / Affidavit of Marital Status:
This document certifies that there are no legal obstacles to your marriage.
For UK Citizens: You will typically obtain a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) from your local registry office, which then needs to be apostilled and translated.
For US Citizens: You might need to provide an Affidavit of Marital Status (a sworn statement confirming you are free to marry), usually obtained from a US Embassy or Consulate, which then needs to be translated and apostilled.
For other nationalities: Check with your embassy or consulate in Greece, or your home country's government marriage authority, for their specific equivalent.
Crucial Note: This document usually has a limited validity period (e.g., 3-6 months), so don't obtain it too far in advance.
Divorce Certificates (if applicable): If either party has been previously married, you will need the original final divorce decree (Absolute) or dissolution papers. These must also be translated into Greek and apostilled.
Death Certificate (if applicable): If either party is a widow/widower, you will need the original death certificate of the former spouse, translated and apostilled.
Proof of Address: Sometimes requested, usually a recent utility bill.
Marriage License Application Form: This will be provided by the local Greek Municipal Office (Dimarchio) where you intend to marry.
Apostille Requirement: Most documents issued in your home country will need an "Apostille" stamp. This is an international certification that legalizes the document for use in foreign countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. You typically obtain this from your home country's Foreign Affairs department.
The Application Process: Step-by-Step
While the exact order can vary, here’s a general sequence of events:
Gather & Legalise Documents: Start collecting all required documents well in advance. Get them translated and apostilled in your home country where necessary.
Travel to Greece: You’ll need to arrive in Greece a few days before your wedding.
Submit Documents to the Municipality: Take all your original documents (and their official Greek translations) to the local Municipal Office (Dimarchio) in the area where you wish to marry. This is typically done by appointment.
Register Your Wedding: Once your documents are approved, a date and time for your civil ceremony will be set. The ceremony itself is usually short and conducted by the Mayor or an authorized Deputy Mayor.
Witnesses: You will need two witnesses (over 18 years old) present at the ceremony. They must have their passports or ID cards. They do not need to be Greek citizens.
Receive Your Marriage Certificate: After the ceremony, you will receive a Greek Marriage Certificate. This certificate must be registered at the local Registry Office (Lixiarheio) within 40 days of the ceremony. Your wedding planner or local coordinator can assist with this crucial step.
Post-Wedding Formalities: Making it Official Back Home
To ensure your Greek marriage is recognised in your home country:
Apostille the Greek Marriage Certificate: Your Greek Marriage Certificate will likely need to be apostilled by the relevant Greek authority (e.g., the Regional Administration – Decentralised Administration) and then officially translated into English (or your native language) before you return home.
Register in Your Home Country: Check with your home country’s government or vital statistics office for their specific requirements on registering a foreign marriage.
Why a Wedding Planner is Your Best Friend for Legalities
Navigating international paperwork and local Greek bureaucracy can be complex, especially when you're trying to enjoy your engagement!
This is where an experienced Greek wedding planner becomes invaluable. Their local knowledge and expertise are absolutely amazing and can save you countless hours and potential headaches. They are adept at staying updated on the latest requirements, liaising with local authorities, and ensuring all your documents are correctly prepared and submitted on time. From guiding you through the apostille process to confirming municipal appointments, they handle the intricacies so you can focus on the joy of your upcoming wedding.