Understanding Greek Wedding Law

Greece recognizes both civil and religious marriages for legal purposes. Most destination weddings follow the civil ceremony process, which we'll detail below.

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Civil Ceremony

Legally binding ceremony performed by municipality officials. Most common choice for destination weddings.

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Symbolic Ceremony

Beautiful celebration without legal validity. Many couples choose this route and handle legal marriage at home.

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Religious Ceremony

Greek Orthodox ceremony with additional religious requirements. Complex process for non-Orthodox couples.

Required Documents for Civil Ceremonies

All documents must be recent (issued within 6 months), apostilled, and officially translated into Greek

Core Required Documents

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Valid Passports

Must have at least 6 months validity remaining

• Original passports for both parties
• Photocopies of all pages
• Check expiration dates early

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Birth Certificates with Apostille

Official birth certificates with international apostille stamp

• Full birth certificates (not short-form)
• Apostille from issuing country
• Official Greek translation

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Certificate of No Impediment

Official statement that you're free to marry

• Issued by your embassy/consulate
• Must be recent (within 3 months)
• Requires apostille and translation

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Single Status Certificate

Proof that you're currently unmarried

• Also called Affidavit of Single Status
• Sworn statement before notary
• Requires apostille and translation

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

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Divorce Decree

If previously married and divorced

• Final divorce decree
• Must show divorce is final
• Apostille and translation required

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Death Certificate

If previously married and widowed

• Spouse's death certificate
• Official translation required
• Apostille stamp needed

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Parental Consent

If either party is under 18 years old

• Written consent from both parents
• Notarized and apostilled
• Official Greek translation

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Name Change Documents

If your name differs from birth certificate

• Legal name change documentation
• Court orders or deed polls
• Apostille and translation required

Legal Process Timeline

The complete legal process from document gathering to ceremony day

Phase 1: Document Preparation (6-8 months before)

Tasks

✓ Gather all required documents from home country
✓ Obtain apostille stamps on all documents
✓ Arrange for official Greek translations
✓ Verify all document validity periods

Important Notes

• Apostille process can take 2-3 months
• Documents must be recent (within 6 months)
• Translations must be by certified Greek translators
• Keep multiple copies of everything

Phase 2: Greek Authority Submission (3-4 months before)

Municipality Process

✓ Submit complete document package to municipality
✓ Schedule official appointment at town hall
✓ Pay required municipality fees (€100-€200)
✓ Complete any additional requirements

Fees & Timeline

Typical Costs:

• Municipality ceremony fee: €100-€200
• Document processing: €50-€100
• Translation costs: €300-€500
• Legal assistance: €500-€1,000

Processing time: 4-6 weeks

Phase 3: Final Preparations (2-4 weeks before)

Pre-Ceremony Requirements

✓ Post marriage banns (7 days before ceremony)
✓ Arrange for two witnesses (over 18 years old)
✓ Confirm ceremony time and location
✓ Prepare any special ceremony requests

Witness Requirements

• Two witnesses required for ceremony
• Must be over 18 years old
• Can be wedding guests or locals
• Must bring valid ID/passport
• No special relationship required
• Your wedding planner can arrange if needed

Special Considerations

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EU Citizens

Simplified Process: EU citizens may have reduced documentation requirements

• May not need Certificate of No Impediment
• Simplified apostille process
• Faster processing times
• Direct municipality submission

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Symbolic Ceremonies

Popular Alternative: Many couples choose symbolic ceremonies

• No legal documentation required
• Complete creative freedom
• Any location or style
• Handle legal marriage at home

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Professional Help

Highly Recommended: Professional assistance can save time and stress

• Local wedding planners
• Greek lawyers specializing in weddings
• Embassy/consulate assistance
• Translation services

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Important Disclaimer

Legal requirements can change and vary by municipality. Always verify current requirements with local Greek authorities or your embassy/consulate. Consider hiring a local wedding planner or lawyer for complex situations. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

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Legal Requirements for Greek Weddings