Greek Wedding Planning Guide

Your complete roadmap to planning the perfect destination wedding in Greece

12-18 Month Timeline Legal Requirements Vendor Selection

Your Wedding Planning Timeline

A comprehensive timeline to ensure your Greek wedding planning goes smoothly

12-18

Months Before

  • ✓ Set your budget and guest list
  • ✓ Choose your destination and venue
  • ✓ Research legal requirements
  • ✓ Hire a wedding planner
  • ✓ Book venue and accommodation
6-12

Months Before

  • ✓ Book key vendors (photographer, caterer)
  • ✓ Start legal documentation process
  • ✓ Design and order invitations
  • ✓ Plan guest activities and tours
  • ✓ Arrange travel insurance
3-6

Months Before

  • ✓ Send out invitations
  • ✓ Book remaining vendors
  • ✓ Plan ceremony and reception details
  • ✓ Arrange guest transportation
  • ✓ Finalize legal documents
1-3

Months Before

  • ✓ Final vendor meetings
  • ✓ Create detailed timeline
  • ✓ Plan rehearsal dinner
  • ✓ Arrange final fittings
  • ✓ Confirm all bookings
1

Month Before

  • ✓ Final venue walkthrough
  • ✓ Confirm guest RSVPs
  • ✓ Pack wedding essentials
  • ✓ Arrange arrival logistics
  • ✓ Relax and enjoy!
Week

Of Wedding

  • ✓ Welcome guests
  • ✓ Rehearsal dinner
  • ✓ Final vendor meetings
  • ✓ Wedding day!
  • ✓ Post-wedding activities

Legal Requirements for Greek Weddings

Understanding the legal process is crucial for a smooth wedding experience

Civil Ceremony Requirements

Required Documents

  • • Valid passports (6+ months validity)
  • • Birth certificates with apostille
  • • Certificate of No Impediment
  • • Single Status Certificate
  • • Affidavit of Single Status

Additional Documents (if applicable)

  • • Divorce decree (if previously married)
  • • Death certificate (if widowed)
  • • Name change documents
  • • Parental consent (if under 18)

Process & Timeline

Document Preparation (6-8 months)

  • • Gather all required documents
  • • Obtain apostille stamps
  • • Arrange official translations
  • • Verify document validity

Greek Authorities (3-4 months)

  • • Submit documents to municipality
  • • Schedule appointment at town hall
  • • Pay municipality fees (€100-€200)
  • • Post marriage banns (7 days before)

Important Considerations

🇪🇺

EU Citizens

Simplified requirements, may not need all documents listed above

💒

Symbolic Ceremonies

Many couples choose symbolic ceremonies and handle legal marriage at home

👨‍💼

Local Assistance

Consider hiring a local lawyer or wedding planner for complex situations

Budget Planning for Greek Weddings

Understanding costs helps you plan effectively and avoid surprises

🏨

Venue & Accommodation

30-40% of total budget

  • • Venue rental: €3,000-€25,000
  • • Guest accommodation: €100-€300/night
  • • Room blocks and discounts
🍽️

Catering & Food

25-35% of total budget

  • • Per person: €50-€150
  • • Wedding cake: €200-€800
  • • Beverages and bar service
📸

Photography & Video

10-15% of total budget

  • • Photography: €1,500-€5,000
  • • Videography: €1,000-€3,000
  • • Engagement sessions
🎵

Entertainment

5-10% of total budget

  • • Live band: €800-€2,500
  • • DJ: €300-€800
  • • Traditional Greek music

Additional Costs to Consider

Legal & Documentation

€500-€1,500

Wedding Planner

€1,000-€3,000

Flowers & Decor

€800-€2,500

Transportation

€300-€1,000

Choosing Your Wedding Vendors

Essential tips for selecting the right vendors for your Greek wedding

👰

Wedding Planner

Why essential: Navigates local customs, language barriers, and logistics

Cost: €1,000-€3,000

Book: 12-18 months in advance

Questions to ask:

  • • Experience with your venue?
  • • Local vendor network?
  • • Legal process assistance?
  • • On-site coordination?
📸

Photographer

Why important: Captures your special day in stunning Greek settings

Cost: €1,500-€5,000

Book: 12-15 months in advance

Questions to ask:

  • • Experience in Greece?
  • • Equipment for bright sun?
  • • Backup plans for weather?
  • • Delivery timeline?
🍽️

Caterer

Why crucial: Greek hospitality is legendary - food is central to celebrations

Cost: €50-€150 per person

Book: 10-12 months in advance

Questions to ask:

  • • Traditional Greek menu options?
  • • Dietary accommodation?
  • • Local wine selection?
  • • Service style options?
🎵

Entertainment

Why special: Greek music and dancing create unforgettable celebrations

Cost: €300-€2,500

Book: 8-10 months in advance

Questions to ask:

  • • Traditional Greek music?
  • • Dance instruction for guests?
  • • Equipment and setup?
  • • Performance duration?
🌸

Florist

Why beautiful: Greek flowers and olive branches create stunning arrangements

Cost: €800-€2,500

Book: 6-8 months in advance

Questions to ask:

  • • Local flower availability?
  • • Olive branch arrangements?
  • • Weather-resistant options?
  • • Setup and breakdown?
🚗

Transportation

Why necessary: Ensures smooth guest logistics and special arrivals

Cost: €300-€1,000

Book: 4-6 months in advance

Questions to ask:

  • • Guest shuttle service?
  • • Special wedding vehicles?
  • • Airport transfers?
  • • Backup vehicles?

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