Getting married in Greece

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Getting married in Greece

Since the Mamma Mia Movie, the idea of getting married in Greece has gained popularity. Sure it is most romantic to think of the bluest seas and villages of whitewashed houses with cobbled streets, all this under an irradiant sunshine.
Greek Wedding

My own wedding took place on Paros island, we went there some months before to find suitable rooms for family and friends, make sure to come with the right papers and translations and to arrange for the location of the wedding, catering and florist. If you don't bring your own photographer, best you arrange this beforehand as well.

Some months in front I organized flights at a travel agency and booked all our guests from overseas. That was the most comfortable way for all, and sure the price was a bit better this way as well.

Keep in mind, that you would have to be a member of the Greek Orthodox religion for getting married in Greece in a church. But there are various impressive locations where the Mayor of the chosen island or town will be happy to perform on this important day. Just get the appointment in time.

When you have it all set up, be prepared that all will probably come different. You are planning for Greece, the country where incidence comes before any planning attempt. In the end, though, all will be fine, this is another rule.

The best tip is, just to stay relaxed as all the Greeks will, no matter if the flowers are not ready one hour before the wedding, they will be in the end. There are also wedding planners available in Greece if this sounds like too much organizing for you, or should you not have the time. For Skopelos island I can help out, just fill out the contact form to the left.
Greek Wedding

To live the dream of getting married in Greece and to obtain the marriage license, the following legal papers are necessary:

A valid tourist visa if you are a not a citizen of an EU country

A valid passport/travel documents

Certified copies of both parties’ birth certificates with an official translation from the Greek foreign ministry

If applicable, a document verifying the termination of a previous marriage (death certificate or final divorce papers), again with the official translation

Confirmation by their consulate in Greece that there is no impediment to the marriage; for instance, that there is no existing undissolved marriage and that neither party is under 18 years old

A copy of the local Greek daily newspaper in which the wedding notice was published 15 days to three months before the marriage ceremony

The documents listed above are to be submitted to the local municipality to apply for the marriage license. The license is usually issued seven days after the application is submitted and is valid for 6 months. An application is then submitted to the Mayors' office and the wedding date is set.

Two witnesses must attend the wedding ceremony. The witnesses will have to present official identification cards or passports.

Bring a translator with you or organize one locally.

Make sure you contact the Foreign Embassy or Consulate to confirm the legal requirements in order to have all papers ready for getting married in Greece and to be able to fulfill the necessary time frame.

Let's also see and recapitulate what you want to get done besides the papers:

your favorite location

suitable accommodation for you and your family and friends

arrange for wedding location

florist

hair dresser

find your tavern or caterer

musicians or DJ

photographer

flights for you and your guests

contact the Foreign Embassy or Consulate to confirm the legal requirements

submit the papers needed to the Mayors' office

contact the Mayor for available dates for the wedding

find two witnesses

find a translator

organize transportation for you and your guests before and after the ceremony

If you ever had the dream in mind of getting married in Greece, you shall never dismiss it. It is a wonderful life time experience that will stay in your mind and in the thoughts of your guests for many, many years and be remembered as exceptional.

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