Getting Married in Greece: A Mini Guide to Help You Navigate the Paperwork

Dreaming of saying “I do” surrounded by breathtaking scenery, rich history, and the enchanting Mediterranean breeze? Getting married in Greece offers just that—and so much more. From iconic sunsets over the Aegean Sea to charming villages steeped in tradition, Greece is the perfect backdrop for your unforgettable wedding day.

Before you start planning your dream ceremony, there’s one important step to take care of first: the paperwork.

Navigating the legal requirements and documents can be overwhelming, especially for couples planning their wedding from halfway across the world. 

Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your wedding in Greece both magical and hassle-free.

Preparing for your big day 

Before your wedding day, it’s essential to gather all the required documents well in advance. This typically includes your birth certificates, certificates of no impediment (also known as “free-to-marry certificates”), passports, baptismal certificates (if you’re getting married in a church), and divorce or death certificates, if applicable. Most importantly, these documents often need an Apostille stamp — a certification that verifies their authenticity. For more information on Apostille stamps, please visit the official website of the Secretary of State in the state where the document was issued.

After obtaining an Apostille stamp for each document you wish to have translated, you can contact me, and I’ll provide you with a free quote. During this process, it’s essential to keep in touch with your wedding planner in Greece, who will keep you informed about the documents required and any last-minute changes that may arise.

If you decide that you’d like us to work together, I’ll start working on your translations. Once they're ready, you can collect them and submit them to your nearest Greek Consulate for stamping. For more details on the authentication process, please refer to the website of the Greek Consulate closest to you.

From wedding day to married life

Congratulations  –  you’re married!

Your marriage certificate will be issued in Greek. If you need to get it translated into English for use with insurance companies, banks, your employer, or any other authority, you can reach out to me and request a quote. If you’d like us to work together, I’ll begin working on your translations, and then you’ll be ready to submit your documents to the relevant authorities.

Last but not least…

Planning a wedding abroad can feel overwhelming at times, but with a bit of preparation and the right information, navigating the paperwork doesn’t have to take the joy out of the experience. Greece is a beautiful place to start your journey as a married couple, and making sure your documents are in order will allow you to focus on what really matters—celebrating love, creating unforgettable memories, and enjoying every moment of your special day.

Starting this process early will help avoid any last-minute stress and keep your wedding plans on track. Make sure to stay in touch with your wedding planner and/or the priest who will perform the ceremony (if applicable), as well as your nearest Consulate, to make sure that everything is on track. Na zísete! (Να ζήσετε - wishing you a happy life together!)