Greece is a top contender on many couples' wedding destination lists and for good reason. From warm sunsets over the sea to picturesque cliffs and traditional olive groves, Greece is the perfect setting for a romantic ceremony.
If you have your heart set on this sunny paradise, in this blog, we’ll take you through how to get married in Greece. We’ll cover everything you need to know for a smooth destination wedding, from choosing the right location to sorting all the legal requirements. With our expert help, we can turn your Greek wedding into a dream come true.
Greece has a brilliant variety of settings to suit every wedding style, which makes it one of the most popular destinations for weddings in Europe. From intimate weddings for couples by the shore, to big family celebrations into the night, there’s a Greek wedding to suit everyone.
Greece has a great selection of venues too, with options for traditional whitewashed chapels to luxury resorts to pamper you and your guests. Whatever you have in mind for your dream venue, our experts at The Wedding Travel Company have access to a range of exclusive locations and have the knowledge to pair you with the best venue for your budget and vision.
The first step to getting your Greek wedding on the road is to narrow down your location choice. With so many places to choose from, you’re sure to find the right region for your needs.
Known for its sunsets and dramatic volcanic views, a Santorini wedding is ideal for couples who want a picturesque place to tie the knot and take some amazing photos.
If you want your own slice of Greek history in your celebrations, a Corfu wedding is the choice for you. Surrounded by classic Venetian architecture and with options to marry in authentic locations like Corfu Town Hall, this location is perfect for a ceremony that blends historical grandeur with rustic romance.
If you’ve been dreaming of a beach wedding, saying “I do” on sandy shores, then you’ll love Kos. Known for its variety of breathtaking beaches, Kos weddings offer no shortage of beachside venues to let you and your guests enjoy a relaxing tropical getaway, whilst also offering the option to dance the night away on the sand.
When getting married in Greece, for foreigners, the most important thing to consider is the time of year to host your celebrations. Greece is a very popular wedding destination and, as such, has a dedicated wedding season running from around May to September.
The best time to get married in Greece will depend on your needs. For example, if you want a balance of sun and scenery without the crowds, May and June are ideal times.
If you’d rather have a more upbeat atmosphere for evenings of celebration, July and August offer hotter weather and a more lively atmosphere.
You’ll also need to consider the availability of venues during these peak times, and as such, booking early is crucial to avoid disappointment. We’d recommend booking at least 18 months in advance to secure your dream venue.
Greece offers both symbolic and legal ceremonies for those wanting a destination wedding, but the latter requires the correct documents to make your marriage official.
To make a marriage legal for international couples, you’ll typically need these crucial documents:
Passports
Birth certificates
A Certificate of No Impediment - Stating there is no restriction on marriage
Documents translated into Greek.
Apostille stamps on relevant paperwork
If you’re concerned about sorting the legalities of your Greek marriage, working with wedding planners like us can ease this stress. We’ll offer support and guidance as well as arrange document translation and submission to help ensure smooth sailing so you can enjoy the fun parts of planning instead.
Once you’ve chosen your destination, it’s time to select the type of venue that best suits your wedding requirements. Some of the most popular wedding venues in Greece include:
Beachfront venues: If you want close access to sand, sea and sun at all times, a beachfront wedding venue is ideal.
Luxury resorts: If you want a 5-star all-inclusive experience for a lavish celebration, a luxury wedding venue offers fabulous accommodation and exceptional amenities.
Family venues: For big celebrations with family and friends of all ages, family wedding venues entertain the kids and offer relaxing experiences for the adults, so everyone can enjoy their trip.
Whilst these examples don’t encompass all of the wedding types on offer in Greece, they give you a good idea of how to narrow down your selection based on what your venue needs to offer to enjoy a comfortable and convenient celebration.
You might think a wedding abroad costs a pretty penny, but you’ll be surprised to know that the cost of a destination wedding in Greece isn’t as much as you think. There are plenty of ways to get amazing value for money and even specially designed budget weddings that offer all the essentials at a lower price.
When deciding your budget, you’ll need to consider your party size as the first and foremost cost. The more people you invite to your wedding, the more you’ll be expected to pay for the ceremony and reception accommodation. You’ll also need to factor into your budget:
Decorations and ceremony set up
Photography
DJ or live music
Catering for the reception
Travel costs, including flights and shuttles
Accommodation costs
Wedding dress and attire
Spending money
Document processing fees
Whilst this list might seem overwhelming, many of the costs related to wedding planning can be included in a specially selected wedding package. This helps remove the costs of souring add ons or separate vendors and can often save money thanks to partnerships with local vendors like ours at TWTC.
With all the major points covered, we’ve got just a few final practical tips on how to get married in Greece and ensure a stress-free experience.
Allow plenty of time in advance to sort legal documents
Keep guests informed about accommodation and travel arrangements
Think about what to wear to a wedding in Greece based on the weather and temperature
Consider investing in wedding insurance
Book flights and venues in advance
Make sure to convert any spending money into Euros
Whether you’re picturing your vows being exchanged overlooking the ocean or dreaming of dancing till the morning on the sandy shores, Greece has the ideal setting for every wedding and with the right planning, you can enjoy your experience right up to the big day.
With The Wedding Travel Company, you’ll have no wedding woes. We’ll take care of all the stressful stuff like legal planning and venue setup, with the option for bespoke packages to include everything you want for a day personal to you and your partner.
If you need help choosing the right venue or are searching for a personalised Greek wedding package, get in touch with our wedding experts today.
