How to Legally Marry in Greece

Legal Requirements for Marriage in Greece

You chose Greece for your wedding because you want the light, the history, and the effortless romance of the Aegean.

You picture the sunset over Santorini, the olive groves of Naxos, or the historic streets of Athens.

What you aren’t picturing is standing in a fluorescent-lit office, worrying about a missing stamp on your birth certificate.

As a wedding photographer, I spend my days capturing the emotions and organic moments of your celebration.

But I have seen enough weddings to know that the “boring stuff”—the legal paperwork—is the foundation.

It is the essential step that lets those beautiful moments happen. If you are stressed about documents, you aren’t present in the moment.

And if you aren’t present, the photos change. So, let’s get the bureaucracy out of the way.

Whether you are flying in from London, Tel Aviv, New York, Toronto, or Sydney,

here is an ultimate guide to clearing the legal hurdles so you can get back to dreaming about your first dance.

1. The Basics: Types of Ceremonies

First, a quick distinction regarding the legal side of things.

• Civil Ceremony: Conducted at a Town Hall or authorized venue. It is quick, legal, and the most common choice for destination weddings.
• Religious Ceremony: Usually Greek Orthodox. This requires baptism records and has stricter rules.
• Symbolic Ceremony: Many couples do the legal paperwork at home and have a symbolic ceremony in Greece. This requires zero paperwork in Greece.

If you want the “real deal” legal wedding in Greece, keep reading.

2. The Golden Rule: The Apostille Stamp

Before we get to your specific country, you need to know one word: Apostille.

Unless you are from certain EU countries, your foreign documents (Birth Certificates, etc.) are only valid here if they carry the Apostille Stamp.

This is a special seal applied by your government that proves the document is authentic.

Without this stamp, your documents are just pieces of paper to the Greek authorities.

3. For Couples from the UK 🇬🇧

Since Brexit, the process has changed slightly. Do not rely on advice from friends who married here years ago!

• Certificate of No Impediment (CNI): You must post notice at your local Registry Office in the UK. This is usually done 29 days in advance. Once issued, this certificate proves you are free to marry.
• The Apostille: Send your CNI and your long-form Birth Certificate (showing parents’ names) to the Legalisation Office (FCDO) in the UK. This is where you get the Apostille stamp.
• Translation: After they are stamped, they must be translated into Greek. This must be done by a certified lawyer in Greece or the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

4. For Couples from the USA 🇺🇸

The US system is different because there is no central “Registry Office.”

• The Affidavit: Instead of a CNI, you will need to swear an “Affidavit of Marriage” stating you are free to marry. You generally do this in person at the US Embassy in Athens (an appointment is required).
• Authentication: Once you have the signed Affidavit from the US Embassy, you often need to take it to the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They will authenticate the signature.
• Birth Certificates: You need your certified birth certificate from the state where you were born. It must have an Apostille stamp from the Secretary of State of that issuing state.
• Translation: All documents must be translated into Greek by a certified translator in Greece.

5. For Couples from the EU 🇪🇺

Good news! Being part of the European Union makes this process smoother. However, you aren’t totally off the hook.

• Multilingual Standard Forms: Request your Birth Certificate and Certificate of Capacity to Marry on the “Multilingual Standard Form” (Vienna Convention).
• No Apostille (Usually): If your country issues this form, you often do not need an Apostille or translation for these specific documents.
• Check Local Rules: If standard forms aren’t available, you will need the standard documents. Depending on the bilateral agreement between your country and Greece, you may or may not require an Apostille. Always check with your local Greek consulate.

6. For Couples from Israel 🇮🇱

Greece is a beloved destination for Israeli couples. Here is what you need:

• Tamzit Rishum: You need an extract from the Population Registry (Tamzit Rishum) stating your status is “Single,” “Divorced,” or “Widowed.”
• The Apostille: This document, along with your Birth Certificate, must have the Apostille stamp from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem.
• Translation: These must be translated into Greek. This is usually done by a lawyer in Greece or an official translator recognized by the Greek Embassy in Tel Aviv.

7. For Canada & Australia 🇨🇦 🇦🇺

• Canada: You don’t have a CNI. You will request a “Statement in Lieu of Certificate of Non-Impediment” from Global Affairs Canada or the Canadian Embassy in Greece.
• Australia: You can apply for a CNI through the Australian Embassy in Athens.
• General Rule: If your country is a party to the Hague Convention, you need an Apostille. If it isn’t (like Canada), you need validation from the Greek Consulate in your country or the Embassy in Athens.

8. The Final Step: Registration

The wedding ceremony isn’t the end.

Once you’ve said “I do,” you typically have 40 days to register your marriage at the local Vital Statistics Office (Lixiarcheio).

Usually, you (or your wedding planner) will go to the Town Hall the next working day to sign the Marriage Act.

9. FAQ: Getting Married in Greece

Do I need to be in Greece before the wedding?

Yes. Most Town Halls require you to submit your documents in person, 1–2 weeks before the wedding date. You also need to meet with the Mayor or officiant just before the big day.

How long does the paperwork take?

Start the process at least 3 to 4 months before your wedding date. The Apostille process in the UK and the US can experience delays during peak seasons.

Do I need a translator at the ceremony?

If you do not speak Greek, you must have an official translator present. This ensures you understand what you are signing during the civil ceremony.

Can I change my name in Greece?

Generally, no. In Greece, you marry under your birth names. You can change your name in your home country after you return with your Greek marriage certificate.

Focus on the Light, Not the Paper

Does this sound overwhelming? It can be.

That is why I always recommend working with a local wedding planner who speaks the language. They handle the stamps so you can handle the champagne.

My job is to capture the joy, the tearful glances, and the golden Greek sunlight wrapping around you.

I want you to look at your wedding photos years from now and remember the breeze in your hair—not the stress of a missing document.

Get the papers sorted early, and then let it go. Greece is waiting for you.

Are you planning your destination wedding in Greece?

I would love to help you capture the memories once the paperwork is done.

As a destination wedding photographer in Greece, I am ready to elope in Santorini, Mykonos,

Athens, Greek islands, as well as in Europe & worldwide!

I’m here to answer all your questions and help you feel comfortable and relaxed on your wedding day!

Please fill out the request form, and let the adventure begin!