You want to get married in Greece? Thinking of a sun-drenched coastline, with the distant hum of bouzouki music and the fragrance of olive groves carried in the breeze. Here are the 3 wedding options that you need to know about.

Three options as a foreigner to have your wedding ceremony in Greece

When it comes to the ceremony itself, couples have 3 Greek wedding ceremony options:

1. Greek Civil Ceremony

conducted by a local government official at the Town Hall (Δημαρχείο). This legally recognized ceremony is typically performed in Greek, though a few words of English may be spoken. Couples often have a Greek translator present. A written application to your chosen Town Hall must be submitted well in time before your wedding date.

2. Celebrant-Led Ceremony

opt for a non-legal ceremony led by a Greek Celebrant,

often held in stunning locations, such as Argentikon on the the island of Chios, which is a historical estate surrounded by citrus groves, and Panigirakis Castle in Mykonos with its stunning panoramic views. Another dreamy location is Navagio Beach the gorgeous sandy cove in Zakynthos with its famous shipwreck, which is only accessible by boat – how Mamma Mia is that!

3. Religious Ceremony

while this is a challenging option, due to adherence to Greek Orthodox rites, some exceptions may allow foreign couples to receive a blessing from a Greek Orthodox priest. Alternatively, the nine Roman Catholic priests in Greece also conduct marriages. It is best to apply directly with the priest in your chosen location to begin the application process.

Understanding the specific requirements for your Greek wedding, including the necessary documents to be presented, such as officially translated documents with an apostille stamp, is essential to a seamless ceremony. You should refer to these wedding requirements,

1. For American passport holders for the requirements.
2. For British passport holders for the requirements.

Many couples discover that working with a local wedding planner in Greece simplifies the ceremony process, they are the experts in destination wedding ceremonies in Greece.

Some Greek wedding traditions to incorporate into your wedding day

Here are some other traditional Greek wedding traditions that can add a fun touch to your celebrations.

1. The crowning ceremony with two decorated Stefanothiki (Greek Stefana crowns)

Stefana porcelain and rose wedding crowns

are crowns that are joined by a length of ribbon and are used in an Orthodox wedding ceremony. During the wedding ceremony, the crowns are placed over the heads of the bride and groom three times, whilst the couple holds hands, and seals the wedding union. You can purchase these Greek stefana crows.

2. After Greek wedding ceremonies, Koufeta are gifted to guests

This is a great idea that will infuse Greek heritage into your event. The Koufeta is a small tulle bag containing five homemade sugared almonds. The almonds wish the newlyweds health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and good luck.

3. If there is dancing at your event, let’s not forget the Sirtaki dance, which is a crowd-pleaser that guarantees everyone hits the dance floor! The dance is a traditional Greek dance that is also known as ‘Zorba’s Dance’ and is one that promotes friendship.

Planning a wedding in Greece transcends the ordinary, and offers couples a vibrant array of experiences, whether exchanging vows against the enchanting backdrop of the sunset over the Aegean or dancing the night away in a cozy taverna surrounded by loved ones. Start your planning by organizing the correct Greek wedding ceremony that fits you.