Greece

Department of Tourism website: www.gnto.gr
Image:  Carolyn Steere

Breathtaking beauty, dramatic landscapes, outgoing people, rich culture, romance, and perfect weather are only a few of the reasons to consider Greece for your destination wedding.  You would be in good company since the island of Santorini is quickly becoming distinguished as one of the leading locations for a destination wedding.

Surrounded on three sides by the Mediterranean Sea, Greece is an idyllic setting for a seaside wedding and provides ample reception and ceremony choices – from traditional Orthodox churches to secluded beaches. Be sure to incorporate Greek musicians at the ceremony and dancers and Mediterranean food at the reception.  Your guests will be delighted with a wedding they will never forget.

Quick Facts

•  Language:       Greek, but English is commonly spoken by younger people and those in the tourism industry.
• Passport:          Yes
• Currency:         Euro
• Time Zone:       GMT + 2
• Major Airports:  Greece has 15 international airports and 25 state domestic airports. 
• Weather:   In general Greece has a dry, Mediterranean climate and enjoys sunshine and mild temperatures.   But, the weather will be determined by the proximity to the coast and elevation.   The winters are mild in lowland areas, but at the same time, the mountains are usually snow-covered. Summers tend to be quite warm.

Marriage Requirements

The first step to being married in Greece is acquiring a marriage license, which can be obtained in your place of residence, as long as neither bride nor groom is a resident of Greece.  If you are not a resident of Greece and you plan to stay in the country longer than the 30-day permit-free residence period allows, then it is necessary to register for a residence permit.  You must also be sure to have a port-of entry stamp in your passport in order to be married.  Your passport and birth certificate with an official translation are required to obtain a Greek marriage license for weddings performed in Greece, and must all be endorsed with an Apostille Stamp, which can be acquired by the Secretary of State. You must also have a confirmation by an American Consular Officer that you are free to marry, in the form of an Affidavit of Marriage.  This Affidavit must be completed in both Greek and English, and costs $30.  A wedding notice must also be published in the newspaper.

 
In Greece, you may choose from a civil or religious marriage ceremony.  There is no residency requirement for foreign nationals, but it may take several weeks for a marriage certificate to be obtained.  The waiting period of a civil marriage license is 7 days, but it is valid for 6 months.  A religious marriage also requires documentation in the form of passport and birth certificate; you may select from a Protestant wedding, a Roman Catholic wedding, or a Jewish wedding.  However, Greek law does not permit the religious marriage of a Christian to a non-Christian.  Both civil and religious marriages are legal; it is not necessary to perform both.  For more information regarding the specifics regarding documentation and requirements for specific religious marriages, visit http://www.usembassy.gr/consular/ac_marriage.htm. 

Articles:  Fall Winter 2006