Getting married in Greece, the complete legal and planning guide

A wedding in Greece is an escape into sunlight, history, and profound beauty. It is the scent of olive groves carried on a warm breeze, the brilliant white of a Cycladic village against an impossibly blue sea, and the taste of fresh grilled fish at a taverna by the water's edge. For many UK couples, the idea of a Greek wedding is the ultimate dream, a chance to exchange vows in a place where ancient myths meet modern luxury.

The appeal is clear. A destination wedding turns a single day of celebration into a shared holiday for your closest friends and family. It offers a backdrop that no UK venue can replicate and an atmosphere of relaxed joy that is uniquely Mediterranean. From the dramatic cliffs of Santorini to the lush, green hills of Corfu, the country provides a remarkable range of settings to suit any couple's style.

This guide is designed to give you a clear, practical path to planning your wedding in Greece. We will cover the essential legal requirements for UK citizens, suggest standout locations, and provide a realistic look at budgeting. The process is straightforward with careful planning, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: creating an unforgettable experience for yourselves and your guests.

The Best Greek Wedding Destinations

Choosing where in Greece to get married is the first exciting decision. The country's diverse geography means there is a perfect spot for every taste, from secluded coves to vibrant, cosmopolitan islands. Each region offers a distinct character and aesthetic for your celebration.

Here are five standout destinations for a Greek wedding:

• Santorini: The icon. Known for its breathtaking caldera views and whitewashed villages, Santorini is the definition of romance. Venues like Dana Villas in Firostefani offer terraces that appear to float over the Aegean Sea, ideal for intimate and visually stunning ceremonies. It is a place for drama, sunsets, and unforgettable photographs.
• Crete: The island of contrasts. As Greece's largest island, Crete has it all: rugged mountains, ancient ruins, and over 650 km of coastline. For a rustic and authentic experience, a venue like Agreco Farm near Rethymno provides a traditional setting amongst vineyards and olive trees. For coastal luxury, the resorts around Chania and Elounda offer five-star service with private beaches.
• Mykonos: The stylish playground. If your vision is a high-energy, fashion-forward celebration, Mykonos is the answer. It is an island of exclusive beach clubs, boutique hotels, and a vibrant nightlife. A wedding here is a statement, perfect for couples who want a party atmosphere set against the chic backdrop of the Cyclades.
• Corfu: The emerald isle. Located in the Ionian Sea, Corfu's Venetian architecture and lush, green landscapes set it apart. Its history gives it a sophisticated, almost Italian feel. Consider a historic private estate in the island's north-east for an elegant, old-world celebration away from the main tourist hubs.
• The Athens Riviera: The accessible choice. For ultimate convenience without sacrificing beauty, the coastline just south of Athens is a superb option. Venues like Island Art & Taste offer sea views and easy access for international guests flying into Athens. It combines the culture of a historic capital with the relaxed feel of a seaside resort.

The Legal Side: A Step-by-Step Guide for UK Citizens

Getting legally married in Greece involves a specific set of paperwork. While the process requires careful attention to detail, it is entirely manageable, especially with a wedding planner to guide you. Most UK couples choose a civil ceremony, which is legally recognised back home. This can be followed by a symbolic ceremony at your venue for a more personal touch.

The legal process can be broken down into six key steps. It is critical to follow them in the correct order and be mindful of the validity periods for your documents.

1. Gather Your Core Documents. You will each need your full A1 birth certificate (the long-form version) and a valid UK passport. If you have been married before, you will also need your decree absolute.
2. Obtain a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI). Each of you must get a CNI from your local UK register office. To do this, you have to "give notice" of your intent to marry. The CNI is issued 28 days later and is only valid for three months from the date of issue, so timing is important.
3. Legalise Your Documents. All your UK documents (birth certificates, CNIs, decree absolute if applicable) must be legalised with an Apostille stamp from the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). This certifies the document as genuine for use abroad. In 2026, expect to pay around £45 per document for this service.
4. Translate Everything into Greek. Once stamped, all documents must be officially translated into Greek. This must be done by a translator certified by the Greek Embassy in London or by a certified translator based in Greece. Your wedding planner can arrange this for you.
5. Submit the Paperwork in Greece. The complete package of original documents, Apostille stamps, and official translations must be submitted to the town hall (Dimarchio) in the municipality where you plan to marry. This must be done in person, but your planner can typically handle it on your behalf.
6. Register Your Marriage. After your ceremony, your marriage is not officially complete until it is registered. You have 40 days to take your marriage certificate to the local registry office (Lixiarcheio). Again, this is a task your planner will complete for you, providing you with the official Greek marriage certificate.

It is best to start this entire legal process around six months before your wedding date. This allows ample time for appointments, postage, and processing without any last-minute stress.

Planning Your Greek Wedding: A Timeline

Planning a destination wedding requires a longer lead time than a wedding at home. Starting 12 to 18 months in advance is realistic and allows you to secure your preferred venue and suppliers without pressure. Hiring a local wedding planner is invaluable. They overcome the language barrier, manage the legal paperwork, and connect you with the best local vendors, from florists to photographers.

A typical planning timeline helps to keep everything on track. Breaking the process down into manageable stages makes it feel less daunting and ensures nothing is missed.

• 12 to 18 Months Out: This is the time for big decisions. Finalise your budget, create a draft guest list to determine the wedding size, and hire your wedding planner. With your planner's help, you will choose your Greek region and book your venue.
• 9 to 12 Months Out: With the venue secured, you can book your other key suppliers. This includes your photographer, videographer, caterer, and entertainment. Now is also the time to send out save-the-dates, giving your guests plenty of notice to book flights and accommodation.
• 6 to 9 Months Out: The focus shifts to logistics and legalities. Begin the paperwork process for your Certificate of No Impediment. Research and block-book hotel rooms for guests. You should also start thinking about the finer details, such as floral design and menu choices.
• 3 to 6 Months Out: Send your official invitations. By now, you should have a clear vision for the day. Work with your planner to finalise the schedule, music choices, and decor. This is also a good time to arrange a menu tasting if you are planning a trip to Greece before the wedding.
• 1 to 3 Months Out: Chase any remaining RSVPs and submit your final guest count to the caterer and venue. Ensure all legal documents have been translated and are ready for submission in Greece. Make your final supplier payments according to your contract schedules.

A Realistic Greek Wedding Budget

The cost of a wedding in Greece can vary significantly based on the island, guest count, and level of luxury. However, it is possible to have a beautiful, high-quality celebration that offers good value compared to a similar event in the UK. The following is a sample budget for a 50-guest wedding in 2026 on an island like Crete or Corfu, avoiding the peak season of late July and August.

Sample Budget Breakdown (50 Guests, 2026)

| Item | Estimated Cost | | :--- | :--- | | Venue Hire (private villa for ceremony & reception) | £8,000 - £15,000 | | Wedding Planner (full planning service) | £4,500 - £7,000 | | Catering (3-course meal & drinks package) | £9,000 (£180 per person) | | Photography (8 hours coverage) | £3,500 - £5,000 | | Flowers & Decor (bouquets, ceremony, tables) | £3,000 - £6,000 | | Entertainment (DJ & live ceremony musician) | £2,000 - £3,500 | | Legal & Admin Fees (paperwork, translation) | £800 - £1,200 | | Total Estimated Cost | £30,800 - £40,700 |

This budget reflects premium suppliers and a private venue. Costs can be managed by choosing a restaurant venue with no hire fee, opting for a smaller guest list, or getting married on a less famous island. Remember to also budget for your own travel, accommodation, and attire separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to get married in Greece? The shoulder seasons of May, June, and September are perfect. The weather is reliably sunny and warm without the intense heat of July and August. You also benefit from lower prices and fewer crowds, which creates a more relaxed experience for you and your guests.

Do we need a wedding planner in Greece? While not a legal requirement, a planner is highly recommended. They are essential for navigating the local bureaucracy and submitting your legal paperwork. They also have established relationships with the best local suppliers and can often secure better rates than you could on your own.

Can we have a legal same-sex wedding in Greece? Yes. In February 2024, Greece legalised same-sex civil marriage. This means UK same-sex couples can now get legally married there. The legal paperwork and process are exactly the same as for opposite-sex couples.

What should our guests expect? A destination wedding is a holiday for them too. Give them plenty of information via a wedding website, including travel tips, accommodation suggestions, and a schedule of events. Advise them on the dress code (e.g., "island chic" suggests linen suits and block heels suitable for cobbled streets) and encourage them to book flights early.

How is a Greek civil ceremony different from a UK one? A legal civil ceremony in a Greek town hall can be very brief, often lasting only 10 to 15 minutes. It is purely administrative. For this reason, most couples also have a symbolic ceremony with a celebrant at their chosen venue. This allows for personal vows, readings, and music in a beautiful setting.

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Finding a photographer who understands the light in Crete or a planner who knows the legal process in Corfu is the first step. The curated directory at shortlist.wedding connects you directly with these trusted Greek wedding professionals.