How to Plan a Wedding in Greece – The Ultimate Guide

Dreaming of a wedding in Greece?

Getting married in Greece is the chance to make a dream come true — a romantic escape in a breathtaking setting of sea, light and history. From the white chapels of the Cyclades to the golden beaches of Crete, Greece offers an incredible variety of landscapes to celebrate your union.

Beyond the scenery, a wedding in Greece means a warm, festive and joyful atmosphere, blending local traditions with the art of Mediterranean living. In short, it’s a dream destination that combines romance, authenticity and celebration for the most beautiful day of your life.

Why choose Greece for your destination wedding?

There are many reasons why Greece is one of the best choices for a wedding abroad:

Breathtaking landscapes: whitewashed Cycladic villages, turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, spectacular sunsets… Every location looks like a postcard. Whether you’re imagining a ceremony on a Santorini beach or a reception in a Cretan estate, your wedding will have an unforgettable setting.

Reliable sunshine: With over 95% sunny days in summer, the weather in Greece is one of the most stable in Europe. The wedding season runs from May to October, with warm, dry weather throughout. By avoiding the peak summer months (July–August), you can enjoy perfect temperatures and fewer tourists — September is ideal.

Excellent value for money: A wedding in Greece can often cost less than in your home country for the same quality. You’ll find stunning venues at competitive prices, and local suppliers (caterers, florists, photographers) often charge 20–30% less than in Western Europe. With the same budget as a typical wedding in France, for example, you could enjoy a luxurious beachside celebration in Greece.

More time with your loved ones: A destination wedding gives you the unique opportunity to spend several dayswith your family and friends. In Greece, many couples plan additional events around the big day (boat trips, beach parties, group dinners), turning the wedding into a mini holiday everyone will remember.

Démarches administratives mariage en Grèce

Legal steps to get married in Greece

To ensure your marriage is legally recognized in your home country, certain administrative steps must be followed. If you’re a citizen of the EU (or many other countries), residency in Greece is not required. You can get legally married here as a non-resident.

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Preparing your marriage file: You’ll need to submit official documents, translated and apostilled where necessary. These include:
- Full birth certificates (ideally less than 3 months old)
- Certificate of no impediment (or affidavit of single status)
- Copies of valid passports or ID
- Proof of residence (and in some cases, publication of banns)
All documents must be translated into Greek by a certified translator and apostilled depending on your country of origin.

Civil ceremony in Greece: The legal wedding is usually held at the local town hall, or with a licensed civil officer at a registered venue. A civil wedding in Greece has the same legal value as a religious one. After the ceremony, you’ll receive a Greek marriage certificate — ask for multiple copies and have it officially translated.

Registration in your home country: To have your Greek marriage legally recognized, you may need to register it with your country’s authorities. For French citizens, for example, this involves submitting the translated Greek marriage certificate to the Service Central d’État Civil in Nantes, France, in order to obtain a French family record book (livret de famille).

Helpful tip: The administrative process can take time. Obtaining certain documents or certificates may take several weeks. It’s highly recommended to contact your embassy or consulate in Greece early to get up-to-date information on the required steps and timelines.

Civil, Religious or Symbolic Ceremony :
What are the options?

Greece offers several types of ceremonies to suit your preferences:

- Civil wedding

This is the most straightforward option for international couples. The Greek civil ceremony, usually held at the town hall, is legally valid and can be registered in your home country. It’s ideal if you want to officially legalize your marriage abroad, while enjoying a beautiful setting.

- Religious wedding

As an Orthodox country, Greece typically hosts religious weddings in the Greek Orthodox tradition. However, non-Orthodox couples can still have religious ceremonies in specific Catholic churches (in Santorini, Athens, etc.) with approval from the local parish and your home clergy. Ecumenical or interfaith blessings are also possible, though the Greek Orthodox Church often prefers symbolic blessings if neither partner is Orthodox.

- Symbolic / Non-legal ceremony

Many couples choose to hold a symbolic wedding ceremony, also called a commitment or blessing ceremony, in addition to (or instead of) a legal one. A symbolic ceremony allows full personalization — you can exchange vows, include rituals, and choose any location you like.

Often, couples get legally married at home, then celebrate symbolically in Greece surrounded by loved ones. This approach avoids legal complexity while offering the freedom to create your dream ceremony in a stunning setting. It’s particularly popular among interfaith, international or secular couples.

Best time of year and weather for

a wedding in Greece

Greece has a Mediterranean climate, making it perfect for outdoor weddings. The most popular months are May through September, with long sunny days and blue skies.

Here’s a seasonal breakdown:

May – June: Pleasant temperatures (25–30°C), green landscapes and lower tourist crowds. These months offer the best balance between weather and pricing.

July – August: Peak summer — hot, dry, and festive (30–35°C or more). The weather is nearly guaranteed, but expect more tourists and higher prices. If you choose these months, plan at least 12 months in advance.

September – October: Arguably the best time for weddings in Greece. The sea is warm, days are sunny, and the crowds are gone. From mid-September, many venues also offer lower rates. October (especially early) can be beautiful, particularly in southern Greece.

November – March: This is Greece’s low season. The weather is cooler, more unpredictable (rain, wind), and many island venues are closed. That said, a winter wedding in Athens or a cozy hotel setting can still be beautiful for smaller events.

In short, late spring and early autumn are ideal for combining great weather, venue availability, and reasonable costs. And no matter the season, a professional planner will help you find the right venues and backup solutions (e.g. elegant tents in case of wind) so you can relax and enjoy your day.

Greek traditions you can include in your wedding

To make your celebration even more unique, why not incorporate a few local Greek wedding customs? These symbolic or joyful elements can add meaning and fun to your big day:

The Stefana (wedding crowns): In Orthodox weddings, the bride and groom wear crowns connected by a ribbon, symbolizing eternal unity. Even in symbolic ceremonies, many couples choose to include this ritual for its emotional and visual impact.
Rice or petal throwing: After the ceremony, guests traditionally throw rice to wish prosperity and fertility. You can also use flower petals or olive leaves for a softer touch.
Greek dancing: No Greek wedding is complete without a circle dance, like the famous Sirtaki. You can hire live musicians or simply play traditional music and invite guests to join hands — it’s a joyful, unforgettable moment.
Live music & instruments: Consider hiring a bouzouki player or traditional Greek musicians for the cocktail hour or dinner. It’s a beautiful way to share local culture with your guests.
Other customs: You might also include “Koufeta” (Jordan almonds as wedding favors), the traditional money dance, or symbolic rituals with honey and almonds to represent sweetness and prosperity in your new life together.

Incorporating these traditions is entirely optional — your ceremony should reflect who you are. We’ll be happy to help you choose the elements that suit your story and your style, whether you want a purely modern celebration or one with a touch of Greek charm.

Organiser un mariage en Grèce depuis la France

Practical advice & logistics

Planning a wedding from abroad can feel overwhelming — but with a trusted local partner, it becomes a smooth and exciting journey. Here are our key tips:

Work with a local wedding planner: Collaborating with a trilingual planner based in Greece makes all the difference. Our team is here to coordinate vendors, handle language barriers, and ensure every detail is under control.
Book early: The most sought-after venues (especially in Santorini or Mykonos) can be fully booked more than a year in advance. Start planning 12 to 18 months ahead, especially for peak season.
Guest logistics: Estimate your guest list early so you can block accommodations, arrange group transfers (minibus, private boat, etc.), and help everyone organize their trip. Send your Save the Date well in advance.
Accessibility: Greece is well connected by air. Athens is a main international hub with daily direct flights from major cities, and only 30 minutes from the seaside Athens Riviera. For islands, internal flights or ferries may be needed — plan your guests’ travel accordingly and advise them to arrive at least the day before.
Accommodation: From boutique hotels to luxury resorts and private villas, Greece offers a wide range of options. We’ll help you choose accommodations suited to your group and, if needed, negotiate group rates.
Budget planning: Define your budget early and allow for a contingency (extra activities, decor, backup plan for weather…). Don’t forget internal travel (airport transfers, ferry, coach hire). Greece offers great value, but good planning ensures no surprises.
Cultural flexibility: While many vendors speak English, some smaller local suppliers may not. Having a bilingual contact on-site avoids misunderstandings. And don’t forget — Greece runs on a more relaxed rhythm, which is part of its charm. With a local planner, you’ll stay on schedule without stress.

Final word :

Make your Greek wedding dream come true

Planning a wedding in Greece means choosing the beauty of the Mediterranean and the warmth of a deeply welcoming culture. With good preparation and the right team, this experience will be one of joy, meaning and peace of mind.

Picture yourself barefoot on a beach or saying your vows at sunset with the Aegean behind you… your wedding in Greece will be a memory to cherish for a lifetime.

We’re here to bring your vision to life — every detail will reflect your story. Let us help you plan the wedding of your dreams in Greece… and walk with you into the most magical chapter of your love story.