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QUESTIONS / ANSWERS

Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions!

Organisation de mariage en Grèce

Do you speak English?

Yes, of course! I speak English, Greek and French fluently. I will personally assist you throughout the planning process and make sure everything runs smoothly, both in terms of organization and communication with local vendors.

I don't speak Greek and I don't know this country, is it complicated to organize such an event?

Absolutely. You don’t need to know the language or the country to have the wedding of your dreams in Greece. That’s exactly what I’m here for! I’ll guide you through every step and coordinate everything on-site with trusted local vendors. We’ll define your vision together, and I’ll take care of all the planning and coordination, even from afar.

What services do you provide as a wedding planner?

I offer full-service wedding planning in Greece, from start to finish. This includes: Venue scouting and booking (ceremony & reception), Selection and coordination of all vendors: catering, flowers, music, photography, transportation, etc., Assistance with guest accommodation and travel logistics, Timeline management, Budget optimization, Day-of coordination.

Whether you’re planning a big wedding or an intimate elopement, I’ll be your eyes, ears and voice on-site.

When should we start planning our wedding in Greece?

Ideally, I recommend starting the planning process 12 months in advance to secure the best venues and vendors, especially if you’re getting married during peak season (May to September). That said, it’s definitely possible to plan a beautiful destination wedding in less time — we just need to be efficient and flexible.

Do we have to come to Greece beforehand?

Not at all. Most of my couples plan everything remotely. I’ll send you detailed photos and videos, organize virtual meetings with vendors, and keep you updated every step of the way. If you wish to come for a venue visit or tasting, we can arrange that, but it’s not mandatory.

How do we confirm our wedding and manage payments?

Once you approve the proposal, we’ll sign a contract and you’ll pay a deposit to secure your date and vendors. The remaining balance is typically paid in installments, with the final payment due 30–45 days before the wedding. All payments can be made via bank transfer or credit card.

Is it more interesting to get married in Athens or in the Greek Islands?

The famous Greek islands like Santorini or Mykonos are stunning — but they come with higher prices, more tourists, and more complex logistics (especially in summer). Accommodation can be limited, vendors book out early, and transportation requires extra planning.

 

The Athens Riviera is a hidden gem. Just 25 minutes from the Athens airport, this coastal area offers incredible seaside venues, easier logistics, more availability and often better prices. If you want a dream destination wedding in Greece without the stress or high season crowds, the Riviera is a perfect choice.

 

Of course, if you’re set on an island wedding, I also plan celebrations in the Cyclades, the Peloponnese and Crete — we’ll just need to plan ahead and adjust the budget accordingly.

What’s the best time of year to get married in Greece?

The ideal wedding season in Greece is from May to October. Most couples choose June or September to enjoy warm weather, golden light, and fewer crowds than peak summer. July and August are the hottest months (30–35°C / 85–95°F) and the busiest, so early booking is essential.

 

Weddings are also possible in April and October, especially near Athens where the weather is milder than in the islands. Winter weddings can be arranged for a different vibe, though many venues and hotels may be closed.

Isn’t getting married abroad too expensive?

Not necessarily! In fact, many couples find that a wedding in Greece costs less than a similar celebration at home — with a much more scenic backdrop. Greece offers excellent value for money, with lower prices for venues, catering, flowers and staff than in many Western countries.

 

Most of my couples spend between €15,000 and €40,000 for a complete wedding in Greece, depending on guest count, venue and style. Smaller weddings or elopements can be organized for even less.

 

Tip: weekday weddings are common in Greece and can cut your costs by 30–50% compared to weekends. I’ll help you optimize your budget and make the most of your resources.

Isn't Greece too far away?

Not at all. Greece is very well connected, with daily direct flights to Athens from all major European cities (Paris, London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin…). Many seasonal flights also operate from North America and the Middle East.

 

Once in Athens, it takes only 30 minutes to reach most venues on the Riviera. Your guests will be thrilled to turn your wedding into a mini-vacation — and I’ll help coordinate accommodation and transportation to make their stay easy and enjoyable.

How much does a wedding in Greece actually cost?

Every wedding is unique, but here’s a general idea:

 

  • Small weddings (20–30 guests): from €15,000

  • Mid-size weddings (50–70 guests): €25,000 to €45,000

  • Luxury or large weddings (100+ guests): €50,000 and up

 

 

The total depends on your location, season, guest list, and expectations. Remember: a destination wedding often means fewer guests, which helps keep the budget manageable. I’ll provide a detailed estimate tailored to your priorities.

Can we trust local providers?

Yes, absolutely. I work with a network of trusted Greek vendors who are used to international weddings. They’re professional, reliable, and committed to high standards. I’ll hand-pick your suppliers based on your style and needs — and handle all communication in English or on your behalf.

Will someone be there on the wedding day to coordinate everything?

Yes — I will be there in person, along with an assistant if needed. I will coordinate every detail, from the setup and vendor arrival to the ceremony timeline and reception logistics. You can fully enjoy your big day while I handle everything behind the scenes.

How do your guests react? Will they come?

In most cases — yes! Your loved ones will see your wedding as an opportunity to celebrate and take a holiday. As long as they’re informed well in advance (ideally 8–12 months), most guests are excited to attend a destination wedding in Greece. I’ll help suggest hotels, share travel tips, and even help guests group-book accommodations.

What are the administrative procedures for getting married in Greece?

If you want your marriage to be legally recognized, Greece offers the possibility to get married civilly or religiouslyunder specific conditions. The civil wedding option is the most common and straightforward, but requires several documents (with apostilles and translations), such as:

 

  • Passports

  • Full birth certificates (with apostille)

  • Certificate of no impediment / affidavit of single status

  • Divorce or death certificates (if applicable)

  • Official Greek application form

  • Translations by an official translator or the Greek consulate

 

 

You’ll also need to publish banns at the local town hall in Greece a few days before the wedding. The process varies slightly depending on your nationality.

 

Important: Legal weddings in Greece are recognized in many countries, but please check with your local authorities to ensure the Greek marriage certificate will be accepted for registration in your home country.

Can we get legally married at home and just have a symbolic ceremony in Greece?

Yes — and it’s a very popular option. Many couples choose to get legally married in their home country, then come to Greece to celebrate with a symbolic or non-binding ceremony. This removes all administrative complexity and allows total freedom in the ceremony format, location and schedule.

 

I’ll help you design a personalized symbolic ceremony: with vows, readings, music, rituals (such as the sand ceremony or handfasting), and any traditions you wish to include.

Can we have a religious ceremony in Greece?

Greece is a country with deep Orthodox Christian traditions, and while it is a beautiful place to celebrate your love, planning a religious ceremony as a foreign couple may require some special considerations.

 

If you wish to have a Catholic wedding, this can be arranged in certain Catholic churches in Greece — mainly in Athens or on a few islands with established Catholic parishes. The process must be coordinated with both the local Greek priest and your home diocese, and specific documentation will be required (including baptism and confirmation certificates, a pre-marriage course, etc.). Early planning is essential.

 

As for the Greek Orthodox Church, weddings are generally only permitted if both partners are baptized Orthodox Christians. If one of you is Orthodox (especially of Greek origin), it might be possible with special authorization and the guidance of a local priest. Orthodox weddings follow a very specific structure — including the stefana ritual(crowning ceremony) and a liturgy entirely in Greek. For non-Orthodox couples, this path is more complex and less commonly pursued.

 

That’s why the most popular option for international couples is to have a symbolic or non-denominational ceremony — which can still be spiritual, meaningful, and highly personal. We often work with bilingual officiantswho can perform a ceremony in English (or your language of choice), and we can include meaningful rituals from your culture or faith if desired.

 

These symbolic ceremonies can take place anywhere you like: on a beach, in a private villa, in an olive grove, or even in front of a charming little white chapel — for the atmosphere, without the religious formality. The ceremony itself holds no legal value (if you’ve already completed the civil marriage at home or at a Greek town hall), but it carries powerful emotional and symbolic significance.

 

In short: many couples choose to take care of the legal paperwork at home, then come to Greece to celebrate their love with a beautiful, tailor-made symbolic ceremony — without administrative stress on the big day.

How to get married religiously in Greece?

Greece is a traditionally Orthodox country. Getting married as a non-Orthodox person requires additional thought compared to France. To celebrate the union, it's possible to bring in a secular officiant who will lead the ceremony. Catholic weddings are also possible, for example, in existing parishes; otherwise, we often organize symbolic weddings.

Can we include some Greek traditions in our wedding?

Of course! If you’d like to include some Greek wedding traditions, I’ll be happy to guide you. For example:

 

  • The “stefana” (wedding crowns)

  • Traditional Greek music and dances (like the syrtaki)

  • A festive mezze-style dinner with ouzo or local wines

  • Ceremonies near a Greek chapel or historic site

  • Plates smashing (symbolic only — optional 😉)

 

 

These elements can add an authentic local touch and make your wedding even more memorable — without taking away from your own cultural identity.

Can same-sex couples get married in Greece?

As of today, same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in Greece. Unlike in countries such as France (where same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013), Greek law does not yet allow same-sex couples to marry or enter into civil unions with the same legal rights.

 

However, it is absolutely possible to organize a symbolic wedding ceremony in Greece for LGBTQ+ couples — just as meaningful and beautiful as for any other couple.

 

You have two main options:

 

  • Get legally married in your home country (e.g. France, Belgium, Canada, etc.) and then travel to Greece for a symbolic celebration of your union

  • Or celebrate a civil partnership or commitment union at home, and hold your ceremony in Greece

 

 

I would be truly honored to plan an inclusive, non-religious ceremony that reflects your values, love and identity — whether intimate or festive. Many same-sex couples choose Greece as their wedding destination precisely for its breathtaking scenery and relaxed atmosphere, where they can celebrate freely with their loved ones, even if the marriage itself is not officially registered in Greece.

 

It’s worth noting that Greek society is evolving. While full marriage equality is not yet in place, civil partnerships for same-sex couples have been legally recognized in Greece since 2015.

 

In short: yes to LGBTQ+ weddings in Greece — at least in the symbolic sense. What matters most is creating a deeply personal and joyful celebration, in one of the most beautiful settings in the world.

Mariage à la Grecque is a boutique wedding planning agency based in Greece, specializing in destination weddings for international couples. Whether you’re dreaming of a symbolic beach ceremony, a civil wedding on a Cycladic island, or an intimate reception near Athens, we design unforgettable experiences tailored to your story. We organize weddings across Greece — including Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Crete, Rhodes, and the Athens Riviera— and work with a trusted network of local vendors to ensure the highest quality of service.

 

With trilingual support (English, French, Greek), we guide you through every step of your wedding in Greece: venue selection, legal paperwork, guest logistics, budget planning, and day-of coordination.

 

Let us help you create your perfect destination wedding under the Greek sun — stylish, seamless, and full of joy.

 

Based in Athens & Paris | ariane@mariage-a-la-grecque.com

Follow us on Instagram @mariage_a_la_grecque | Wedding planner in Greece since 2017

 

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