Getting Married in Greece

Quick reference

Step-by-step requirements

Follow these steps in order. Most are completed weeks before travel; the in-country portion typically takes 1-3 days depending on the destination.

1. 1

   Each partner provides a valid passport, an apostilled birth certificate, and a Certificate of No Impediment translated into Greek.

2. 2

   Publish a Notice of Intended Marriage in a Greek-language newspaper at least 8 days before the ceremony — your wedding coordinator handles this.

3. 3

   If divorced, an apostilled divorce decree translated into Greek is required. Greek civil law previously imposed a waiting period after divorce; verify with your coordinator.

4. 4

   Both partners apply in person to the local Town Hall (Dimarcheio) in the municipality where the ceremony will take place.

5. 5

   Two witnesses over 18 with valid passports must attend the civil ceremony.

Documents you'll need

• →Valid passport (6+ months remaining validity)
• →Apostilled birth certificate translated into Greek
• →Apostilled Certificate of No Impediment translated into Greek
• →Apostilled divorce decree if previously married (translated)
• →Death certificate of former spouse if widowed (apostilled + translated)

Timeline

The 8-day newspaper publication is the binding timing constraint. Submit documents and pay for newspaper publication 10+ days before the ceremony. Most couples plan a 7-10 day trip to allow buffer. The Dimarcheio ceremony itself is same-day.

Cost breakdown

Total legal costs run €200-€400 (about $220-$450 USD): apostille and translation per document ($80-$150 each), newspaper publication fee (€80-€150), Dimarcheio filing fee (€30-€50), and wedding coordinator legal-orchestration fee ($300-$800 if you engage one specifically for paperwork).

Already married? Symbolic ceremony option

Many couples skip the 8-day publication requirement by legalizing at home and hosting a fully symbolic ceremony at Santorini or Mykonos caldera-view venues. The visual experience is identical without the Greek civil registry interaction.

Same-sex marriage recognition

Greece legalized same-sex civil marriage in February 2024. All same-sex couples may now marry under the same civil requirements as opposite-sex couples.