Deborah Chan
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the wedding industry faced unprecedented challenges due to international travel restrictions and social distancing requirements. Greece, a popular destination for weddings, has been a relative success story in terms of its low COVID-19 casualty rate compared to other European countries. Weddings in Greece were allowed during the pandemic, but with strict measures in place. The Greek government advised against large gatherings, and venues implemented protocols such as limiting tables to six people, mandatory mask-wearing, and physical distancing. Couples had to adapt their wedding plans, opting for micro weddings or elopements with only their nearest and dearest. While there were no official protocols specifically for weddings in Greece, vendors and venues took it upon themselves to create innovative solutions to ensure couples could still celebrate their love safely.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding ban | Lifted on March 5, 2021 |
| Number of guests | Up to 9 people including staff |
| Music | Allowed |
| Dancing | Not allowed |
| Maximum number of guests per table | 8 |
| Maximum number of guests outdoors | 100 |
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What You'll Learn
Weddings allowed with a maximum of 9 people
As of March 5, 2021, Greece lifted the ban on weddings, allowing civil or religious weddings to take place with up to nine people, including religious or municipality staff. This came after the country's Civil Protection placed one more regional unit and one municipality under a state of tougher lockdown due to an increased epidemiological load.
Greece has implemented various measures to control the spread of COVID-19, including strict lockdowns, travel restrictions, and social distancing rules. The country's night curfew was in place from 00:30 to 5:00 as of May 14, 2021, and restrictions on domestic travel were lifted under specific rules for travel to the islands.
In June 2021, Greece allowed weddings and christenings to take place outdoors with a maximum of 100 attendees. However, there were restrictions on dancing, with Deputy Development Nikos Papathanasis stating that music was permitted in entertainment venues and wedding receptions, but dancing was prohibited.
If you are planning a wedding in Greece, it is important to stay updated with the latest official guidelines and restrictions. The information provided here may not reflect the current situation, as COVID-19 regulations can change rapidly.
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Maximum of 100 people for outdoor weddings
In March 2021, Greece lifted the ban on weddings, allowing civil or religious weddings to take place with up to nine people, including staff. From May 2021, weddings were allowed to take place outdoors with a maximum of 100 people. This rule was still in place in October 2021, when the government extended attendance restrictions for liturgies, baptisms, weddings and funerals to 100 people maximum.
If you are planning a wedding in Greece, it's important to keep in mind that the situation is constantly changing due to the ongoing pandemic. It's a good idea to have a plan B in place and stay in close contact with your wedding planner or vendors.
To limit the spread of the virus, it is recommended to remove reusable items like menus and magazines. Customers are encouraged to make electronic transactions, and food should be served by staff wearing masks and gloves.
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Music allowed at weddings, but no dancing
As of June 11, 2021, Greece has allowed music at wedding receptions but prohibited dancing. Deputy Development Nikos Papathanasis stated that the allowance of music in restaurants and at receptions is meant for seated customers and guests. There may be a live orchestra for music at wedding receptions, with a maximum of eight guests per table. From July 1, the number of guests allowed increased to 300.
Greece's Civil Protection has placed one more regional unit and one municipality under a state of tougher lockdown due to an increased epidemiological load. A ban on civil or religious weddings was lifted in March 2021, provided that there were no more than nine people present, including religious or municipality staff.
In December 2020, retailers were only allowed to operate under the 'click-away' method. In June 2021, weddings were allowed to take place outdoors with a maximum of 100 people. Greece has also implemented a seven-day COVID-19 quarantine for all passengers arriving from foreign airports.
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Wedding restrictions lifted in some regions
Greece has been a popular wedding destination for couples across the globe. Known for its beautiful landscapes, picturesque villages, warm climate, beaches, music, and food, it is the ideal spot for a memorable wedding.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many wedding plans. Greece imposed strict lockdowns and restrictions on social gatherings to curb the spread of the virus. Wedding venues were subject to the same restrictions as other social gatherings, with limits on the number of attendees and social distancing requirements in place.
In March 2021, Greece's Civil Protection authorities lifted the ban on weddings in certain regions. The Head of Civil Protection, Nikos Hardalias, announced that the regional unit of Fokida and the Municipality of Anogia (Crete) would be placed under tougher lockdown restrictions due to a surge in infections. However, the ban on weddings and KTEO (mandatory vehicle control) was lifted for these regions. The lifting of the wedding ban came following a request by the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs.
The new rules allowed civil or religious weddings to take place with up to nine people present, including religious or municipality staff. This was a positive development for couples who wished to get married in Greece, but it is important to note that restrictions could be subject to change depending on the epidemiological situation in the country.
If you are planning a wedding in Greece, it is essential to stay updated with the latest restrictions and guidelines. It is also advisable to start the wedding planning process early, especially if you require translation and certification of legal documents.
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Wedding refunds if cancelled due to restrictions
If your wedding has been cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions, you may be entitled to a refund. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has stated that it expects customers to be refunded where they have cancelled or haven't received a service due to coronavirus restrictions. This means that if your wedding has been cancelled due to lockdown regulations or local restrictions, your contract will be 'frustrated' and comes to an end.
However, it's important to check the wording of your wedding insurance policy for detailed information on whether pandemics are excluded. Some insurance providers may not be paying out in these circumstances. If you are facing challenges with your venue or suppliers, it may be worth arguing for a refund if the provider refuses, as you are legally entitled to a refund for a service you haven't received.
If you are planning to postpone your wedding rather than cancel it, it's important to keep in mind that this may be difficult to achieve and there may be additional costs involved. Some venues and suppliers may charge rescheduling fees or increased rates, especially if they are smaller businesses with less flexibility. It's best to get in touch with your venue and suppliers as soon as possible to discuss your options and try to come to an agreement that works for everyone.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, weddings are allowed in Greece during the coronavirus pandemic, but there are restrictions in place. The Greek government has advised against assembling large groups of guests, so guest lists may need to be downsized. There are also rules regarding social distancing, mask-wearing, and table arrangements.
Guests must follow social distancing rules and wear masks, especially in indoor spaces and queues. There is an obligatory limit of six people per table, and it is recommended that food is served directly to guests' plates rather than opting for a buffet.
Couples must contact the local City/Town Hall in Greece to find out about local requirements before travelling. They must also register their marriage within 40 days of the ceremony at the Vital Statistics Office (Lixiarcheio) of the city where the marriage took place.
