Planning A Greek Wedding: Traditions And Tips

Planning a Greek wedding can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it may also be challenging. There are a few key things to consider early in the planning process, such as location, vendors, and marriage licenses. It's also important to think about your guests and whether you'll be able to visit your desired location and vendors in person before booking. If not, hiring a local destination wedding planner can be a great option, as they will have the best idea of what's desirable and available.

Choosing a location

When it comes to choosing a location for your Greek wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to decide which island fits your dreams. Greece has a plethora of beautiful islands to choose from, each with its own unique charm and character. For example, Santorini, with its crystal blue waters and iconic white buildings, offers a perfect mixture of calm island life and fun touristy areas.

Once you have narrowed down your choice of island, it is advisable to visit the location beforehand if possible. This will allow you to explore the area, meet potential vendors, and get a true sense of what your wedding day could be like. If visiting in person is not feasible, consider hiring a local destination wedding planner. They will have insider knowledge of the best venues and vendors available and may even be able to secure you a great deal.

When selecting a specific venue, keep in mind that your civil ceremony can be held anywhere in Greece, providing you with a wide range of options. Whether you envision a beach wedding with the stunning Aegean Sea as your backdrop or a more intimate gathering in a traditional Greek taverna, the possibilities are endless.

Additionally, it is crucial to consider your guests throughout the planning process. Think about their travel requirements and whether your chosen location will be accessible and convenient for them. Remember, your guests will be relying on you for important information and assistance with their travel plans.

Lastly, don't forget the legal requirements. If you are not Greek citizens, you will need to submit additional documents, and if you opt for a religious ceremony, be sure to contact the clergy directly for any specific requirements they may have.

Booking vendors

If you can't visit Greece before your wedding, it's a good idea to hire a destination wedding planner who is local to the area. They will know what's desirable and available, and can often provide you with great deals.

When you're choosing your vendors, the first thing you'll need to decide is where in Greece you'd like to get married. This will help you to narrow down your search for vendors, and obtain your marriage license.

If you're not a Greek citizen, you'll need to submit a separate set of documents (passport, birth certificate, etc.). Your marriage license will be valid for six months, and your civil ceremony can be held anywhere in Greece. For religious ceremonies, it's recommended that you contact the clergy directly for additional requirements.

Getting a marriage license

If you are planning a Greek wedding, you will need to apply for a marriage license. The easiest route for foreigners is to acquire a marriage license in your home country before hosting your celebration in Greece. This is also the best option for LGBTQ+ couples, who can perform a civil union in Greece but not yet get legally married. However, it is possible for travellers to get legally married in Greece. The process of obtaining a marriage certificate can take several steps and weeks.

If you are not a Greek citizen, you will need to submit a separate set of documents, such as your passport and birth certificate. Your marriage license will be valid for six months, and your civil ceremony can be held anywhere in Greece. For a religious ceremony, it is recommended that you contact the clergy directly for additional requirements.

To obtain a marriage license in Greece, you will first need to decide where in Greece you would like to get married. This information is necessary to narrow down your search for vendors and obtain your marriage license. You may also need to visit your vendors or see their work in person before booking them for your wedding. This means that it may be a good idea to visit your desired location beforehand. If possible, plan a trip around visiting vendors and exploring the area. This is the best way to gauge potential vendors and get an idea of what your wedding will be like.

If you are unable to visit Greece before your wedding, it is highly recommended that you hire a destination wedding planner local to the area. They will have the best idea of what is desirable and available to you and can often provide great deals.

Planning travel

When it comes to choosing a location, Greece has many beautiful islands to choose from, such as Santorini, with its crystal blue waters and iconic white buildings. Decide which island fits your dreams and what time of year you want to get married. This will help you narrow down your search for vendors and obtain your marriage license.

If you and your spouse aren't Greek citizens, you'll need to submit a separate set of documents, such as passports and birth certificates. Your marriage license will be valid for six months, and your civil ceremony can be held anywhere in Greece. However, for religious ceremonies, you'll need to contact the clergy directly for additional requirements.

Don't forget to consider your guests every step of the way. They will be relying on you for important information and travel assistance. Provide them with all the details they need to make their travel arrangements, such as flight and accommodation options, and any transportation or activities you have planned for them during their stay.

Finally, if you're a foreigner planning a wedding in Greece, the easiest route is to have a symbolic wedding. This involves acquiring a marriage license in your home country before hosting your celebration abroad. This is also the best option for LGBTQ+ couples, who can perform a civil union in Greece but not yet get legally married.

Hiring a wedding planner

Planning a Greek wedding can be a challenging task, especially if you don't live in Greece. One of the first steps is to decide where in Greece you want to get married. This will help you narrow down vendors and obtain your marriage license. If you can, it's a good idea to plan a trip to visit vendors and explore the area. This will help you gauge potential vendors and get a feel for what your wedding will be like.

However, if you can't visit in person, hiring a destination wedding planner local to the area can be a great solution. A wedding planner will have a good understanding of what's desirable and available, and they may also be able to provide you with great deals. They can also help you navigate the legal requirements for getting married in Greece, which can be especially helpful if you're not a Greek citizen.

When choosing a wedding planner, it's important to consider their experience and expertise. Look for someone who has planned weddings in Greece before and who has a good understanding of the local culture and traditions. It's also a good idea to read reviews and testimonials from past clients to get a sense of their work ethic and attention to detail.

Communication is key when working with a wedding planner. Be sure to clearly communicate your vision, budget, and any specific requirements you have. Ask lots of questions and don't be afraid to speak up if something isn't quite right. A good wedding planner will be able to bring your vision to life and ensure that your big day runs smoothly.

Frequently asked questions