Getting Married in Greece From the UK: Requirements and Steps

Can a UK citizen get married in Greece?

You can get married in Greece through a civil, religious, or symbolic ceremony. Civil weddings are automatically recognised in the UK, while religious weddings require registration with the local municipality. Symbolic weddings are not legally binding, but are popular for destination celebrations. To get married, you must fulfil the Greek requirements, provide documentation, and be present on the day of the wedding. 

Documents required for a UK citizen's wedding in Greece

• Valid passport (for both partners)
• Full birth certificate (long form showing parents’ names)
• Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) from the UK
• Apostille stamps in the UK for your birth certificate and CNI
• Divorce decree (if applicable)
• Death certificate (if applicable)
• Adoption papers (if applicable)
• Change of Name document (if applicable)
• Witnesses’ passport copies (if providing your own witnesses)

You can obtain the CNI at the UK local registry before leaving the UK, or online if you are already in Greece. It must also be translated into Greek by an authorised translator and Apostilled by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to meet the marriage requirements. You have to wait for 28 days while the intention to marry is posted at the registry office. 

Note: All foreign documents must be translated into Greek by a certified translator or certified translation service like Translayte. Request a quote to get started.

Types of wedding ceremonies in Greece

There are three types of wedding ceremonies available for couples getting married in Greece from the UK. They include:

Religious wedding

A religious wedding is the most traditional type of ceremony in Greece, usually conducted by a Greek Orthodox priest in a church. The ceremony includes symbolic rituals such as:

• The Crowning (Stefana): The couple is crowned with wreaths, symbolising unity and divine blessing.
• The Dance of Isaiah: The couple takes their first steps as husband and wife, led around the altar by the priest.

To be legally recognised, a religious wedding must be registered with the local municipality. Non-Orthodox religious ceremonies, such as those of the Catholic, Protestant, or Jewish faiths, are also possible in certain areas, but often require additional documentation.

If you’re having a Greek Orthodox wedding and one partner is non-Orthodox, they must:

• Live in Greece for at least 21 days to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment from the British Embassy or a UK consulate.
   
• Have the certificate signed, sealed, and dated by the Anglican Church Authority, through St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Athens, or Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Corfu, for weddings in Corfu.
   

Note: Greek law does not allow a religious marriage between a Christian and a non-Christian. In such cases, a civil wedding is the legal alternative.

Civil marriage in Greece

A civil marriage is the simplest and most straightforward option if you are British. It is legally binding and automatically recognised in both Greece and the UK. Here are some things to note about the Civil wedding process

• It’s officiated by a Mayor, registrar, or government official
• It’s usually held at a town hall, mayor’s office, or an approved venue such as a hotel or cultural centre
• Requires submission of translated and apostilled legal documents

Symbolic marriage ceremony in Greece

A symbolic wedding is a non-legal and highly customisable ceremony without the formalities of a legal or religious wedding.

• Can be held anywhere: a beach at sunset, private villa, cliffside chapel, or historic ruin
• Ideal for vow renewals, destination weddings, or a second celebration after a legal marriage in Greece

A symbolic ceremony is often paired with a civil marriage in the UK (or Greece) to ensure legal recognition.

Note: There are no residency requirements for getting married in Greece. However, couples planning a civil wedding must publish a wedding notice in a local Greek-language newspaper at least 8 days before applying for their marriage licence. Requirements may vary slightly depending on the municipality.

How to get married in Greece as a foreigner

To get married in Greece as a UK citizen, you'll need to choose a wedding type, gather documents, and complete other steps. Here are the steps to follow;

Decide on your wedding type

The first step is choosing the type of ceremony that best suits your needs. A civil wedding is the simplest option, legally binding, and automatically recognised in the UK. A religious wedding offers a traditional experience, but it must also be registered with the local municipality to be valid in the UK. If you want a purely personal celebration without legal obligations, a symbolic wedding allows complete flexibility, although it is not legally binding.

Choose your location and date

Next, decide where and when you want to get married. Greece offers endless stunning venues, from cliffside chapels in Santorini and luxury villas in Mykonos to charming town halls in Crete. Confirm your preferred date and ensure the venue and local authorities are available before moving forward with legal preparations.

Prepare your legal documents

Gathering the correct documents is essential for a smooth wedding process. You will typically need full birth certificates showing parents’ names, valid passports, and a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) from a UK registry office. If either partner has been previously married, you will also need a divorce decree or death certificate. 

Publish your wedding notice

Before applying for a marriage licence, couples must publish a wedding notice in a local Greek-language newspaper. This notice must be published at least eight days before submitting your application, and it is a key part of the legal process for civil and religious weddings.

Apply for your marriage licence

Once your documents are ready and your notice period is complete, you can apply for your marriage licence at the local town hall (Dimarchio). The licence is typically issued within 7–10 days, allowing you to proceed with your ceremony.

Hold your ceremony and register the marriage in Greece

Finally, you can enjoy your wedding day. Civil ceremonies are conducted by a registrar, while religious ceremonies are performed by an approved priest or minister. To ensure your Greek marriage is legally recognised in the UK, make sure it is registered with the local municipality after the ceremony.

How much is it to get married in Greece

The cost of getting married in Greece typically ranges from €500 for a simple civil wedding to over €15,000 for a luxury destination or symbolic ceremony. The cost varies by wedding type, location, and level of customisation.

Best places to get married in Greece

There are numerous places in Greece where a UK citizen can get married. However, here are the five best locations for a memorable wedding abroad.

• Santorini
• Mykonos
• Crete
• Rhodes
• Corfu

Post-wedding in Greece: Additional steps for UK citizens

After your dream wedding in Greece, there are a few important steps to ensure your marriage is fully recognised back home in the UK:

Collect your Greek marriage certificate

Once your wedding is complete, you must register the marriage at the local municipality (Dimarchio) to receive your official Greek marriage certificate. This document is issued in Greek.

Get your certificate translated and apostilled

For UK recognition, your Greek marriage certificate must be officially translated into English and apostilled. This confirms that the document is authentic for use abroad.

Register your marriage in the UK (Optional)

While not legally required, you can register your Greek marriage with the General Register Office (GRO) in the UK for easier access to English copies in the future.

Update your legal documents

If you’re changing your name or marital status, update your passport, bank accounts, insurance policies, and HMRC records using your translated and legalised marriage certificate.

Certified translations for Greek marriage documents 

Need certified Greek marriage document translations? Translayte offers certified translation services for birth certificates and other documents. Our certified translations are easy to order, accurate, and at competitive market rates of $31.75 per page. We also provide legalisation and apostille services to ensure your Greek marriage certificate is accepted for use abroad. 

Request a free quote to get fast, legally compliant translations for UK citizens marrying in Greece.