Getting Married In Greece - Laws & Paperwork
The following documents are required for Civil weddings:
As of July 18, 1982, both civil and religious marriage ceremonies may be performed in Greece according to Greek law number 1250. This law also legalized all civil marriages performed abroad between a Greek citizen and an alien prior to this date.
Previously, only religious ceremonies were recognized by the Greek state. Foreign nationals in Greece may be married either in a civil ceremony by a mayor, in a religious ceremony by a priest, or both.
Although there is no residency requirement for foreign nationals wishing to marry in Greece, the bureaucratic procedure may take several weeks to complete before a marriage certificate may be obtained.
The following documents are required to obtain a Greek marriage license for marriage ceremonies performed in Greece which involve foreigners.
Civil Marriage
- Application for civil marriage to the community (this document will be signed on arrival).
- A certified copy of BIRTH CERTIFICATES along with an official Greek translations.
- Copies of valid passports, or other travel documents, from both the bride and groom, by the page of the picture approve also your entrance in Greece.
- If applicable, documentary evidence (death certificate or final divorce degree) of a previous marriage (the most recent, if more than one), along with an official Greek translation.
- A Non-Impediment certificate issued by a Vital Statistics Officer (county clerk, registrar, etc.), of your state, that there is no impediment to the marriage (i.e.,neither party is under 18 years of age, there is no existing undissolved marriage, etc.). This certificate has to be also have an official Greek translation.*
- Before you send any documents, fill out the questionnaire and fax it to +30 (286) 71291 [From the USA, Dial 011 30 2 286 0 71291].
For minors under 18 years of age, a court decision approving the marriage is required.
*If the of Non Impediment Documentation (Affidavit Certificate) cannot be issued, there is a possibility for issuing this certificate at the American Embassy in Athens Greece during normal business days. (That means you need to stay in Athens at least one or two days.)
Alternately, instead of a Non Impediment certificate, the registration officer, in the Greek community may accept a Marriage Licence issued in your state, if is the original, along with an official Greek translation and valid for Greece.
All the above documents are required, no later than 35 days, before your arrival for safety reasons.
Translations:
If you have any difficulties translating (or no time) your certificates, Karvounis Weddings can handle it for you, at the Ministry of Affairs, in Athens.
The charge for the translations will be $90 (US),for the first page and $25. (US),for every normal following page.
Procedure:
Having received all the above papers (officially translated), we apply to the community office on your behalf, at least 7 working days before the date of your marriage. Additionally, Karvounis Weddings will take care of all other paperwork.
The marriage legalization can only take place at the community office, during working hours (9:00AM - 2:00PM / Monday-Friday). If you choose a specific date, that is a holiday, then you will sign and register on the day before (Monday-Friday), but the wedding certificate will have on, the Date of your choice. After that you are officialy married, according to the law.
Questionnaire
If you wish to get started with the legal processes, please fill out the following questionnaire and FAX it to:
+30 (286) 71291
[From the USA, Dial 011 30 2 286 0 71291]