The legal requirements for getting married in Greece vary depending on your nationality, the type of ceremony and your individual circumstances. Rogdaki Events guides international couples through the documentation process, helping them understand the required paperwork, translations and local procedures. Because requirements can vary, we review each wedding individually and provide current information based on the couple’s circumstances and chosen destination.
A thoughtful beginning
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WEDDINGS IN GREECE
paths to "I do"
Choose your ceremony
Ceremony
Catholic Wedding in Greece
- BAPTISM CERTIFICATE
A recent Baptism Certificate should be obtained from the parish where you were baptized. - CONFIRMATION CERTIFICATE
A Confirmation Certificate may also be required. If your confirmation is not recorded on your Baptism Certificate, it should be obtained from the parish where you were confirmed. - FREEDOM TO MARRY CERTIFICATE
Confirmation that there is no canonical impediment to your marriage. - PRENUPTIAL INQUIRY
Your parish priest will normally complete the required prenuptial investigation and preparation. - PERMISSION TO MARRY OUTSIDE YOUR PARISH OR DIOCESE
When required, permission should be obtained through your parish priest or competent Catholic authority. - PRE-CANA / MARRIAGE PREPARATION CERTIFICATE
A certificate confirming completion of the required marriage preparation course, retreat or meetings, where applicable. - PREVIOUS MARRIAGE
If either party has been previously married, additional civil and ecclesiastical documentation may be required.
Important: Requirements and document validity periods may vary depending on your parish, Diocese, nationality and wedding destination. Please confirm the exact requirements before issuing or legalising your documents.
Rogdaki Events can assist you with the required documentation and coordinate with the relevant Church and local authorities.
Ceremony
Greek Orthodox Wedding
- PASSPORT COPIES OF BOTH PARTIES
- FULL BIRTH CERTIFICATES OF BRIDE AND GROOM
Both of you must provide a full birth certificate with the parents’ names. Short versions are not accepted. - CERTIFICATE OF NO PREVIOUS MARRIAGE
Issued or certified by the Orthodox bishop / archbishop of the area where you live. - CERTIFICATE OF NON-IMPEDIMENT TO MARRIAGE
From the municipality or registry where you are registered. It confirms you are free to marry. It should be issued no more than 3 months before the wedding. - IF ONE OF YOU IS CHRISTIAN BUT NOT ORTHODOX
A notarial statement is required, saying that children of the marriage will be baptized Orthodox. If one of you is not Christian, ask us first — the church usually cannot perform the sacrament. - DIVORCE CERTIFICATE, IF ANY
If either of you has been married before, provide a certified copy of the final divorce decree from the civil authorities and the required document from the church. - OFFICIAL NAME-CHANGE DOCUMENT, IF ANY
- ADOPTION CERTIFICATES, IF ANY
- APOSTILLE STAMP
Needed on the birth certificates and the certificate of non-impediment (and on other civil papers), so they are valid for use in Greece. -
GREEK TRANSLATION
All foreign documents must be officially translated into Greek. If your country does not use Apostille, the papers are legalised through the Greek embassy or consulate instead.The church file is reviewed by the local priest and then sent to the Archbishopric, which issues the marriage licence. The priests need the original documents, not only scans. Originals should reach the parish at least 4 weeks before the wedding (2–3 months is safer), so they can be forwarded for review and the licence can be issued in time. We coordinate this with the parish.
Some town halls in Greece also ask you to stay one working day after the ceremony to sign the marriage register. We confirm this for your location.
Ceremony
Civil wedding in Greece
- PASSPORT COPIES OF BOTH PARTIES
- FULL BIRTH CERTIFICATES OF BRIDE AND GROOM
Both of you must provide a full birth certificate with the parents’ names. Short versions are not accepted. - CERTIFICATE OF NON-IMPEDIMENT TO MARRY FOR BOTH BRIDE AND GROOM
This confirms that you are free to marry. It is issued by your local registry or municipality and should be dated no more than 3 months before the wedding. - AFFIDAVIT THAT THE BRIDE AND GROOM ARE FREE TO MARRY
A sworn statement that you are free to marry in Greece and that there is no impediment. Some nationalities must sign this at their embassy in Greece (for example many US couples at the US Embassy in Athens). Others can have it notarised at home. We tell you which applies to you. - DIVORCE CERTIFICATE, IF ANY
If either of you has been married before, provide a certified copy of the final divorce decree. If widowed, a death certificate. - OFFICIAL NAME-CHANGE DOCUMENT, IF ANY
- ADOPTION CERTIFICATES, IF ANY
- APOSTILLE STAMP
Needed on the birth certificates, the certificate of non-impediment and the free-to-marry affidavit, so they are valid for use in Greece. - GREEK TRANSLATION
All foreign documents must be officially translated into Greek. If your country does not use Apostille, the papers are legalised through the Greek embassy or consulate instead. - Send scans by email for review at least 4 weeks before the wedding (2–3 months is safer). The town hall needs the original documents to issue the marriage licence. We arrange the translations and file the papers with the municipality.
- Some town halls in Greece ask you to stay one working day after the ceremony to sign the marriage register. We confirm this for your location.
By country
Tailored to where you call home
Select your country to see the exact documents we will prepare and review with you ahead of your wedding day.
External Links: US Embassy Athens — Getting Married in Greece
– PASSPORT COPIES OF BOTH PARTIES
– FULL BIRTH CERTIFICATES OF BRIDE AND GROOM
Both parties are obliged to provide a full birth certificate.
Shorter versions will not be accepted.
– CERTIFICATE OF NON-IMPEDIMENT / AFFIDAVIT OF MARRIAGE
This confirms that you are free to marry. The US does not always issue a registrar “certificate of no impediment” like other countries. Many Greek town halls instead require an Affidavit of Marriage, signed in person at the US Embassy in Athens (English and Greek, unsigned until the appointment).
Official information: https://gr.usembassy.gov/getting-married-in-greece/
– DIVORCE CERTIFICATE IF ANY
If either party has been divorced, please provide a certified copy of the Decree Absolute.
– OFFICIAL DOCUMENT ABOUT CHANGING YOUR NAME IF ANY
– ADOPTION CERTIFICATES IF ANY
– APOSTILLE STAMP
This stamp legalises your documents for international use (1961 Hague Convention). The Apostille is necessary for birth certificates, proof of being free to marry, name-change documents and adoption certificates. Get the Apostille in the United States from the Secretary of State of the state that issued the document.
– All foreign documents must be officially translated into Greek. With a US Apostille they do not all need extra certification at the Greek Embassy / Consulate. You can send your documents by email to our agency for translation.
– Please send documents by email for review at least 4 weeks before your wedding in Greece. We have to confirm that your paperwork is in order. After that, the town hall needs the originals.
– Some town halls in Greece ask you to stay at least 1 working day after your wedding to sign the Marriage Certificate.
External Links: British Embassy Athens
– PASSPORT COPIES OF BOTH PARTIES
– FULL BIRTH CERTIFICATES OF BRIDE AND GROOM
Both parties are obliged to provide a full birth certificate.
Shorter versions will not be accepted.
– CERTIFICATE OF NON-IMPEDIMENT TO MARRY FOR BOTH BRIDE AND GROOM
This confirms that you are free to marry. In the UK this is usually a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) from your local register office. It should be issued no more than 3 months before your wedding.
– AFFIDAVIT STATING THE BRIDE & GROOM ARE FREE TO MARRY
Only if the Greek town hall asks for it, in addition to the CNI. A sworn statement that you are free to marry in Greece, certified by a notary (or as instructed for your case).
– DIVORCE CERTIFICATE IF ANY
If either party has been divorced, please provide a certified copy of the Decree Absolute.
– OFFICIAL DOCUMENT ABOUT CHANGING YOUR NAME IF ANY
– ADOPTION CERTIFICATES IF ANY
– APOSTILLE (UK LEGALISATION)
UK civil documents used in Greece need an Apostille. Official page: https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised
– All foreign documents must be officially translated into Greek. With a UK Apostille they do not all need extra certification at the Greek Embassy / Consulate. You can send your documents by email to our agency for translation.
– Please send documents by email for review at least 4 weeks before your wedding in Greece. We have to confirm that your paperwork is in order. After that, the town hall needs the originals.
– Some town halls in Greece ask you to stay at least 1 working day after your wedding to sign the Marriage Certificate.
External Links: Embassy of Canada – Athens
– PASSPORT COPIES OF BOTH PARTIES
– FULL BIRTH CERTIFICATES OF BRIDE AND GROOM
Both parties are obliged to provide a full birth certificate.
Shorter versions will not be accepted.
– PROOF YOU ARE FREE TO MARRY
Canada does not issue a Certificate of Non-Impediment. Global Affairs Canada can issue a statement in lieu of a CNI. Greek town halls often also ask for a single-status affidavit and/or a marriage-search letter from the provincial vital statistics office where you live.
Official information: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/documents/marriage-overseas
Statement in lieu: https://www.international.gc.ca/gac-amc/about-a_propos/services/authentication-authentification/lieu.aspx?lang=eng
– DIVORCE CERTIFICATE IF ANY
If either party has been divorced, please provide a certified copy of the final divorce document.
– OFFICIAL DOCUMENT ABOUT CHANGING YOUR NAME IF ANY
– ADOPTION CERTIFICATES IF ANY
– APOSTILLE STAMP
Canada is in the Hague Apostille system. Canadian civil documents used in Greece need an Apostille (Global Affairs Canada or the competent provincial office).
Official page: https://www.international.gc.ca/gac-amc/about-a_propos/services/authentication-authentification/index.aspx?lang=eng
– All foreign documents must be officially translated into Greek. With a Canadian Apostille they do not all need extra certification at the Greek Embassy / Consulate. You can send your documents by email to our agency for translation.
– Please send documents by email for review at least 4 weeks before your wedding in Greece. We have to confirm that your paperwork is in order. After that, the town hall needs the originals.
– Some town halls in Greece ask you to stay at least 1 working day after your wedding to sign the Marriage Certificate.
External Links: Australian Embassy – Athens
– PASSPORT COPIES OF BOTH PARTIES
– FULL BIRTH CERTIFICATES OF BRIDE AND GROOM
Both parties are obliged to provide a full birth certificate.
Shorter versions will not be accepted.
– CERTIFICATE OF NO IMPEDIMENT (CNI)
This confirms that you are free to marry. In Australia a CNI is issued by DFAT. Some Greek town halls also accept a Single Status or No Record Result certificate from your state births, deaths and marriages registry, no older than 3 months.
Official information: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/our-role/notarial-services/certificates-no-impediment-cni-marriage
– DIVORCE CERTIFICATE IF ANY
If either party has been divorced, please provide a certified copy of the Decree Absolute.
– OFFICIAL DOCUMENT ABOUT CHANGING YOUR NAME IF ANY
– ADOPTION CERTIFICATES IF ANY
– APOSTILLE STAMP
Australian civil documents used in Greece need an Apostille from DFAT (Australian Passport Office).
Official page: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/our-role/notarial-services
– All foreign documents must be officially translated into Greek. With an Australian Apostille they do not all need extra certification at the Greek Embassy / Consulate. You can send your documents by email to our agency for translation.
– Please send documents by email for review at least 4 weeks before your wedding in Greece. We have to confirm that your paperwork is in order. After that, the town hall needs the originals.
– Some town halls in Greece ask you to stay at least 1 working day after your wedding to sign the Marriage Certificate.
External Links: China Embassy – Athens
– PASSPORT COPIES OF BOTH PARTIES
– FULL BIRTH CERTIFICATES OF BRIDE AND GROOM
Both parties must provide a full birth certificate (or a notarial birth certificate issued in China). Short versions are not accepted.
– PROOF YOU ARE FREE TO MARRY
China does not use a UK-style registrar CNI. You usually need a notarial single-status / unmarried certificate from a notary office in China. It should be recent (generally within 3 months of the wedding).
– DIVORCE CERTIFICATE IF ANY
If either party has been divorced, provide a certified / notarial copy of the final divorce document.
– OFFICIAL DOCUMENT ABOUT CHANGING YOUR NAME IF ANY
– ADOPTION CERTIFICATES IF ANY
– APOSTILLE
Mainland China joined the Hague Apostille system in November 2023. Documents issued in mainland China and used in Greece need an Apostille from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an authorised Foreign Affairs Office — not legalisation at the Greek Consulate in Hong Kong.
Official information: https://english.www.gov.cn/services/visitchina/202408/13/content_WS66bb1869c6d0868f4e8e9e2a.html
Hong Kong and Macao have their own Apostille process. Tell us where the papers were issued.
– All foreign documents must be officially translated into Greek. With an Apostille they do not all need extra certification at the Greek Embassy / Consulate. You can send your documents by email to our agency for translation.
– Please send documents by email for review at least 4 weeks before your wedding in Greece. We have to confirm that your paperwork is in order. After that, the town hall needs the originals.
– Some town halls in Greece ask you to stay at least 1 working day after your wedding to sign the Marriage Certificate.
External Links: Hong Kong Apostille — High Court
– PASSPORT COPIES OF BOTH PARTIES
– FULL BIRTH CERTIFICATES OF BRIDE AND GROOM
Both parties are obliged to provide a full birth certificate.
Shorter versions will not be accepted.
– PROOF YOU ARE FREE TO MARRY
In Hong Kong this is usually a Certificate of Absence of Marriage Record from the Marriage Registry, or a notarial single-status declaration. It should be issued no more than 3 months before the wedding.
– DIVORCE CERTIFICATE IF ANY
If either party has been divorced, please provide a certified copy of the final divorce document.
– OFFICIAL DOCUMENT ABOUT CHANGING YOUR NAME IF ANY
– ADOPTION CERTIFICATES IF ANY
– APOSTILLE STAMP
Hong Kong documents used in Greece need an Apostille from the Apostille Service Office of the High Court.
Official page: https://www.judiciary.hk/en/court_services_facilities/apostille.html
– All foreign documents must be officially translated into Greek. With a Hong Kong Apostille they do not all need extra certification at the Greek Embassy / Consulate. You can send your documents by email to our agency for translation.
– Please send documents by email for review at least 4 weeks before your wedding in Greece. We have to confirm that your paperwork is in order. After that, the town hall needs the originals.
– Some town halls in Greece ask you to stay at least 1 working day after your wedding to sign the Marriage Certificate.
Begin your wedding journey with quiet confidence.
