In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in Greece.
Weddings in Greece: What You Need To Know
Greece is a renowned wedding destination with a rich history, stunning scenery, azure seas and white-washed buildings providing a beautiful backdrop for your big day.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional church ceremony or a more relaxed beach setting, Greece has it all.
With its idyllic setting and beautiful surroundings, Greece is the perfect place to tie the knot and start your married life together.
From the ruins of the Acropolis to the stunning beaches of the Mediterranean, there are endless opportunities for gorgeous photos.
And, of course, no visit to Greece would be complete without trying some of the delicious food.
The warm climate is also ideal for outdoor weddings, and there are plenty of venues to choose from, whether you’re looking for a traditional Greek Orthodox church or a more unique setting.
With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that more and more couples are choosing to tie the knot in Greece.
But first: you need to know where in the world Greece is…
Where is Greece?
Greece is located in southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. It borders Albania to the northwest, North Macedonia and Bulgaria to the north, and Turkey to the northeast.
The Aegean Sea lies to the east of the mainland, the Ionian Sea to the west, and the Sea of Crete and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.
Area: 50,984 sq mi (132,049 sq km), Population: (2022 est.) 10,619,000, Capital: Athens.
Greece Facts To Know:
- Language: Greek
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Airports: International Airport of Athens (AIA), Heraklion International airport (HER), Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia (SKG)
- Official Tourism Website:https://www.visitgreece.gr/
- Driving side: Right
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting Greece for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Greece
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in Greece:
1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests
Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in Greece or closer to home.
You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having a Greece wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget
No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.
Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in Greece:
4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details
A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.
Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in Greece
Greece Weddings: Key Information
Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.
To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in Greece:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in Greece?
- What are the marriage requirements for Greece?
- What is the weather like in Greece?
- What should you pack for a trip to Greece?
- What things are there to do in Greece?
- What are the best Greek wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in Greece Cost?
The expected legal expenses associated with a Greek wedding:
- €7 for affidavit of marriage
- €200 – €500 for documentation costs
- Around €100 for translation services (if required)
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Greece
When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Valid passport.
- A Certificate of No Impediment (CNI).
- Birth certificate.
- If you have already been married, provide the relevant documentation to demonstrate that you are either divorced or widowed.
- A copy of the local newspaper where your intent to marry was published.
- Name change document – generally all names on all documents need to match (including your parents’ names), otherwise proof of name change needs to be shown.
Other legal requirements are:
- To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 18 years old.
- There is a waiting period which varies depending on the municipality where you choose to marry, and is usually around 1 week.
- You are required to announce your intention to marry in a local newspaper, as well as at the community office or town hall. It is recommended that you do this at least 8 days before the big day.
- The license is valid for 6 months from the issue date.
- According to the law, 2 witnesses are needed, and they have to be Greek.
- There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in Greece, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
- If you are marrying a Greek citizen or resident, they must hold a valid residence permit.
- The language of the ceremony will be Greek, so a translator should be present if you don’t speak Greek.
- All international paperwork has to be translated into Portuguese by an official translator. It is mandatory that they be authenticated with an Apostille stamp from your home country first.
- Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.
- What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.
Some legal requirements may vary depending on the location where you plan on getting married, so make sure you check with the local authorities.
In addition, individuals are required by law to get a marriage certificate. You are able to submit an application for registration with the Office of Vital Statistics in the municipality where you will be getting married. If you fail to do so within forty days after being married, you may be subject to financial fines. Marriages that are not properly registered are not recognized by the law as valid.
What Is The Weather Like in Greece?
The beginning of June all the way through the middle of September is the time of year that is ideal for beach vacations. During this time, there aren’t many clouds in the sky, and it can get very hot. However, the breeze on the coasts and islands helps cool things down. The Meltemi wind often blows in the Aegean Sea
Spring and fall are the best times to explore cities and historical monuments, such as archeological sites and museums. However, June and September may sometimes also be hot, with average temperatures in Athens of 82/86 °F (28/30 °C).
In general, the ideal seasons to visit are the month of May and the period from about the middle of September to about the middle of October; the former gives longer days and nature that is in bloom, while the latter offers a warmer sea, which may be an option during the pauses between the excursions.
What should you pack for your trip?
Bring along some warm clothing during the winter months, especially if you will be traveling inland or to the mountains: hat, gloves, a scarf, and a down jacket. Pack a sweater or jacket, as well as an umbrella or raincoat if you’re going to be in Athens or central and northern coastal areas.
On Crete and the other southern islands, you should bring clothing appropriate for spring and fall, as well as a sweater, a jacket, and either a raincoat or an umbrella.
Bring lightweight clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a small scarf, and a sweater for the evening while visiting islands in the Aegean Sea during the summertime when the Meltemi blows. In the mountains, it is advisable to pack a sweater, a jacket, hiking shoes, an umbrella and/or a raincoat.
Greece Weather By Month
Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit Greece:
Average Temperatures in Greece
The table below shows the average temperatures in Greece each month:
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
| January | 6.6 | 13.3 | 9.9 | 44 | 56 | 49.9 |
| February | 6.8 | 14.1 | 10.4 | 44 | 57 | 50.8 |
| March | 8.6 | 16.5 | 12.6 | 48 | 62 | 54.6 |
| April | 11.5 | 20.2 | 15.9 | 53 | 68 | 60.6 |
| May | 15.9 | 25.2 | 20.5 | 61 | 77 | 69 |
| June | 20.5 | 30.3 | 25.4 | 69 | 87 | 77.7 |
| July | 23.4 | 33.2 | 28.3 | 74 | 92 | 82.9 |
| August | 23.6 | 33.4 | 28.5 | 75 | 92 | 83.3 |
| September | 20 | 28.9 | 24.4 | 68 | 84 | 76 |
| October | 15.9 | 23.8 | 19.9 | 61 | 75 | 67.8 |
| November | 11.9 | 18.8 | 15.3 | 53 | 66 | 59.6 |
| December | 8.5 | 14.7 | 11.6 | 47 | 58 | 52.9 |
| Year | 14.5 | 22.7 | 18.55 | 58.1 | 72.9 | 65.5 |
Average Rainfall in Greece
The table below shows the average rainfall in Greece each month:
| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
| January | 40 | 1.6 | 6 |
| February | 30 | 1.2 | 5 |
| March | 25 | 1 | 5 |
| April | 40 | 1.6 | 6 |
| May | 50 | 2 | 6 |
| June | 20 | 0.8 | 3 |
| July | 25 | 1 | 3 |
| August | 15 | 0.6 | 2 |
| September | 25 | 1 | 4 |
| October | 35 | 1.4 | 4 |
| November | 45 | 1.8 | 6 |
| December | 50 | 2 | 6 |
| Year | 405 | 15.9 | 56 |
Sunshine Hours in Greece
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in Greece each month:
| Month | Average | Total |
| January | 4 | 130 |
| February | 5 | 135 |
| March | 6 | 185 |
| April | 7.5 | 230 |
| May | 9.5 | 290 |
| June | 11 | 335 |
| July | 11.5 | 365 |
| August | 11 | 340 |
| September | 9 | 275 |
| October | 6.5 | 210 |
| November | 5 | 155 |
| December | 4 | 125 |
| Year | 7.6 | 2775 |
Sea Temperatures in Greece
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in Greece each month:
| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
| January | 16 | 61 |
| February | 16 | 60 |
| March | 15 | 60 |
| April | 16 | 61 |
| May | 18 | 65 |
| June | 22 | 71 |
| July | 24 | 74 |
| August | 24 | 76 |
| September | 23 | 74 |
| October | 21 | 71 |
| November | 19 | 66 |
| December | 17 | 63 |
| Year | 19.3 | 66.8 |
What To Wear in Greece? (Packing Tips)
It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in Greece so that you can make the most of your time there.
- Sunscreen: The Greek sun can be quite intense, especially during the summer months.
- Hat and sunglasses: A hat and sunglasses will help you in the strong Mediterranean sun.
- Beachwear: You’ll also need a bathing suit and towel if you want to take advantage of Greece’s many beautiful beaches.
- Comfortable shoes: Pack comfortable shoes as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking while exploring all that Greece has to offer.
- Camera: Don’t forget to bring your camera so you can capture memories of your amazing trip.
- Passport: Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
- Chargers: Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
- First-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
Things to Do in Greece
There are many different things to do in Greece, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Acropolis and Acropolis Museum
- Hiking Trail Fira – Oia
- Tsambika Beach
- Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes
- Mount Olympus
- Santorini
- Delphi
- Samaria Gorge National Park
- Epidaurus Theater
- Meteora
- Melissani Cave
- Corinth Canal
- Temple of Hephaestus
- Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos)
Best Greece Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in Greece?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in Greece
- La Maltese in Santorini
- El Viento in Santorini
- Saint John Hotel Villas & Spa in Mykonos
- Laze in Santorini
- Villa Sylva in Corfu
- Alsos Nimfon in Athens
- The Secret View in Paros
- Mykonos Lolita
- Kalua Mykonos
- Corfu Imperial in
Hotels in Greece
- ONOMA Hotel – Thessaloniki
- Noa Premium stay – Thessaloniki
- Enattica Suites – Athens
- Syros Atlantis – Vari
- Agnadi Syros Beachfront Studios & Rooms – Megas Yialos-Nites
- Hotel Rodovoli – Konitsa
- Eressian Hotel & Hammam Spa – Eresos
- To Spiti tis Sofias – Mesopotamiá
- Foresta in Medias Mores – Vlakhokeraséa
- Villa Natalia – Kalámi
