Legal information for Greek Civil Marraiges

Because 2012 is our first year and your marriage whether it is purely civil or religious is very important for us as a new company we will explain all of the steps that you need to take in preparation for your marriage over here both in your home country and what needs to be done when you arrive. Of course, along with our legal expert, we will verify everything, every step of the way to ensure that everything is covered and that you will receive our wedding certificates within four to six weeks after your return from Crete which is the normal time span. Below is a prese of what needs to be done before you leave your home for Crete.

Civil Ceremonies take place on weekdays depending on the province. They usually last about ten minutes. If you want to exchange personal vows etc… with readings and/or  music then it will take longer. We can provide ideas for an order of service with readings and sample music obtainable through your denominational priest. Please note that in August there is a National Holiday here in Greece for the Virgin Mary, so Civil authorities will be closed around the 1^st to the 14^th of the month. 

Paperwork for the Civil Ceremony

You must ensure that before you leave your home country you actually have the following documents and that they have been translated and verified containing on them the Apostille stamp (official confirmation that a signature, seal or stamp on your Home Country public document is genuine) from the Greek embassy:

•       Certified copy of Birth Certificate

•       Certified copy of Baptism certificate from your local priest

•        Passports and travel documents

•       If previously married, a certified copy of the divorce decree, or a death certificate if married ended due to death of spouse as documentary evidence of the termination of the previous marriage.

•       Confirmation that there is no impediment to the marriage completed in English and Greek.

•       A copy of the newspaper in which the wedding notice was published. Wedding notices should be published in one of the local newspapers in the Greek language before the application for a marriage license is submitted. 

Religious Paperwork (General for all denominations)

•       You must be able to bring the correct documentation with you to provide the priest with the relevant information to prove that you are Roman Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox, with your baptism, certificates with the Apostolic stamp from the Greek Embassy where you are.