Can we legally marry in Santorini?

Civil or symbolic: which should we choose?

A civil ceremony makes you legally married in Greece. A symbolic ceremony has vows, a celebrant and guests, but no legal paperwork; you sign the legal part at home, before or after the trip.

What documents do we need for a civil ceremony?

Greek authorities ask each partner who isn’t Greek for a certificate of no impediment (proof you’re free to marry). Your documents must be officially translated into Greek. (Australian Embassy, Athens)

Couples typically need:

• valid passports
• full (long-form) birth certificates
• a certificate of no impediment or equivalent, usually issued within the last 3–6 months
• divorce or death certificates, if either of you was married before
• an apostille on each foreign document, and an official Greek translation

Each municipality sets its own details, so confirm the list with the Municipality of Thira (Santorini’s town hall) or your planner before you order documents.

• Australians: apply for the certificate at the Embassy in Athens or a DFAT office in Australia. (Australian Embassy, Athens)
• British couples: check the UK government’s marriage abroad guidance.
• US couples: ask the U.S. Embassy in Athens about the affidavit of eligibility to marry.

How long does it take?

Allow about 8–12 weeks to gather, certify and translate documents, then lodge them with the town hall. The marriage must be registered within 40 days of the ceremony to be legal.

What does it cost?

• With a planner handling the paperwork: from about €950 (one planner’s 2026–27 price).
• Doing it yourself: a town hall fee (municipalities set their own, roughly €0–250), plus apostilles and official translations per page.

Can same-sex couples marry in Santorini?

Yes, with a civil ceremony. Greece has allowed same-sex civil marriage since February 2024, and you don’t need to live in Greece. Religious weddings aren’t available to same-sex couples. A symbolic ceremony is always an option, with the legal marriage at home. (Jurist, 16 Feb 2024)

Is a Greek marriage recognised at home?

Generally yes: the UK, US and Australia recognise a marriage made legally abroad. The UK government explains this in its marriage abroad guidance. Keep a certified English translation of your Greek marriage certificate.