Getting Married in Greece: A Santorini Destination Wedding Guide
U.S. citizens can marry in Greece in a civil or religious ceremony — either is legal, and you don't need to live there. You'll need a passport with a Schengen entry stamp, an apostilled and officially translated birth certificate and, if the town hall requires it, an Affidavit of Marriage signed at the U.S. Embassy in Athens. The license is generally issued eight days after you apply, and the marriage must be registered within 40 days of the ceremony.
Step by step: the legal process
- Contact the town hall first. The U.S. Embassy says you must contact the local City/Town Hall for its requirements before making travel plans. For Santorini, that is the municipality of Thira.
- Prepare U.S. documents. Passport; birth certificate with an Apostille obtained in the United States and an official Greek translation; and apostilled, translated proof that any previous marriage ended. Some town halls also ask for a marriage license from your U.S. state of residence.
- Get your entry stamp. Make sure your passport is stamped with the date and place of entry when you arrive in Greece or another Schengen country — without it you will not be permitted to marry in Greece.
- Affidavit of Marriage (if required). Book an online appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Athens. Print the bilingual English–Greek affidavit on one two-sided page, complete it but don't sign it, and sign before the consular officer. Plan to be in Athens for at least two days.
- Authenticate the affidavit. Take it to the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs validation department (Akadimias 3, Athens; open 9:00 am – 1:00 pm) with a paid €30 public fee voucher (e-paravolo).
- Apply for the license. Present everything in person at the City Hall (Demarchio) where you will marry. Each foreign partner submits a separate set. The license is generally issued eight days later and is valid for six months.
- Set the date and marry. Apply jointly to the mayor or community president, who sets the ceremony date. Bring two witnesses with passports or Greek IDs — one acts as interpreter.
- Register within 40 days. The marriage is not legal in Greece until it is registered at the Vital Statistics Office (Lixiarcheio) of the town where it took place — within 40 days, by either spouse or by proxy.
Official fees and timings
| Item | Cost / timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Affidavit notarisation at the U.S. Embassy, Athens | US $50 per person ($100 for two U.S. citizens) | Or the Euro equivalent; online appointment only |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs authentication | €30 e-paravolo voucher | Pay at any Greek bank; bring the receipt |
| Time to allow in Athens | At least 2 days | For the affidavit and authentication |
| Marriage license | Generally issued 8 days after application | Valid for six months, anywhere in Greece |
| Registration after the ceremony | Within 40 days | Late registration carries a local fee |
| Town-hall fee | Varies | Some city halls charge an additional fee |
A newspaper notice is only required if one partner is a Greek citizen.
Civil or religious ceremony in Santorini?
In Greece both are legally valid, and you don't need both. A civil ceremony can take place anywhere in Greece once you hold the license, which is why many couples choose a clifftop or terrace venue for a civil wedding.
For a religious ceremony, contact the clergy directly — you may also need baptism certificates. Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Protestant and Jewish ceremonies are all possible. If you want both a civil and a religious ceremony, you need two complete sets of documents.
Remember that registration is a separate step: whichever ceremony you choose, the marriage only becomes legal in Greece once it is recorded at the Lixiarcheio. Assign someone — or a proxy with power of attorney — to do this if you are leaving the island soon after.
What to tell your guests
- Santorini has an airport (JTR) with connections via Athens, and ferries from Athens' port of Piraeus — give guests both options and realistic travel times.
- Ferry schedules change by season; link guests to the operator for their dates rather than listing times that may change.
- Many ceremony and reception venues involve steps and cliff paths — mention footwear and accessibility.
- Peak-season hotels sell out early; share your hotel block and booking deadline with the save the date.
- If your civil ceremony is in the morning and the celebration in the evening, make both times and locations unmissable.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Can Americans legally get married in Greece?
Yes. U.S. citizens can marry in a civil or religious ceremony without living in Greece, but the paperwork can take several weeks and includes in-person steps in Greece.
How long does it take to get a marriage license in Greece?
According to the U.S. Embassy, authorities generally issue the license eight days after you submit the application. It is valid for six months.
Do I need witnesses to get married in Greece?
Yes — two witnesses with passports or Greek ID, one of whom acts as interpreter.
Do I need to register my Greek marriage?
Yes. Marriages are not legal in Greece until registered at the Vital Statistics Office of the town where they took place, within 40 days of the ceremony.