Documentation
Everything you need to know about the legal requirements for your wedding in Greece
Civil Wedding in Santorini
Planning a civil wedding in Santorini requires certain documents and timing. Here's what you need to know.
Process & Legal Overview
Apostille is a special seal that certifies a document. All documents must be issued no earlier than 3 months before the wedding. Greek law requires marriage documentation to remain in the local government office. You will receive 3 copies of the Marriage Certificate within 1.5–2 months. You must translate the marriage certificate into your language and register it locally. Changing your surname may require an additional application at your local passport or registry office.
Important Notes
- All documents must be translated and certified by the Greek Embassy/Consulate.
- Documents must be issued within 3 months.
- Send scans at least 4 weeks before the wedding for verification.
- You must stay on the island at least 1 day before and after the wedding.
- Original documents remain in the local Town Hall; bring certified copies if needed.
- Marriage Certificate will be mailed 3–4 weeks after the wedding.
Documents by Country
European Union
- Photocopy of passport (no Apostille needed)
- Full birth certificate with both parents' names, translated into Greek
- Certificate of capacity to marry, translated into Greek
- Divorce certificate (if applicable), translated into Greek
- Name change or adoption certificates if applicable
UK / Australia
- Photocopy of passport
- Birth certificate with Apostille, translated into Greek
- Single Status letter with Apostille, translated into Greek
- Divorce/name change/adoption certificates with Apostille, translated
USA
- Photocopy of passport
- Birth certificate with Apostille, translated
- Single Status letter or Affidavit from Embassy
- Marriage License (Option 1) or Embassy Affidavit (Option 2)
- Divorce/name change/adoption/death certificate with Apostille, translated
Canada
- All documents translated and stamped by Greek Embassy only
- Photocopy of passport
- Birth certificate, translated into Greek
- Single Status letter, translated
- Affidavit from Registrar, no Apostille
- Divorce/adoption/death certificate, translated
Russia / China / HK
- Photocopy of passport
- Birth certificate with Apostille, translated
- Single Status letter or No Impediment, translated
- Baptism & church certificate (for some)
- Divorce/name change/adoption certificates with Apostille, translated
Church (Orthodox) Wedding
For an Orthodox wedding in Santorini, at least one party must be Orthodox. All documents must be translated into Greek and apostilled where required.
Requirements & Eligibility
- At least one party must be of the Greek Orthodox religion
- Baptism certificates signed by a parish priest and Bishop
- Church certificate of consent may be required
- Photocopy of passports
- Birth certificates translated into Greek
- Certificate of Non-Impediment (within 3 months)
- Divorce certificates from civil & church if applicable
- Name change / adoption documents if applicable
Mixed Religious Weddings
Orthodox & Catholic: Allowed. The non-Orthodox must provide a Christian baptism certificate and a signed agreement that future children will be baptized Orthodox.
Orthodox & Non-Baptized: Not allowed. Both must be baptized Christians.
Legal Info & Translation Rules
- Documents must carry Apostille (if your country participates in Hague Convention)
- Translation must be done by Greek Embassy/official affiliates
- We can handle translation for an extra fee
- Originals remain in Greek Town Hall; get certified copies if you want to keep them
- Documents must be sent via email 2 months prior for validation
- Bring or send originals 5 days before wedding
- Marriage certificate issued 3–4 weeks later, optionally translated to English