Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Santorini
When couples begin planning a destination wedding in Santorini, one of the first questions they ask is: “How does the legal part work?”
The good news is that Greece offers three beautiful ceremony options — and with the right guidance, the legal process becomes simple, clear, and stress-free.
Whether you’re dreaming of a modern civil wedding, a flexible symbolic ceremony, or a traditional Orthodox celebration, here’s everything you need to know in a warm, straightforward way.
1. Civil Wedding in Santorini
A legal ceremony recognized internationally
A civil wedding is the official legal marriage performed by a Greek registrar. It’s short, heartfelt, and fully valid in your home country.
Couples choose a civil ceremony when they want:
an official, internationally recognized marriage
a simple, modern format
a beautiful venue with a caldera view
Your Santorini wedding planner will guide you through the essential documents, translations, and apostilles. The registrar arrives at your venue, you exchange vows, sign the documents, and your marriage becomes official — all with the breathtaking backdrop of the island.
2. Symbolic Ceremony
Flexible, emotional, and stress-free
A symbolic ceremony is not legally binding — and that’s exactly why it’s so popular for destination weddings. Couples often complete the legal paperwork at home and come to Santorini to enjoy the emotional, personal part of the celebration.
Symbolic weddings are perfect for couples who want:
full freedom to personalize their ceremony
flexibility with timing and location
a completely relaxed experience
You can exchange vows anywhere: on a terrace, by the cliffs, in a vineyard, or at a private villa. No documents, no deadlines — only the meaning of the moment.
3. Orthodox Wedding in Santorini
A traditional ceremony filled with symbolism
For couples who wish to honor their faith, Greece also offers the option of an Orthodox religious wedding in one of Santorini’s iconic churches.
This ceremony is ideal for those who want:
a traditional spiritual experience
the rich symbolism of the Orthodox rituals
a deeply meaningful cultural connection
At least one partner must be baptized Orthodox Christian, and the church will request religious documents such as baptism certificates and confirmation from your local parish. With the right guidance, the process is smooth and respectful — allowing you to focus on the beauty of the moment.
Which option feels right for you?
Each ceremony type offers a different kind of experience:
Civil Ceremony → Official, simple, modern
Symbolic Ceremony → Personalized, flexible, emotional
Orthodox Ceremony → Traditional, spiritual, meaningful
No matter which path you choose, Santorini elevates it. The atmosphere, the light, the scenery, and the emotion of the island turn your ceremony into a memory that stays with you forever.
Your wedding planner will guide you through every step — so you can simply feel the beauty of the day and enjoy the beginning of your life together in one of the world’s most magical places.
