Marriage Documents - A complete guide
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Congratulations! The decision to unite your lives is one of the most beautiful moments of your journey together. However, amidst choices for bouquets and invitations, there's also the paperwork. Don't worry — the digital revolution has made things much simpler than you might imagine.
We have prepared a comprehensive guide so you know exactly what you need, whether you choose a civil or religious marriage.
Civil vs. Religious Marriage: What to Choose
The choice is purely personal, but there are some practical differences worth knowing.
| Feature | Civil Marriage | Religious Marriage |
|---|---|---|
| Competent Authority | Municipality of last residence | Parish and local Metropolis |
| Main Document | Civil Marriage License | Certificate of Singleness & Marriage License |
| Issuance Time | 7 calendar days | 1-5 days (variable) |
| Fee Cost | €18.00 (Code 2386) | €18.00 (Stamp Duty/e-paravolo) |
| Validity Period | 6 months | 6 months |
1. Civil Marriage: The digital route via gov.gr
Civil marriage is the fastest option. You can now apply online via gov.gr, provided your Municipality has joined the system.
Required documents
It's a good idea to start gathering documents approximately one month beforehand.
- Application: Submitted individually by each of you.
- Birth Certificate: Often requested ex officio by the service.
- Solemn Declaration (Law 1599/1986): Issued digitally and certifies that there are no impediments (e.g., kinship).
- Proof of Residence: Utility bill, E1 form, or rental agreement.
- Electronic Fee (e-paravolo): €18 with code 2386 via e-paravolo.
- Marriage Announcement: The full newspaper page where your intention was published.
2. Religious Marriage: Tradition and Parish
If you desire the sacrament of the Church, the process begins at your parish.
The most important document: The Certificate of Singleness
Issued by the priest of the parish where you have resided for the last 3 years. You will need:
- Two witnesses (to attest to your singleness).
- Birth certificate and ID card.
- Divorce decree or death certificate (if there was a previous marriage or widowhood).
When religious marriages are not performed
The Church has specific periods when marriages are not permitted. Note these before setting a date:
| Period | Dates |
|---|---|
| Great Lent | From Clean Monday until Easter Sunday |
| Dormition Fast | August 1-15 |
| Christmas Fast | December 18-25 |
| Epiphany | January 5-6 |
| Exaltation of the Holy Cross | September 13-14 |
| Beheading of St. John the Baptist | August 28-29 |
| Every week | Wednesday & Friday (with exceptions) |
Tip: If a marriage needs to be performed on a "closed" date for a serious reason, special permission from the Metropolitan is required.
3. The Newspaper Announcement: Don't forget it!
Publishing the intention to marry in a newspaper is legally mandatory. It must include your names, your parents' names, and the place of the ceremony.
- When: 15 days to 3 months before the application.
- How: You can do it online via platforms such as anaggeliagamou.gr or Publees.
4. Marriage with a Foreign National: What Changes
If one of you is a foreign national, you will need a little more preparation:
- Apostille Stamp: Foreign documents (e.g., birth certificate) must bear this stamp to be recognized in Greece.
- Official Translation: From the Translation Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a certified lawyer in Greece.
5. Final Step: The Registration Act
The marriage doesn't "end" at the ceremony! It must be registered at the Registry Office of the place of ceremony within 40 days. Delay incurs fines, and registration is essential for your tax information and social benefits.
Everything in one place
Fees, deadlines, appointments with the parish, visits to the town hall... The list grows and your head spins. The book "Our Wedding" was designed precisely for this: to keep everything organized.