Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Santorini: What UK Couples Need to Know

If you’re planning to marry in Santorini, the beauty and romance of the island may be your first draw. But before you get swept away by the sunsets, understanding the legal side is essential, especially for UK couples. This guide gently walks you through every requirement, step by step.

Should You Have a Legal or Symbolic Ceremony?

If you’re thinking about what kind of ceremony to have, you’re not alone. A legal ceremony means your marriage is recognised both in Greece and the UK, but it comes with paperwork. A symbolic ceremony feels relaxed and intimate, leaving the legalities until you’re back home.

Not sure which suits you best? Read our FAQ on the difference between a legal wedding and a symbolic wedding.

Documents UK Couples Must Provide

Gathering the right documents can feel like a chore, but it’s really about preparing to say “I do” smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Valid passports for both partners, with at least six months’ validity

• Full birth certificates showing parents’ names; short versions aren’t accepted

• Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) from your local UK registry office—issued after 28 days, valid for up to three months

• If previously married: Decree Absolute; if widowed: Death Certificate

• If you’ve legally changed your name: Deed Poll certificate

All documents must be legalised with an Apostille by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and officially translated into Greek by embassy-approved translators.

How to Legalise and Translate Your Documents

Here’s how the process works:

1. Obtain your documents at least three months before your wedding (e.g., for a May wedding, schedule your CNI appointment in February).

2. Legalise them with an Apostille via the FCDO. (Details at gov.uk/get-document-legalised).

3. Translate into Greek with a Greek Embassy-approved translator, and have translations authenticated if needed.

This ensures your documents are fully accepted by Greek authorities.

Submitting Documents and Timing Your Stay

Once your documents are ready, the next steps happen in Santorini:

• Submit all paperwork to the local Town Hall (Dimarchio) where your ceremony will take place, typically at least one to eight working days in advance.

• Some municipalities require a notice of intent to marry in a local Greek-language newspaper or Town Hall notice board at least eight days before applying for your marriage license.

• You must be physically present in Santorini for a minimum of one working day before the wedding, though planning for 3–4 full days is safer.

After the ceremony, you’ll receive a certified Greek marriage certificate, often with an Apostille, within a few weeks, depending on the town hall’s processing times.

Witnesses

Greek law requires two witnesses at a civil ceremony. If you’re eloping or coming alone, don’t worry, our team can provide witnesses for you at no extra cost.

Authority & Official Guidance

You can find further official details here:

• UK Government guidance on Getting married abroad.

• Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides a list of approved translators and legalisation instructions Bright & Beautiful Weddings

Timeline Summary

Which Option Works Best for You?

If you want your marriage to be fully recognised in the UK without extra steps, this legal route works beautifully. But if you’d prefer to keep things simple, our symbolic ceremony option is also beautifully personal and stress-free.

You can compare both options in our civil wedding packages and symbolic wedding packages.

Ready for Your Santorini Wedding?

At Santorini Weddings by Chelsea, we guide UK couples through every legal step, from document collection and legalisation to witnesses and venue approvals, so you can focus on your love story.

Contact us today and let’s start planning your perfectly legal, simply beautiful Santorini wedding.