Wedding in Greece


 Marriage in Greece follows a mix of traditions that include both religious and civil practices. While there are some variations depending on whether the marriage is religious or civil, here are the key aspects:

1. Religious Marriage (Greek Orthodox):

  • Greek Orthodox Wedding: The majority of Greek marriages are conducted in the Greek Orthodox Church, which is a major branch of Eastern Orthodoxy. The religious wedding ceremony involves several key rituals:
    • Betrothal: The couple exchanges rings, symbolizing their commitment to each other.
    • Crowns: During the ceremony, the couple wears crowns (or stefana) which symbolize the glory and honor of marriage. The crowns are connected by a ribbon, representing the unity of the couple.
    • Holy Communion: After the exchange of vows, the couple takes part in a religious sacrament.
    • Procession and Prayers: The priest leads the couple in a procession around the altar, symbolizing the couple's journey together. Prayers are said for blessings and a prosperous future.
  • The ceremony usually takes place in a church, with the couple often followed by family and friends.

2. Civil Marriage:

  • Civil marriages are conducted by a registrar and are legally binding in Greece. A couple who chooses a civil ceremony instead of a religious one can do so at a local registry office.
  • The ceremony includes the signing of the marriage contract in front of two witnesses. There are no religious rituals, but it still marks a formal legal union.

3. Marriage Traditions and Customs:

  • Engagement: Traditionally, engagement announcements are a major event, often with families coming together to celebrate. The exchange of rings is a common tradition, similar to many other cultures.
  • Pre-Wedding Celebrations: Greek weddings are often grand celebrations with extensive feasts, music, dancing, and traditional foods. The "koulouma" is a traditional pre-wedding ritual where the couple hosts a meal for close family and friends.
  • Wedding Feast: The wedding celebration often includes a large feast with music, dancing, and sometimes traditional Greek dances like the sirtaki. Guests celebrate throughout the night, sometimes lasting until the early hours of the morning.
  • Rice Throwing: It is a common practice for guests to throw rice at the newlyweds as they leave the church, symbolizing fertility and prosperity.

4. Wedding Attire:

  • Bride: Greek brides typically wear elegant wedding dresses, but some brides may opt for a more traditional Greek wedding dress that reflects regional customs.
  • Groom: The groom typically wears a formal suit, sometimes a tuxedo, and the couple's attire is usually selected with the grand celebration in mind.
  • The exchange of crowns (stefana) is one of the most symbolic parts of the Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony.

5. Marriage Legal Requirements:

  • For a civil marriage, couples need to present documents such as birth certificates, proof of citizenship or residency, and other legal papers. Religious marriages also require documentation from the church.
  • Couples may also need to be older than 18 to marry in Greece, though in some circumstances, individuals aged 16 or 17 can marry with parental consent.

6. Polygamy:

  • Polygamy is not legal in Greece. The country has strict laws that permit only monogamous marriages.

7. Divorce:

  • In Greece, both civil and religious divorces are legally recognized. In the case of a Greek Orthodox marriage, divorce is possible, although it is not commonly pursued, as the Greek Orthodox Church typically frowns upon divorce. However, if a couple gets a civil divorce, it is recognized in Greece.
  • Alimony and child custody laws are also in place to ensure the rights and welfare of children and the financial support of the lower-earning spouse, often determined through court proceedings.

8. Same-Sex Marriage:

  • Same-sex marriages are not legally recognized in Greece. However, civil unions, which offer similar legal protections, have been available to same-sex couples since 2015.

9. Marriage in the Greek Islands:

  • The Greek Islands are popular wedding destinations due to their stunning landscapes and traditional venues. Many couples choose to get married on islands like Santorini or Mykonos, where they can enjoy both a religious ceremony and a picturesque celebration by the sea.

Greek weddings, both religious and civil, are characterized by rich traditions, family-oriented celebrations, and a strong emphasis on community and togetherness.

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