Santorini is on every couple's wish list to say "I do" with its stunning scenery, whitewashed structures, and blue-domed churches.
From simple civil marriage ceremonies to a divine religious ceremony, the island will make your special day a memorable one, whatever your idea may be. Here's all that you would want to know about civil marriages, Greek Orthodox weddings, and Catholic weddings in Santorini.
Greek Orthodox weddings
Santorini is a fine choice for couples looking for a traditional Orthodox wedding since it is the location where you will find many beautiful Greek Orthodox churches. Such customs and ceremonies, normally performed by a Greek priest, are often symbolic. The solemn atmosphere and breathtaking scenery will make the event memorable and impressive.
It is always a good idea to hire a local wedding planner to make sure that everything goes as planned. They can assist with the paperwork that needs to be done, the parish priest's local rules, and making sure the ceremony follows custom in every way.
Catholic weddings
For Catholic couples, Santorini has numerous Catholic churches where the wedding ceremony can be performed. Depending on your preference and the facilities available at the church, Catholic weddings can be performed in Greek or French.
For couples who want to have a ceremony that is specific to their faith and cultural customs, a Catholic wedding in Santorini provides a stunning backdrop. To help with planning the specific procedures and making sure the ceremony goes well, local wedding planners are on hand.
Civil weddings
A Santorini civil wedding will be a good option for those who would not want a religious ceremony. Civil weddings usually take place at the Town Hall in Fira, the capital of the island. These are also simple, secular ceremonies that might be conducted either in Greek or in English.
In instances where couples may wish to have a small, private ceremony without any religious elements, a civil wedding would be ideal.
It is highly recommended that you go to the Registry Office in Fira and complete all the paperwork in advance of your civil ceremony. In fact, the ceremony can be arranged at a time convenient to you once everything is ready.
Witnesses
In Santorini, for all types of weddings, two witnesses are present. These are two persons who are friends, family, or other well-respected visitors who will be standing with you during the exchange of vows.
Documents required for a wedding in Santorini
Whatever type of wedding you choose, there is some form of paperwork that must be done. If the wedding is Catholic or Greek Orthodox, the parish priest or other church authority will have a list of what is needed.
In a civil wedding, this paperwork is filled out by individual wedding planners responsible on behalf of the couple and ensures that all legality issues will be taken well in advance.
In a broad outlook, the basic documents normally needed include valid passports or identification cards, certificates of birth, and, where necessary or demanded by one's circumstances, certificates of divorce or death when one of the parties has been previously married.
Post-wedding documents
Depending on the nature of the wedding, there is a different process to get your marriage certificate after the event.
Civil Weddings: After the civil ceremony, the couple will have to present themselves at the Fira Registry Office within 40 days to declare the marriage officially. It will be translated into the required language and delivered to your doorstep in a few days.
Church Weddings: The marriage license for a church wedding is given by the priest and mailed to be collected to your local parish.
The perfect backdrop for your wedding day
Santorini can offer you a unique setting for your wedding, whether you opt for a civil or religious ceremony. Due to the stunning beauty, rich cultural heritage, and dreamy atmosphere of this island, it is an ideal place for your wedding, one that you will never forget.
You can rest assured that, with the expertise of wedding coordinators along with the local churches and government agencies, your Santorini wedding will be absolutely everything you've ever dreamed it could be, and more.
