Planning a Catholic Wedding in Greece
A Catholic wedding in Greece can bring together your faith and a celebration in a place that means something to you. From islands to mainland towns and villages, the setting is part of the experience—but the first step is confirming the religious arrangements.
Contact the Catholic parish or diocese responsible for your preferred destination before committing to a venue or date. Your home parish can also help you establish how the preparation and church documentation will be coordinated.
Start with the Church, Then Plan the Celebration
- Explain where you live, your preferred destination and your proposed wedding date.
- Ask whether the parish can consider your ceremony and what preparation is needed.
- Confirm the church, officiating priest, language and available dates.
- Request written instructions before booking the reception and guest travel.
A wedding planner can help coordinate practical arrangements, while the parish and diocese confirm the religious requirements.
Catholic Churches and Dioceses by Destination
The following list is a starting point for enquiries, rather than confirmation that every church accepts destination weddings. A diocese may cover several islands, so identify the parish responsible for the exact place you have chosen.
| Destination | Church or diocesan contact |
|---|---|
| Rhodes | St. Francis of Assisi in Rhodes town; contact the Catholic Archdiocese of Rhodes about the proposed church and date. |
| Corfu, Zakynthos and Kefalonia | The archdiocese is based in Corfu. Churches include Saints James and Christopher in Corfu, St. Mark in Zakynthos and St. Nicholas in Argostoli, Kefalonia. |
| Tinos, Naxos, Andros and Mykonos | Contact the Archdiocese of Naxos–Tinos–Andros–Mykonos. Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral is in Xinara, Tinos; confirm the appropriate parish for your chosen island. |
| Crete | The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is in Chania. Contact the Diocese of Crete about arrangements in your preferred location. |
| Syros and Milos | St. George’s Cathedral is in Ano Syros. Contact the Diocese of Syros for the appropriate parish and arrangements, including enquiries concerning Milos. |
| Chios | St. Nicholas Cathedral in Chios; contact the Diocese of Chios about the ceremony. |
| Santorini | Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The local eligibility policy for couples coming from abroad is explained below. |
| Athens | Cathedral of St. Dionysius the Areopagite; contact the parish or the Catholic Archdiocese of Athens. |
| Thessaloniki | Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception; contact the Apostolic Vicariate of Thessaloniki. |
Find current diocesan contact information through the Catholic Church in Greece’s official directory.
Important: Catholic Weddings in Santorini
According to the local Catholic bishop’s policy, weddings for couples coming from abroad are celebrated only if at least one of the partners is from Santorini. Couples should contact the diocese directly to confirm their eligibility before making arrangements.
This concerns Catholic ceremonies in Santorini; it should not be read as a general restriction on all wedding formats on the island.
Religious Preparation and Church Documents
Ask your home parish and the receiving diocese for the requirements that apply to your circumstances. In particular, clarify:
- Which church certificates and marriage preparation are needed.
- How the church file will be sent and who must receive it.
- Whether any additional permissions are required for your circumstances.
- The language, issue dates and submission deadlines for documents.
If either partner is not Catholic or has been previously married, raise this with the priest at the beginning of the discussion.
Public Documents, Translations and Apostille
Keep church preparation separate from the public documents and registration arrangements required by the relevant authorities. Ask the receiving authority which documents are needed for your nationality, residence and personal circumstances.
Do not assume that every foreign document needs an Apostille. The requirement depends on the document and the country issuing it. Certain public documents issued in one EU country and presented to public authorities in another are exempt from Apostille under EU rules.
Check whether a translation, multilingual form or another authentication procedure is needed. The European Union’s public document guidance explains the scope of these rules.
If Someone Will Act on Your Behalf
If a planner or another representative will submit documents for you, ask the receiving office whether an authorisation is required and which form, language and certification it accepts. Agree the representative’s role before preparing the document.
Check the Details Before You Travel
Check names, dates and spelling against your passports and the instructions you receive. Ask how any discrepancy should be corrected before submitting the file.
Confirm who will handle the marriage registration after the ceremony and which certificates you will receive. Keep copies of the correspondence and the final instructions from the parish and relevant authorities.
Can We Book the Reception First?
It is better to establish whether the proposed church ceremony can proceed before committing to the celebration around it. Once the religious arrangements are confirmed, compare reception locations, accommodation and transport together.
Who Can Help with the Practical Planning?
Explore our wedding planners in Greece and discuss your destination and the assistance you need. Your planner’s role should be agreed alongside the parish’s own requirements.
Your Wedding in Greece Starts Here
Wedding in Greece is here to help you bring your wedding ideas to life. Tell us your approximate budget, preferred regions, dates, guest count and what you have in mind.
Whether you are looking for a venue, photographer, floral designer or wedding transport—from cars to horse-drawn carriages, where available—we can introduce you to our partners and discuss options that suit your plans.