Symbolic Wedding Celebrant in Greece

Symbolic weddings, elopements and vow renewals in Greece

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Your wedding, your story, your kind of ceremony.
You've chosen Greece for your wedding. Whether you’ve already found your venue or are just starting to imagine your day, the ceremony deserves as much thought as everything else. It is the moment that brings everyone together and gives meaning to the celebration. It should feel personal, reflect who you are and give you the freedom to celebrate your commitment in a way that feels right for you.

That's where I come in.

I'm Michaella, founder of Celebrant Greece. I write and officiate personalised symbolic wedding ceremonies in English and Greek for couples from all over the world, bringing their stories, personalities and ideas together in a ceremony that feels genuinely theirs.
I believe your ceremony shouldn't sound like every other wedding you've attended. It can be romantic, relaxed, funny, intimate or a little bit of everything. What matters is that you recognise yourselves in it.

A little about me
The idea behind Celebrant Greece came from my own experience. When I decided to spend my life with my partner, I realised that the ceremony options available in Greece didn't really reflect what we wanted. We were looking for something personal, centred on our relationship rather than religion.
At the time, non-religious ceremonies were still relatively unfamiliar in Greece. I started exploring the possibilities and eventually decided to create something that I wished had been available to us.

And that's how Celebrant Greece began.

My background is in theatre and writing. I studied Theatre Practice at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London and Cultural Studies at the Hellenic Open University. I've worked as a performer and stage manager, and I'm also a published author.
I've always been drawn to storytelling, language and the way people connect through stories. Today, these interests come together in my work.

What I love about what I do
I love meeting couples from different parts of the world and discovering how different every love story can be. I enjoy the conversations, the little details, the unexpected moments and the things that make each relationship unique.
Over the years, I've had the pleasure of working with couples from different countries and cultural backgrounds. It's one of the things I particularly enjoy about my work.
I personally write every ceremony. I don't use ready-made scripts or follow a set formula. I want to get to know you, understand what matters to you and find the right words to tell your story.
Whether you're planning an intimate elopement on a Greek island, a big celebration with family and friends, or a wedding that brings together different cultures and traditions, I'd love to help you create a ceremony that feels right for you.
And although the writing is a big part of my work, so is the moment itself. I want you to feel comfortable, enjoy every minute and, above all, be present with each other.

Shall we get to know each other?
If you're planning your wedding in Greece, I'd love to hear what you have in mind. You don't need to have everything figured out yet. We can start with a conversation, share some ideas and see where they take us.
After all, every good ceremony starts with getting to know the people it's about.
I look forward to hearing your story.

Michaella Chatziangelou



Ritual and tradition have always existed for humankind around moments steeped in emotion: births, coming of age, marriage, and death. We use these markers to make sense of our feelings, highlight their importance and articulate what we truly feel. This is why we still need them, even in a more secular society. We like to celebrate because we need to. So, let's.

Symbolic Weddings in Greece
The ceremonies I write and conduct are symbolic. While they are not legally binding, they hold the heartbeat of your wedding day. To validate your marriage for the registry, you may choose to have a civil or religious ceremony at another time.
The structure of our ceremony is a collaboration. We will craft it together so it speaks directly to you, your family and your friends. If the prospect of creating your own ceremony feels daunting, please don't be concerned. I will guide you with readings, music choices, vows and promises.
I can provide a traditional wedding format for us to work from, or I can take your initial ideas and turn them into something cohesive. Making these stories come to life is the most rewarding part of my work.

Celebrating Every Milestone
A ceremony is not only for weddings. Every major step in life deserves to be marked with intention. Whether you are welcoming a child with a Name Giving Ceremony, renewing your vows, or celebrating a significant life journey, I am here to help you give those moments a voice.
If you have already written your own words and simply want them read, or if you need me to craft a script from scratch, we can create a ceremony that fits your needs perfectly. Any occasion, any location, and in any way that feels right to you.

Where can we celebrate?
Unlike a civil ceremony, which is often restricted to specific venues, a bespoke wedding in Greece can take place anywhere. Indoors or outdoors, at home or abroad, the choice is yours.

Wedding Venue Possibilities
  • Nature: Beaches, forests, lighthouses, caves, or parks.
  • Urban & Culture: Museums, theaters, restaurants, or traditional squares.
  • Private & Unique: Homes, backyards, sailing boats, or even amusement parks.

Rituals are the spine of any ceremony because they are the physical gestures of your union. Your options are honestly countless. Many couples choose to incorporate traditions from their cultures and I always encourage them to do so.
Here are some examples of what you could include in your ceremony. Please keep in mind that I always highlight the symbolism behind every ritual.

The Exchange of Rings
The most popular ritual globally is the exchange of rings. This tradition is almost as old as human history and continues to remind us of the significance of your union.

The "Stefana" (Crowns)
Another popular choice in Greece is the "stefana" ritual. These are wreaths that your best man or maid of honor prepares and places on your heads. They act as a beautiful complement to the ring exchange. This gesture is so significant that the most common wedding wish in Greece is "kala stefana" which means "have a great wedding."

Tying the Knot
Does that phrase ring a bell? It works in the same way as the literal act of tying a knot. This ritual is interwoven with the wedding ceremony and bears great significance as it represents your inseparable bond.

The Vow Exchange
Whether written by the couple, read from a card, spoken from the heart, or chosen through the safe option of repeated vows, this is the ultimate way of declaring your love in front of your family and loved ones.

Ring Warming
One of my favorites is ring warming. If you want the blessings of your loved ones and a reminder of their importance on your wedding day, this is the perfect way to acknowledge them.

Handfasting
Handfasting is a beautiful ritual that carries great meaning. It is one of the most comprehensive gestures of union.

Sand Pouring
The sand pouring ritual is popular for beach weddings. Apart from the couple pouring sand from two different containers into one, you can also include your family members in the process.

Cut out Heart Race
Are you looking for some fun? The cut out heart race is exactly what you need. It involves a bed sheet with a heart drawn by friends and a pair of scissors for each of you. A marriage starting with a race is always a joyful moment.



There are many rituals ensuring that you will always remember the bliss and happiness of your wedding day. A time capsule, tree planting, or a love letter exchange are some wonderful ways to preserve these memories.
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Whatever you choose, make sure it is within your comfort zone. Do not choose something you feel hesitant about because your wedding day should be entirely carefree.

Tsambika
Tsambika has been part of the CelebrantGreece team for the past three years. With a background in performance, she brings confidence, warmth, and a natural presence to every ceremony she leads. 
She is an excellent celebrant who knows how to connect with couples and create a relaxed, meaningful experience on their special day. Her performance background is a real asset, helping her deliver each ceremony with authenticity and care. 

Tsambika is an important part of the CelebrantGreece team, and I am very happy to have her alongside me, sharing the same commitment to creating personal and meaningful ceremonies for every couple.

The adventures of a Greek Celebrant

  • Oct 25, 2026

Some weddings are remembered less for the schedule and more for the unexpected moments that reveal what truly matters. Maria and Sandro’s celebration in the Peloponnese, near Kalamata, was one of those days-marked by genuine emotion and an immediate connection between two families. Sandro, Portuguese, arrived with both parents and, as his entrance music played, the three embraced and cried throughout the song, creating a powerful, intimate moment of shared feeling. Maria, Greek, followed with her parents, and she was met with a visible, respectful welcome from Sandro’s parents, reflecting not formality but real warmth. The story of their wedding is ultimately about family: first meetings made easy, heartfelt acceptance, and the kind of unity that cannot be staged.

  • Jul 28, 2026

This Celebrant Greece Blog post chronicles how a wedding can become memorable not only for the ceremony itself, but for everything that happens on the way there. It traces Timor and Marie’s cross-border relationship and the warm, community-driven atmosphere of their DIY Kea wedding, styled with dreamcatchers and shaped by friends’ involvement. The ceremony highlights meaningful cultural touchpoints-Greek stefana and the Jewish glass-breaking-before closing with an update eight years on, as the couple welcome a baby and prepare for a new chapter back in Greece.

  • Jul 2, 2026

No clichés and no boring poems, just sun and sand and an authentic love story. Discover how we flipped the traditional wedding script to create a laid back, laughter filled beach ceremony in Greece that was 100% true to the couple.

  • Jun 4, 2026

Discover how Lucy and Magic blended beautiful Greek wedding traditions like the Stefana, the common cup, and rice throwing into their multicultural wedding.


Celebrating Your Authentic Self
Every transition is a journey toward liberation. It is the moment when your inner truth and your outer world come into alignment. At Celebrant Greece, I believe that everyone deserves a formal moment to honor their true self alongside the people who support them.

The Power of a Renaming Ceremony
A renaming ceremony is more than an announcement. It is an act of profound courage, a validation of the person you have always been, finally stepping into the light. It is a powerful way to declare: "This is my truth. This is who I am."

Your Story, Your Way
My approach is simple, respectful, and fully inclusive. In Greece, the eternal light and the sea provide the perfect backdrop for such an affirmation.

Every ceremony I conduct is as unique as the person it honors. If you feel ready to celebrate this milestone, I would be honored to hear your story and discuss how we can bring your vision to life in a safe and supportive environment.



An interview about being a Celebrant in Greece

An interview about being a Celebrant in Greece

03/21/2022

I loved every single minute of this interview! Enjoy!

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ATHENS VOICE (PLEASE USE GOOGLE TRANSLATE)

ATHENS VOICE (PLEASE USE GOOGLE TRANSLATE)

05/06/2020

I met Michaella with Panos in 2009 in order to interview them. Their story is unique: they met while being both bloggers on the AV site, they fell in love, they made it, they got married. They were an incredibly suitable couple, they looked each other in the eyes with a sweetness, they were calm and already fleeing since at every opportunity they stressed how much they wanted to leave Athens. Now Michaella is a celebrant and creates bespoke ceremonies. «SOURCE: https://www.athensvoice.gr/life/125126_mia-teletarhis-sta-metra-sas»

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BORO (PLEASE GOOGLE TRANSLATE)

BORO (PLEASE GOOGLE TRANSLATE)

03/04/2020

After a career at the Athens Concert Hall as Stage Manager, Michaella Chatziangelou started YourCeremony a ​​few months ago and now writes and conducts the most special weddings and love ceremonies designed for each client, exclusively of a non-religious nature, for couples who want something different for the most important day of their lives. After a meeting with the couple, Michaella takes notes on their personalities and dynamics and crafts ceremonies that suit the tastes and preferences of the couple who wants to celebrate love.

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LIFO MAGAZINE (PLEASE GOOGLE TRANSLATE)

LIFO MAGAZINE (PLEASE GOOGLE TRANSLATE)

02/06/2020

After leaving her job in order to pursue her true passion, Michaella founded YourCeremony a ​​few months ago and now crafts the most special bespoke wedding and love ceremonies, exclusively non-religious, for couples who want something different for most important day of their lives from a simple visit to City Hall.

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Lone4weddings article

Lone4weddings article

02/08/2022

A magical day, a beautiful couple and an emotional elopement...

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Chic and Stylish Weddings

Chic and Stylish Weddings

05/25/2022

The elopement of Mark and Ana featured on the amazing internet magazine Chic and Stylish

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  • Athens, Attica, Greece

Feel free to contact me for an inquiry and I will be very happy to arrange a videocall in order to meet and discuss all the details of your special wedding ceremony! Michaella Chatziangelou