Symbolic vs. Civil Wedding in Greece: Choosing What is Right for You

When planning a destination wedding in Greece, one of the first questions couples face is about the ceremony type. Should it be civil or symbolic? Understanding the difference is the key to a stress free and meaningful day.

The Civil Wedding: The Legal Path

A civil wedding is a legal act. It involves specific bureaucracy, translated documents, and a standard script read by a local registrar or Mayor. While it makes your marriage legally binding in Greece, it often follows a fixed format and must take place in designated locations.

The Symbolic Ceremony: The Heart of the Day

A symbolic ceremony is a bespoke ritual created entirely around you. It has no legal restrictions, which means we can hold it anywhere: a sunset beach, a private villa, or a hidden olive grove. As your celebrant in Greece, I craft a script that tells your story, includes your personal vows, and reflects your values.

The Best of Both Worlds: Combining Civil and Symbolic

A very popular option that many couples do not realize is possible is combining both ceremonies into one seamless event.If you wish to have the legal validity of a civil wedding without losing the emotional depth of a personalized ceremony, we can coordinate a joint ceremony.

How a combined ceremony works:

1. I begin the ceremony with your personal story, readings, and the atmosphere we have envisioned together.
2. At the designated moment, I invite the Deputy Mayor or Registrar to the front.
3. They perform the brief, standard legal reading required by Greek law.
4. You sign the official documents in front of your guests.
5. I then take over to conclude the ceremony with your final promises and a meaningful closing, exactly as we planned.

This approach allows you to handle the legalities and the celebration at the same time, surrounded by your loved ones in the beautiful location of your choice.

Why Choose a Bespoke Experience?

Whether you choose a purely symbolic ceremony or a combined one, the goal is the same: to avoid a "template" wedding. My role at Celebrant Greece is to ensure that the words spoken on your wedding day actually mean something to you.By choosing a personalized ceremony, you are not just ticking a box. You are creating a memory that feels authentic and true to your relationship.