Beautiful, warm, hospitable, generous, loving, bountiful - this country deserves any epithet. Moreover, the cradle of European civilization still evokes subconscious nostalgic feelings. In Greece you can get married completely legally. After all, the wedding portal of the travel agency offers a variety of wedding programs in Greece: from the most democratic and economical to indecently luxurious. The most democratic wedding takes place at the municipality of Athens.
Such a wedding will cost $1,560. This price includes preparation of all documents, the ceremony itself, services of an official translator, state duty, legalization of the marriage certificate, bride's bouquet and groom's boutonniere, wedding cake and a bottle of champagne, presence of witnesses, photographs, a flower-decorated car from the hotel and back to the hotel. All the hassle is handled by a Russian-speaking wedding coordinator.
A civil marriage can also be concluded on the islands - on Rhodes, Santorini or Crete. On Rhodes, you can register at the town hall, at a hotel, or at St. Paul's Bay. Most couples choose the ceremony in the bay: it is considered the most beautiful and romantic. Everything takes place in the town of Lindos. According to legend, it was there that the apostle landed on the island to preach Christianity. In memory of this, a small white church stands on the seashore. The ceremony is performed by the mayor of Lindos right near the church, in an incredibly beautiful place. After the ceremony, the photographer will pester the newlyweds a bit, and then they will head to a festive dinner in one of the wonderful restaurants.
On Santorini, this fabulous crescent-shaped island, you can have the most incredible wedding. There are its own traditions of ceremonies, and the wedding season lasts from April 20 to October 20. For example, a "volcanic" wedding is held on the edge of a collapsed volcanic crater. A "sunset" wedding is played on the veranda of one of the small hotels against the backdrop of the sunset - and the sunsets here are truly stunning! In addition, you can get married at sea, on board a wonderful sailboat, or in a traditional wine cellar. In any case, the mayor of Santorini will officiate the groom and bride.
On Santorini, you can arrange an intimate romantic wedding for just two (with the discreet presence of witnesses) or a noisy, fun one for a whole group of friends - with bouzouki, syrtaki and other songs and dances. After the "volcanic" ceremony, you can go on a four-hour cruise on a sailboat (with wine and light snacks), and in the evening have fireworks. All this is added to the base cost. For example, a cake, video shooting, hairdresser, musicians, fireworks and cruise cost $1,375. And just a cake, video shooting and hairdresser - $565. The mayor will come to officiate the marriage on the sailboat for $1,065 (this price includes ship rental and wine with snacks).
The island of Crete suggests a luxurious wedding in the luxurious hotels Elounda Beach or Porto Elounda. They are located in a lovely coastal spot, in Mirabella Bay. The sea view is complemented by a panorama of the island of Spinalonga with a fortress. Ceremonies take place right at the hotels - near the chapel or in a gazebo on the seashore. You can order a musician with a lyre. For an additional fee, a romantic dinner will be arranged for the newlyweds - in a gazebo on the seashore or by candlelight in the hotel room. You can also order a three-hour sunset cruise in Mirabella Bay. Champagne with strawberries is served on the boat. Another additional service is a special SPA program "Feeling of Love", which includes a visit to the sauna and hammam, anti-stress procedures, a massage for two and a light lunch with champagne. This SPA pleasure costs $750.
Some travel agencies offer a wedding according to a special scenario. In Greece, this could be an "Olympic" or "ancient" wedding. This means that the bride will be dressed in a white tunic and sandals, and the groom will have to conquer her by going through various challenges. As a result, he will be crowned with a laurel wreath, and Aphrodite herself will unite the loving hearts.
After the wedding comes the honeymoon. Here you can not limit your imagination - choose a vacation in some good hotel, a cruise around the islands on ferries or yachts, visit famous ancient monuments or go in the footsteps of gods and heroes. Travel agencies offer a variety of ready-made programs. For example - a trip from Athens through Aegina and Poros to Hydra, or through Kythira and Monemvasia to Crete. A romantic vacation can be had on the patriarchal island of Corfu or in the small Cretan village of Bali, not to mention a cruise on a chartered yacht. You don't have to worry about handling the yacht if you charter it with a crew.
Having a church wedding in Orthodox Greece is also possible. Ceremonies are offered on Santorini, Rhodes and Crete.
* Necessary documents for marriage registration in Greece: international passports; civil passports; birth certificates of the groom and bride; divorce certificate (for divorced); spouse's death certificate (for widowers); the official and legalized marriage certificate is sent to the newlyweds by mail - usually within three weeks after registration.
* Necessary documents for a church wedding in Greece: written permission from the priest of your parish church, necessarily with the church seal and the priest's signature; baptismal certificate with the church seal and the priest's signature; certificate that no previous marriage has been entered into; birth certificates.
In addition to documents, living witnesses are needed - also Orthodox. The sacrament of marriage is performed only if the groom and bride are baptized in the Orthodox faith. The ceremony is conducted in Greek.