If you’ve been researching how to get legally married in Greece, you’ve probably already noticed something:
the information online is often confusing, contradictory, and sometimes completely outdated.

There’s a reason for that.

Greek bureaucracy is… let’s say flexible. And not always in the good way.

While Greece has a national legal framework for civil marriages, the reality on the ground—especially in Crete—depends heavily on local town halls, regional authorities, and even the interpretation of individual officials. This means that rules, availability, time slots, and fees can vary not only from island to island, but from one town to another.

Outdoors legal ceremonies are not available everywhere in Greece

Why Legal Marriage in Crete Can Feel So Complicated

Here’s a real example.

In Heraklion or Chersonissos the town hall performs civil weddings in 2025 only twice per week, usually around midday. Yes, this often means waiting in line, limited flexibility, and very specific timing. In 2025 it was free of charge.

At the same time, Rethymno town hall performs civil weddings for foreign couples daily, and even on weekends. The fee is typically €150 for a ceremony in the townhall, or €450 -660 for an outdoor civil ceremony.

Same island. Same country. Different realities.

This is where many couples understandably get frustrated—and where much of the “controversial” information online comes from.

Public vs. Private Locations: The Grey Area

According to Greek law, civil ceremonies are officially allowed only in town halls or approved public spaces. Private venues are, on paper, not permitted.

And yet… civil weddings are regularly performed at places like Agreco Farm, which is clearly a private venue.

So what’s happening?

In practice, some locations are approved as “publicly accessible,” some receive special permissions, and some simply operate in a legal grey zone that works—until it suddenly doesn’t. Even for us, as local wedding planners in Crete, conditions can change from season to season or from one official to another.

This is why couples often hear very confident but very different answers depending on who they ask. And the first thing what we’ll do before we say “yes, you can get legally married in Crete” - check terms and conditions with a venue and a local town hall where your wedding venue is situated. If it’s not possible to be done there, we would suggest you a venue with a civil ceremony option.

What Is Certain About a Legal Wedding in Greece

There is one thing that is consistent and non-negotiable:
the list of documents required to get legally married in Greece.

2 Birth certificates, 2 certificates of no impediment, divorce or death certificates (if it’s not a first marriage for you) , officially translated in Greek language in Greece. This his part follows clear national rules and must be handled precisely. Missing or incorrect paperwork can delay or cancel a legal ceremony altogether.

This is also where having experienced local guidance makes a real difference. You can find list of documents in our FAQs section.

Legal or Symbolic? An Honest Perspective

Because of these uncertainties, many couples eventually choose a symbolic ceremony in Crete, either instead of—or in addition to—a legal one. It allows complete freedom of location, timing, and atmosphere, without navigating shifting bureaucratic details.

Others still prefer a legal marriage in Greece, and that can absolutely be done beautifully—with the right expectations and the right support.

We guide couples through both options, clearly and honestly, based on what feels right for them, their priorities, and their tolerance for administrative unpredictability.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
There is a way to make the process feel calm, informed, and well supported—and that’s where we come in.

From Crete With Love!