A destination wedding is a dream for many couples who want to make their special day truly unforgettable. One of the most popular choices for such celebrations is Greece. Its picturesque islands, endless beaches, mild climate, and romantic atmosphere attract couples from all over the world. However, organizing a wedding in Greece for foreign nationals comes with its own set of challenges: legal requirements, documentation, visa regulations, and the formalities involved in recognizing the marriage. Poor preparation can lead to delays, additional expenses, or even legal complications.
In this article, we provide a detailed overview of all the key aspects of getting married in Greece as a foreigner in 2026 – from the required documents and wedding costs to the best locations and ideal season for your ceremony. We will also explain why many couples today choose Georgia instead of Greece, and how the Shu Wedding agency helps organize weddings quickly, comfortably, and in full compliance with the law.
Requirements for getting married in Greece as a foreigner
Planning a wedding in Greece? Be prepared: registering a marriage for foreign citizens is a process that requires close attention to documentation and deadlines. Greece is sunny, romantic, and incredibly beautiful, but its bureaucracy can test the patience of even the most easygoing couples.
What documents are required
To register a marriage in Greece, foreign nationals usually need to prepare a fairly extensive set of documents:
- Birth certificate with an apostille.
- Passports: domestic and international passports, along with copies of pages showing the photo, marital status, place of residence, and visa (if required).
- Affidavit of marital status, notarized and apostilled, confirming that there are no legal impediments to marriage under the laws of your home country.
- Certificate of marital status: if you have been married before, documents confirming divorce or the death of a former spouse are required.
- Documents confirming a change of surname, if your surname has ever been changed.
- In certain cases, a police clearance certificate (certificate of no criminal record).
All documents must be translated into Greek and notarized. In some municipalities, they must be submitted at least one month before the wedding date. Planning ahead in this country is not just helpful – it is absolutely essential.
Who can get married in Greece
- The couple must be of opposite sexes.
- Both the bride and groom must be personally present at the ceremony.
- Marriage is permitted from the age of 18.
- Foreign nationals must be legally present in Greece: on a visa, residence permit, or long-term stay status.
Document requirements for getting married abroad: Georgia vs. Greece
Unlike Greece, Georgia makes the process of getting married for foreigners as simple as possible. With minimal documents and formalities, you can legally register your marriage in literally just one day.
Required documents for a wedding in Georgia
- Passports of both partners.
- Divorce decree or death certificate of a former spouse, if one of the partners has been previously married.
Comparison of Greece and Georgia for marriage registration for foreigners
| Greece | Georgia | |
| Number of required documents | 6–8 core documents + possible additional ones | 1–2 documents |
| Apostille and notarization | Required | Required (with some exceptions) |
| Translation into the local language | Required | Required (with some exceptions) |
| Document preparation time | One month, sometimes longer | 1–2 days |
| Visa requirements | Schengen visa required | Visa-free for citizens of over 90 countries |
| Presence of both partners | Mandatory | Mandatory |
As you can see, Georgia clearly stands out for its simplicity and speed, especially for couples who want to legally register their marriage abroad quickly and without excessive bureaucratic hurdles.
How much does it cost to organize a wedding in Greece
Dreaming of a wedding overlooking the Aegean Sea or a sunset above the Santorini caldera? This is certainly possible – but be prepared for the fact that organizing a wedding in Greece can be significantly more expensive than it may seem at first glance. You are not only paying for breathtaking views, but also for logistics, services, local vendors, and professional coordination support.
Main expenses
Basic wedding packages on popular Greek islands usually start at around $3,000 to $5,000, but this is just the beginning. Many essential elements, such as catering, décor, photography, and music, are billed separately. Venue rental for about 100 guests can range from $3,500 to $14,000, depending on the island and the level of the venue. The most expensive options are Santorini and luxury villas, while Crete and mainland locations tend to be more affordable.
Key categories of expenses
- Venue. Budget venues and small villas: $3,000–$5,000. Beautiful views and mid-range locations (vineyards, beaches): $5,000–$10,000. Prestigious venues with panoramic views (Santorini, luxury villas): $10,000 and up.
- Catering and drinks. Food and beverages often make up a significant portion of the budget – roughly $60–$150 per person, and higher with an open bar.
- Coordinator and planning. Wedding planning, coordination, and help with documents – average professional fees range from $1,500 to $5,000.
- Additional services. Photographer and videographer: $1,500–$3,500 each; décor, music, and entertainment: $500–$3,000 or more.
In total, a realistic wedding in Greece for a couple with guests often costs around $10,000–$30,000, while larger or more luxurious celebrations can easily exceed $50,000.
Wedding costs abroad in 2026: Georgia vs. Greece
When comparing the two destinations, the differences in price and level of formalities become very clear. Here’s an approximate comparison of key expense categories:
| Greece | Georgia | |
| Apostille and legalization | from $500 | Often included in service packages |
| Photo/video | from $1,500 | from $500 |
| Décor and styling | from $500 | from $150 |
| Venue rental | from $3,000 | from $1,000 |
| Average total budget | from $5,000 | from $3,000 |
Why Georgia is more cost-effective
- Minimal mandatory expenses for documents and legalization.
- Agency packages usually include many basic services that are paid separately in Greece.
- The ceremony itself in Georgia is often much cheaper, even compared to the most basic weddings in Greece.
- Georgia offers picturesque mountains, lakes, vineyards, and castles – perfect for romantic wedding photos without renting expensive locations.
Wedding costs in Georgia with Shu Wedding agency
- Official marriage registration at the Justice House with legalization of the marriage certificate – from $435
- Wedding for two – from $3,000
- Wedding by the lake – from $3,000
- Offsite wedding – from $2,950
- All-inclusive wedding – from $2,990
These prices are not final – we understand that every couple dreams of a truly unique wedding. That’s why each proposal is created individually, taking into account your wishes and ideas. Contact us, and we will prepare a personalized wedding budget tailored specifically for your couple!
Best locations for a wedding in Greece
Greece is famous for its stunning views and diverse wedding locations. Couples can choose an island with white houses and blue roofs, a villa overlooking the Aegean Sea, or a cozy vineyard on the mainland.
Popular islands and wedding venues for foreigners in Greece:
- Santorini – perhaps the most famous wedding island. Snow-white houses perched on cliffs, sunsets over the caldera, endless sea views. Perfect for a romantic ceremony, but its popularity and exclusivity make weddings here expensive.
- Crete – a combination of beaches, historic sites, and convenient infrastructure. Ideal for couples who want a beautiful ceremony combined with a vacation for their guests.
- Mykonos – a lively island with vibrant nightlife and stylish beach clubs. Great for a modern celebration focused on entertainment.
- Mainland Greece – vineyards, historic estates, quiet beaches. A more budget-friendly option compared to popular islands, yet still full of authentic Greek atmosphere.
Organizing a wedding at any of these locations requires not only financial investment but also careful planning. Even the simplest venues require booking, document coordination, working with vendors, and often assistance from a wedding planner.
Best wedding locations abroad: Greece vs. Georgia
Unlike Greece, Georgia offers a wide variety of unique and affordable venues that rival Greek locations in romance but are easier to organize and more budget-friendly.
Popular wedding locations in Georgia:
- Kakheti – vineyards, wineries, and historic estates. Perfect for an unforgettable outdoor ceremony.
- Tbilisi – a city where historic architecture meets modern hotels and wedding venues.
- Batumi – sea views, modern promenades, and green parks.
- Sighnaghi – the “city of love,” with narrow streets and picturesque views of the Alazani Valley.
- Vazisubani Estate – a private estate with beautiful wine cellars and terraces.
- Lopota Lake – lakeside romance, quiet beaches, and stylish hotels.
- Rooms Kazbegi, Glamping Tago, Kazbegi, Gudauri – mountain locations with stunning Caucasus views for active couples and alpine romance lovers.
- Tbilisi botanical garden – perfect for an outdoor ceremony with breathtaking scenery.
| Greece | Georgia | |
| Variety of locations | Islands, vineyards, beaches, estates | Mountains, lakes, beaches, vineyards, botanical gardens, estates, wineries |
| Ease of organization | Requires extensive coordination, expensive venues, high competition | Simple organization, lower competition and cost |
| Venue rental cost | From $3,000 | From $1,000 |
| Unique views and atmosphere | Aegean Sea, whitewashed houses | Caucasus mountains, Kakheti vineyards, lakes, and estates |
| Logistics complexity | High, especially on islands | Minimal, most issues handled by the agency |
Georgia stands out for speed, convenience, and affordability, while offering incredible scenery for wedding photography and a unique atmosphere. Mountain, lake, vineyard, and botanical garden locations make weddings here truly special without breaking the budget.
Best season for a wedding in Greece
Greece is a country with a mild climate, bright sunshine, and many sunny days throughout the year. However, the choice of season for your wedding directly affects costs, venue availability, and the overall atmosphere of your celebration.
Seasons and their characteristics:
- Spring (April–June)
Spring is one of the best seasons for a wedding in Greece. Blooming gardens, pleasant temperatures (around 20–25 °C), and fewer tourists make it ideal for a romantic ceremony. Additionally, venue and service prices are usually lower than in summer. - Summer (July–August)
Peak season. The weather is hot, sometimes reaching 35 °C, especially on the mainland and southern islands. Tourist crowds are high, venues are booked far in advance, and service costs and venue rentals are at their maximum. If you dream of a summer wedding, you should book at least six months ahead, preferably a year in advance. - Autumn (September–October)
Mild weather, still warm sea, fewer tourists, and especially picturesque vineyard and mountain landscapes. Autumn offers a perfect balance between comfortable temperatures and moderate prices. - Winter (November–March)
Most islands and popular beach venues are closed. Only mainland Greece and major cities (Athens, Thessaloniki) offer wedding options, but these are limited, and the weather can be unpredictable.
Wedding seasons in Georgia
In Georgia, the choice of season is also important, but there are virtually no restrictions. Most locations are open year-round, and the climate varies across regions.
- Spring (April–June) – blooming gardens, Kakheti vineyards, mild weather. Perfect for outdoor ceremonies.
- Summer (July–August) – ideal for mountain and lake locations, with comfortable temperatures, especially at higher altitudes.
- Autumn (September–October) – Kakheti vineyards turn golden and red, perfect for photography.
- Winter (November–March) – ski resorts are open for romantic weddings with snowy landscapes.
Best season for a wedding abroad: Greece vs. Georgia
| Greece | Georgia | |
| Best season | Spring and autumn | Spring, summer, autumn |
| Winter | Limited locations | Mountain and some city venues |
| Tourist flow | High in summer, lower in spring and autumn | Significantly lower |
| Venue availability | High competition | Lower competition |
| Atmosphere and scenery | Sea views, beaches, vineyards | Mountains, lakes, vineyards, historic estates |
| Seasonal cost | Peak in summer | More stable prices year-round |
As you can see, Georgia stands out for its flexibility and seasonal variety: you can hold a wedding almost any time of year, and the wide choice of locations – from mountains to lakes and vineyards – allows couples to select the perfect setting for their preferences.
Is a marriage in Greece legal?
A marriage conducted in Greece is fully legal and recognized in most countries worldwide once an apostille is applied. The same applies to Georgia: as a member of the Hague Convention, a marriage certificate issued there can also be used internationally after apostille and translation.
For countries that are not part of the Hague Convention – for example, the UAE, Egypt, Lebanon, Kuwait, and some others – consular legalization through the embassy is required. This process may take several days or weeks, but it is a standard procedure for any international marriage registration. Regardless of whether you choose Greece or Georgia, your marriage will be legally recognized; the key is to ensure proper legalization of your documents in advance.
Do you need a visa for a wedding in Greece?
Greece is part of the Schengen Area, so visa requirements depend on your citizenship. Citizens of Schengen countries or countries with simplified visa agreements do not need a visa – a valid passport is sufficient.
For citizens of countries requiring a Schengen visa, it is mandatory for entry and for completing wedding registration. Without a visa, it is impossible to enter Greece and officially register your marriage. Since visa processing takes time, it is best to plan your trip well in advance to ensure all documents and procedures go smoothly. In other words, a visa is not required for everyone, but for many foreign couples, it is essential.
Do you need a visa for a wedding in Georgia?
In Georgia, the situation is much simpler: most foreign couples do not need a visa. A valid passport is enough, and all formalities for marriage registration are handled with minimal documents and bureaucracy. This is one reason many couples choose Georgia: registration is fast and straightforward, regardless of your nationality.
| Greece | Georgia | |
| Need for a visa | Yes | Usually no |
| Difficulty entering the country | Medium–high, depends on citizenship | Minimal |
Choosing Greece for a wedding carries the risk that visas may not be issued at the last minute. In recent years, Schengen visa requirements have become stricter, and processing times have increased, creating the risk that you or your guests may not receive a visa in time for the wedding date. In Georgia, these problems do not exist: citizens of over 90 countries can enter without a visa and register their marriage quickly.
Why foreigners increasingly choose Georgia for weddings instead of Greece
Greece – yes, it’s a beautiful country, with the sea, islands, and sunsets. But when you dig deeper, organizing a wedding there can turn into a real challenge: paperwork, apostilles, visas, translations, deadlines, queues at municipal offices. For foreigners, this often becomes stressful and expensive, turning what should be a joyful celebration into a headache.
Georgia is the complete opposite. Everything is set up so that couples can dive straight into the celebration rather than bureaucracy. Minimal documents, no long waits, no endless visa approvals. Most preparations can be handled remotely through an agency, leaving only enjoyment on the wedding day itself.
But the most important thing is the experience. In Georgia, you’ll find absolutely everything a couple could dream of: stunning locations, exquisite cuisine, incredible wines, a well-developed wedding industry, and affordable prices. Choosing Georgia for your wedding ensures a stress-free, memorable celebration.
Best country for foreign weddings: Georgia vs. Greece
| Greece | Georgia | |
| Ease of marriage registration | Medium–complex | Very simple |
| Number of required documents | 6–8 | 1–2 |
| Visa | Required | Usually not required |
| Speed of organization | Several weeks–months | 1–2 days |
| Available locations | Limited to popular islands | Mountain peaks, lakes, vineyards, historic estates, cities |
| Wedding budget | From $5,000 | From $3,000 |
| Stress level for the couple | Medium–high | Minimal |
As you can see, Georgia wins on all counts: it’s fast, convenient, affordable, and incredibly beautiful. Weddings here become a full-fledged adventure rather than a paperwork ordeal. Minimal hassle, maximum emotion, unique locations, and reasonable prices make Georgia the number one choice for foreign couples who want not just to register a marriage but to create a day they will remember forever.
Wedding in Georgia with Shu Wedding
If you dream of a wedding in Georgia where every detail is carefully planned, where paperwork doesn’t turn into stress, and the day itself becomes a true celebration, Shu Wedding is your perfect choice. We know everything about weddings for foreign couples – from legal nuances to the most beautiful locations in the country. You don’t need to spend weeks gathering documents or navigating bureaucracy – we handle it all quickly and smoothly.
With us, you get:
- Complete document preparation – apostille, legalization, translations. We take care of all formalities.
- The perfect wedding scenario – you choose the style, location, and format, and we turn your wishes into reality: from a romantic outdoor ceremony atop a mountain to an intimate celebration by a lake.
- The best locations in Georgia – Kazbegi, Gudauri, Sighnaghi, Tbilisi, Batumi, Kakheti vineyards, and historic estates. Each location is unique, and we know where your photos will look magical.
- Individual approach – we consider all your preferences, whether it’s décor, photography and videography, transfers, music, catering, or exclusive entertainment.
- Minimal stress, maximum emotions – your wedding runs smoothly, beautifully, and without bureaucratic hassle. You enjoy the moment while we handle everything behind the scenes.
- Flexible packages – from a wedding for two to large celebrations. Prices start at $435, and each budget is tailored to your couple and event scenario.
With Shu Wedding, you don’t just get a wedding – you get the celebration of your dreams in Georgia. We handle all the details, turning complex moments into simplicity, and making your day unforgettable.
Your only job is to enjoy the emotions and smiles – we take care of everything else. Georgia, the best locations, a professional team, and complete confidence at every step – that’s what makes Shu Wedding your guide to the perfect destination wedding.
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We organize weddings in Georgia , for any budget and wishes. With us, you won't have to think about how to organize your event or what documents you'll need. Georgia has simple laws and quick administrative resources, all you need for your dream wedding is your passports, we do the rest for you.
