Legal papers for civil weddings in Crete, Greece

For a legal wedding which will also be accepted in your home country you need the following documents.

The documents have to be proofed for authenticity by the ‘Apostille’ stamp. The “Haager Apostille” certifies the copy as a legal document, which has to be presented in person. Following documents have to be presented originally and with the Apostille stamp:

  • Full birth certificates of both parties
    The couple is obligated to obtain full version of documents in A4; no shorter version will be accepted, both parents’ full names are required

  • Certificate of Non-impediment to marry for both parties
    This document confirms that you have not been married and that you are free to marry. This document is available from your local Registrar and it mustn’t be issued more than 6 months before your wedding day.
    Please note that 2 certificates are required. 1 documents with the man’s name at the top and 1 with the woman’s name at the top.

  • Decree Absolute
    In case of one or both parties having  been divorced, you are obligated to obtain this certificate.

  • Spouse's death certificate and previous marriage certificate
    If you are widowed you are obligated to obtain this certificate.

  • Deed Poll certificate or Statutory Declaration
    If you have changed your name in the past. Please note this includes divorcees who have reverted to their maiden name.

  • Adoption certificate
    In case of one or both parties having been adopted, you are obligated to obtain this certificate.

Apostille stamp

The Apostille stamp legalises your copies and confirms that they are true copies. This is necessary for the legalisation procedure to take place here in Greece.

In addition to above documents, you need the following with out Apostille stamp:

Passport copy of both parties

Please note:
All documents must be translated and certified in Greek Embassy / Consulate in your home country. As well we offer a legal translation service in Crete for the English and German language. If you would like to book our translation service, we need the original copies 6 weeks in advance by air mail. If your documents are to be translated in your home country, please send them to us by fax or e-mail for review 6 weeks before your wedding in Crete. After all this, you just need to bring the original copies with you. These will be kept by the town hall.

Without the necessary documents we cannot accomplish the wedding!