Symbolic wedding in Lindos

Here is a useful wedding ceremony checklist for any couple who is planning a unique celebrant led ceremony in Greece. As a professional wedding celebrant, it is my job to ensure that the ceremony goes to plan. Known as a ‘symbolic ceremony’ there is nothing symbolic about it!

It is important to know that you have 2 choices when planning a destination wedding ceremony in Greece, symbolic or civil and this wedding ceremony checklist will give you an idea on how special your ceremony could be if you work with a celebrant.

Wedding Celebrant Sarah Hatjipavlis

Your ceremony, your way in Greece, wedding ceremony checklist for a celebrant led symbolic ceremony in Greece.

  • Find your celebrant, someone who is the right fit for your special day, set up a face to face meeting online to discuss your plans and then ask them any questions you may have about the process.
  •  Connect your chosen wedding celebrant with your wedding planner, so that they can work together to plan the ceremony of your dreams
  • Confirm the time of day for your ceremony together with your wedding planner, your celebrant and your venue. Do bear in mind the temperatures in Greece, an early evening ceremony will be the way to go in the high season months of July and August. Shade and bottled water for your guests must be a priority.Lindos weddingSt Pauls Lindos
  • Plan your ceremony set up, will you get married under a romantic floral archway, will you be barefoot at the water’s edge, have you booked a private yacht? It is time to think about your guests and their seating plan. If you are eloping and there are no guests, then ensure that the ceremony area is perfect and private, especially important with some of the more popular Greek Island venues.
  • Time to think about your grand entry, will it be traditional or are you planning something outside of the box?
  • Do you have any family members or friends who you would like to participate in your ceremony?
  • Are you planning a mixed faith ceremony and would you like to include elements from your culture or traditions?
  • Do you like the idea of readings, if so what type? Classic, faith related, quirky, personalised, funny?
  • In Memoriam, is there any special person who you would like mentioned during the ceremony?
  • Music, what do you have in mind? Here there are so many options, we have so much talent in Greece!
  • Wedding vows- will you write your own personal vows? Do you prefer the ‘repeat after me’ version or the ‘I do’ kind?A ceremony tailor made for youYour ceremony your way in Greece
  • Will you exchange rings, who will be the ring bearer?
  • Would you like a certificate signing with witnesses during the ceremony? This will have no legal binding but is a lovely addition, great for the photos too!
  • Finally, do you want to include any symbolic elements? A few examples are unity sand ceremony, rose ceremony, handfasting, ring warming, broom jumping, Greek crowns.Unity sand ceremony in Greece

A Unity Sand Ceremony in Greece

  • How do you want to be announced, your married name?
  • Live stream your ceremony in Greece, discuss this with your wedding planner so that any guests who are unable to attend will be able to enjoy your special day.
  • Plan a ceremony rehearsal, this will ensure that your ceremony goes to plan and you all know where to stand and when!Sarah Hatjipavlis Wedding Celebrant in Greece

No legal paperwork required.

Hopefully, you will find this wedding ceremony checklist useful when planning your destination wedding in Greece, do note that there is no mention of legal paperwork. Couples who choose this type of ceremony will normally register their marriage back home before or after travel to Greece, which will free them up to have the ceremony of their dreams in Greece. No time limits, no venue restrictions, no generic scripts.

If you would like more information on a wedding ceremony, an intimate elopement ceremony, a commitment ceremony or a vow renewal ceremony in Greece contact me via e mail info@grecianceremonies.gr and I will do my best to advise you.

Grecian Ceremonies-Sarah Hatjipavlis-Celebrant in Greece