Firstly, let’s discuss the difference between a marriage and a wedding. This will really help you plan your intimate elopement wedding in Greece. You will see why in a minute! Are you frustrated with all the postponements and uncertain laws and regulations? Perhaps your family and friends are worried about travelling abroad this summer? So here is some useful information on how to plan an intimate elopement wedding in Greece.
The difference between a marriage and a wedding
What is marriage?
Marriage is the legally binding contract between two people. It can be described as a ‘culturally recognised union between spouses’. In layman’s terms the official signing of the paperwork.
What is a wedding?
The wedding is the ceremony to celebrate a marriage. Noting here that wedding traditions and customs vary between cultures, ethnic groups, religions and countries.
If you can separate the 2 in your mind, then this will allow you to do the legal bit of your marriage in your home country, so at your local registry office. Then you can have a symbolic wedding ceremony, sometimes known as a blessing in Greece. There will be no official paperwork to submit at all. Sounds perfect right?
UK official information https://www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships
Q Will my symbolic elopement ceremony feel symbolic in any way?
A Of course not, it is your wedding ceremony, and there is nothing symbolic about that!
Photo credit George Pagonakis an intimate ceremony in Rhodes
What is an intimate elopement?
Now back in the day an elopement took place in secret and often in quite a hurry. The couple eloping were normally running away from home to get married! Gretna Green comes to mind. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gretna_Green
These days an elopement in Greece is considered as an intimate wedding ceremony. Just the couple and no guests at all. Due to COVID-19 there are literally thousands and thousands of couples who have had enough of waiting to ‘tie the knot’ at their dream destination. So now they are planning an intimate elopement ceremony abroad. https://www.grecianceremonies.gr/are-destination-weddings-expensive-in-greece/
How to plan an intimate elopement in Greece? WITHOUT ANY OFFICIAL PAPERWORK
- Research suitable places online. Don’t forget that in Greece, you have both the mainland and literally hundreds of beautiful Islands to choose from.
- Decide if you will go it alone or use a wedding planner. TOP TIP Wedding planners are great as they have all the local information and experience to organise a fabulous event. If you are doing the legal paperwork and arranging an official civil ceremony, a WP is an absolute must. They will advise you of suitable venues and all the official paperwork required and the timescale.
- Book the venue* for your intimate symbolic elopement.
- Find a celebrant/officiant for your ceremony.
- Book flights and accommodation
- Find additional suppliers either via your venue, or your officiant. So, flowers, musician, photographer, videographer etc
- Book an evening of celebration for yourselves, perhaps a sunset cruise, or candle lit dinner for 2 at your favourite restaurant.
*Venues for a symbolic ceremony are pretty much unrestricted, so on the beach, at your holiday villa, poolside at the hotel, at the local winery, under an olive tree, I think you get the gist.
And that’s it. How to organise an intimate elopement wedding in Greece, during uncertain times.
Contact me by email info@grecianceremonies.gr to learn more about celebrant led ceremonies in Greece.
Sarah Hatjipavlis-Celebrant in Greece-Grecian Ceremonies
