Are you planning a wedding in Greece?
As a wedding celebrant in Greece, I am an expert when it comes to helping couples decide how they will exchange intimate words of commitment at their destination wedding. So here are my top tips to help you plan the highlight of your ceremony. That special moment in time. Your personality and ceremony style will be key in helping you decide which wedding vows are for you in Greece.
Civil ceremony.
https://www.gov.uk/marriage-abroad
The vows are classic and generic in the ‘I do’ style. Some registrars will allow you to include personal words of commitment, you must check with your wedding planner.
An intimate ceremony in Paros photo credit https://nekmaniatis.com/
Celebrant led symbolic ceremony.
https://www.grecianceremonies.gr/5-reasons-why-a-celebrant-led-ceremony-in-greece-is-the-best/
With a symbolic ceremony, the world is your oyster, you can choose exactly how you would like to exchange your vows, you can be as classic or as non-traditional as you like!
Decide on the type of vows that will suit you.
The ‘I do’ type.
If you are a shy couple and you prefer not to have to say too much out loud at your ceremony, then the ‘I do’ type of vows may be the way to go. Don’t forget you can include classic* wording or you can choose your own promises and pledges. If you try the latter, you could have the best of both worlds! Wedding vows that come from your heart, but yours will be the simplest answer of all.
*{I do.} [Name 1], do you take [Name 2] to be your wedded wife to live together as partners for life? Do you promise to love {Name 2}, comfort {Name 2}, honour and keep {Name 2} for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health and forsaking all others, be faithful only to {Name 2} so long as you both shall live?
Photo credit Nektarios Maniatis
The ‘repeat after me’ type.
If you want to keep things pretty traditional and classic at you wedding ceremony in Greece, then the ‘repeat after me’ type of vows may be for you. Once more you can have a classic** vow exchange, or you can choose your own wording. Many couples choose to have at least one vow, which is light-hearted and funny, it is always great to have smiling, laughing people at weddings!
**Will you please repeat this vow to {Name 2}, saying after me: I {Name 1}, take you {Name 2}, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, I promise to love and cherish you.
* and ** are just examples and inspiration, with a unique ceremony the exact wording is up to you!
TOP TIP
You will only have to remember just a few words at a time. Your celebrant/officiant will guide you through your vow exchange so that even the most nervous of couples enjoy this precious moment in their lives.
An intimate ceremony at the Cross of Filerimos, Rhodes
Personal wedding vows
More often than not, couples want to exchange personal words of commitment followed by a classic vow exchange. To be honest this would be my choice. A couple sharing their feelings of love, in the presence of family and friends, will be the highlight of any wedding ceremony in Greece. Well anywhere in the world!
In my experience, one half of any couple will be ready and waiting to get writing their personal wedding vows, whereas the other, will not know where to start! As a celebrant I am always happy to help inspire my couples where needed when they are writing their own vows. A quick online chat, normally gets things going.
TOP TIP
Decide on a maximum and minimum number of words but keep these vows secret from each other until the ceremony itself. You and everyone else present will be filled with love and emotion.
An intimate ceremony at the Dionysos hotel Rhodes Photo credit https://georgepagonakis.business.site/
So which wedding vows are for you in Greece? As you can see there are many options.
If you would like to learn more about celebrant led symbolic weddings, vow renewals and commitment ceremonies in Greece contact me by email info@grecianceremonies.gr
Sarah Hatjipavlis-Grecian Ceremonies-Celebrant in Greece
