Eloping currently has nothing to do with the concept we used to have about eloping couples. Contrary to the popular belief of elopements being a way to escape to get married without telling anyone, now it is a conscious and meaningful decision a couple makes to have a ceremony where the attention is on the actual marriage and not reception or the guests.
Elopements have become popular over the last years because couples are taking marriage back to its root, to the true meaning of sharing your life with a partner. For many years couples had to deal with the opinion of family and friends, accommodate their requests, and have never-ending guest lists of individuals they did not even know.
Planning an elopement is such a fun task because you do not need to worry about finding a venue that fits both your pocket and your guest list. You get to focus on what you wish to happen on your wedding day, and you can personalize the experience by having guests, choosing what to do after your ceremony, and having the entire world as your potential ceremony location.
If you decided to elope, you are probably at stage one, choosing the location for your big celebration. With so many options, things might get hard, especially if you do not have a particular city in the world you wish to visit.
But if you are dreaming of a white-sand beach, delicious cuisine, volcanoes, beautiful architecture, and cliffside villas, let me tell you the destination of your dreams in Greece. And I have a complete guide for you to know all about this destination and why you should make it the location for your upcoming elopement.
Why eloping to Greece?
Ancient civilizations and their history leave a magical feel in places like Greece, where the deep blue waters meet blue skies and seem infinite. This country is formed by thousands of islands located throughout the Ionian and the Aegean seas; it is a mountainous peninsula that stands tall on the eastern side of the Mediterranean.
When you elope to Greece, you get to enjoy the longest coastline in Europe, white sandy beaches, and incredible sunsets. Whitewashed houses cover the islands, along with romantic cobblestone streets. Local cuisine brings the best flavors of the sea, along with the flavors of this ancient civilization.
Along with the obvious beauty, there are many other advantages that will make you want to elope to Greece ASAP. Greece is more affordable than many other European countries, it has great weather year-round, and you do not need to look much to find the ideal spot for your ceremony.
What do I need to get legally married in Greece?
I know you choose to elope to avoid hard work related to planning a traditional wedding, but even though elopements require less planning, you still need to get some things done. And one of the most important will be the part where you get married. Getting legally married in your home county or Greece is entirely up to you, but if you choose to have a civil ceremony and make things legal here, you need to know the following.
- There are no citizenship or residency requirements which means you can get legally married in Greece even if you are a foreigner.
- You need to bring your valid passport.
- A birth certificate and apostille certified copy.
- Proof of freedom to get married or affidavit of marriage.
- If applicable, a proof of divorce.
- Copy of a local newspaper where you express your intentions of getting married. This last one is a local custom.
- Once you have it already, it is time to go to the Town Hall and apply for a marriage license, which will be ready eight days later.
- Prepare your pocket for an average of 300 to 400 euros for the whole process.
- All your documents must be translated into Greek.
Best time of the year for your elopement.
Greece has privileged weather, which makes it a good option year-round, with its exceptions, of course. For example, if you are planning to visit during the summer, you must be warned about the hot temperatures in Athens experiments, or if you visit during the winter and plan to get into the inland mountainous region, you can expect cold temperatures and even snow.
The best season to avoid crowds must be winter, and while many do not picture visiting a beach destination during winter, you can make the most out of your stay because the mountain area is ideal for ski and other snow sports and adventures. And if snow is not your ideal setting and a little bit of rain does not bother you, the coastal region will have moderate temperatures and beaches free from tourists.
Summer attracts many visitors because it is the best season to enjoy its blue waters and beautiful beaches. June, July, and August have an average temperature of 30 C during the day and 20 C as the minimum temperature. Remember, those nice temperatures come at a cost;
flights and accommodation might be pricier during summer.
Spring and Fall share many characteristics, to start with a mild temperature, plus mountains are free from snow, and you can enjoy many outdoor activities without crowds being an issue. Spring will bring many blooms of wildflowers along the entire coast, while during Fall, you can see the transition of colors turning everything orange and red.
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