Expert Advice
Complete planning guide for Milos ceremonies.
Everything you need to know before you begin — legal requirements, best seasons, timelines, and honest answers to the questions couples ask most.
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How to get married in Greece.
Greece is a welcoming country for foreign couples. The requirements are manageable — and we handle most of them for you.
Civil vs Symbolic Ceremony
A civil ceremony is conducted by a Greek civil registrar and is legally binding in Greece. Depending on your home country, it may be recognised there automatically, or you may need additional apostille certification.
A symbolic ceremony has no legal standing — it is a deeply personal, often more beautiful celebration of your union that you design entirely. Many couples choose to complete their civil marriage at home and hold their symbolic ceremony on Milos. This is an increasingly popular choice.
A religious ceremony in the Greek Orthodox church is available to Orthodox Christians. We can advise on this, but note that it requires more advance planning and involves different documentation.
Discuss which is right for you
Legal Requirements
Documents you will typically need.
Requirements vary by nationality. The list below covers the most common documents for non-Greek nationals. We will advise you on your specific situation when you enquire.
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Valid passport
Both partners must hold a valid passport. Some nationalities may also need a valid visa or entry permit for Greece (EU/Schengen rules apply for EU nationals).
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Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) or equivalent
This document from your home country confirms you are free to marry. In the UK this is issued by the local register office. US citizens typically provide an affidavit. We advise on your country's equivalent.
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Birth certificate
Original or certified copy, typically with a notarised translation into Greek.
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Proof of single status (if previously married)
If either partner has been married before, a divorce certificate or death certificate of former spouse is required.
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Apostille certification
Documents issued abroad typically require an apostille stamp to be valid in Greece. We guide you through this process and connect you with accredited translation services.
Planning Timeline
When to do what, and when.
A general timeline for a full wedding. Proposals and elopements have shorter lead times — we adapt this to your situation.
12–18 months before
Set your date & begin enquiries
Peak season (June–September) venues book 12+ months in advance. This is the time to contact us, define your vision, and secure your preferred date before availability closes.
9–12 months before
Confirm your plan & sign contracts
Venue contracts, photographer, catering, and key vendors are booked and deposits paid. Guest accommodation recommendations are shared so your group can begin travel planning.
6–9 months before
Legal documents & travel arrangements
Begin gathering legal documentation (CNI, birth certificates, translations). Book flights and accommodation for yourselves and core guests. Set up your guest information page or pack.
3–6 months before
Styling, florals & details
Ceremony styling decisions are finalised — flowers, decor, ceremony readings, music. Hair and make-up trials if required. Menu tasting with caterer.
4–6 weeks before
Final confirmation & run-of-day
Final headcount confirmed to venue. Run-of-day document drafted and shared with all vendors. Final payments processed. Any last documentation submissions to the registrar.
On the day
We handle everything
Our team is on site from setup through to close. You have a single point of contact for any questions. Your only job is to enjoy every moment.
Seasonal Guide
The best time to celebrate on Milos.
Milos is exceptional in every season — but each has its own character. Here's how to choose the one that fits you.
Spring
April – early June
Wildflowers bloom across the hillsides, the sea is warming, and the island is quiet. Ideal for intimate ceremonies with a softer, more pastoral quality. Temperatures 18–25°C.
Peak Summer
Late June – August
Reliable sunshine, warm sea, and the island's most vibrant atmosphere. The Meltemi wind peaks in July–August and can be strong at exposed locations. Plan for afternoon or evening ceremonies. Temperatures 28–34°C.
Golden Season
September – October
Our favourite time of year. The summer crowds have left, the light is extraordinary, and the sea is still warm from the summer. Many of our couples specifically choose this window. Temperatures 22–28°C.
November through March brings cooler weather and occasional rain — beautiful in its own way, but limited venue options and services. Some couples choose this period for an ultra-private, off-season elopement.
Your Questions
Frequently asked planning questions.
Yes. Greece allows foreign nationals to marry on its territory. The documents required vary by nationality but typically include a valid passport, a Certificate of No Impediment (or equivalent from your home country), and birth certificate. We guide you through the exact requirements for your nationality.
Milos has a small domestic airport (MLO) with daily flights from Athens (approx. 35 minutes). There are also regular high-speed and conventional ferry services from Piraeus (Athens) — journey times range from 2.5 to 7 hours depending on the service. We recommend flying for shorter visits and considering the ferry for a more relaxed pace with luggage.
Milos is a hilly island with some rough terrain, but many of our ceremony locations and reception venues are accessible with advance planning. We always discuss accessibility requirements upfront and select venues and logistics accordingly — this is never an afterthought.
Milos has a classic Mediterranean climate — hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The Meltemi wind (a dry north wind) is a feature of July and August and can be strong on exposed hilltop locations. May–June and September–October generally offer the calmest and most photogenic weather for outdoor ceremonies.
Yes. We're happy to work with vendors you have an existing relationship with, subject to availability and logistics. For hair and make-up, photographers, and officiants in particular, many couples choose to bring someone they already trust. We'll coordinate with any outside vendors to ensure seamless integration.
Absolutely. Many of our couples prefer a symbolic ceremony on Milos — deeply personal, entirely designed by them, with no legal paperwork — and then complete the civil formalities at home. Others want the full legal ceremony here. Both are equally valid options and we support either with the same level of care.
Greece uses the Euro (€). Most hotels, restaurants, and larger businesses accept card payments, though some smaller establishments prefer cash. We recommend your guests carry a small amount of cash for local experiences — and that you enjoy the island's extraordinary local tavernas, which rarely disappoint.
Ready to Begin
Let's plan your celebration on Milos.
Now that you know what's involved, the next step is a conversation. We'd love to hear your vision.
Start Planning