Getting Married in Corfu

A form of tourism which has shown considerable growth recently is that of getting married on a Greek island. There are several important contributing factors to this dynamic new type of tourism: the romantic atmosphere, the Greek sunsets, tradition, the chance to combine a summer holiday with the actual ceremony, and above all the desire of people today to do things a different way.

Corfu offers the ideal setting for "the most important moments" of a person's life. A cosmopolitan resort for the last two centuries, with a rich historical heritage and a fine reputation, it fires the imagination and sets the scene for the enjoyment of those unique first days together as a newly-wed couple. Who would not want to take advantage of the many historic buildings available, the photo opportunities against the background of famous views, that first drive in a horse-drawn carriage through the picturesque streets of the old town, not to mention the celebration in some delightful village taverna? Corfu today opens its heart and generously offers all this, as well as the chance to stay in a honeymoon suite, journeys through lush, unspoiled countryside, dinner by candlelight beneath a full moon. It offers pleasures enjoyed by kings and queens, pleasures that everyone would like to share with a loved one.

The organization of a wedding in Corfu is a relatively easy undertaking, and one which can be carried out efficiently by the local travel agencies as well as by companies specialising in the organisation of events, people who will realise your dreams for you!

What do you need in preparation?

1. First contact your local Registrar and ask for advice.
2. Obtain copies of both full birth certificates (with parents' names on) and divorce certificates if applicable. Photocopies will not count.
3. Take the documents to your local register office and tell the Registrar where you intend to marry.
4. Next you should obtain a no impediment of marriage document which should be displayed to the public at the local registrar office for three weeks.
5. Send all the documents to the Commonwealth Office in London to be authenticated.
6. Send the documents to the Greek Consulate in London to be translated into Greek. This can take up to four weeks at peak times.
7. These are all the documents you need to contact the Mayor's office for a wedding date. In Corfu civil ceremonies are usually carried out on Saturdays at the town hall but every Greek island is different.
8. On return from your wedding don't forget to have your wedding certificates translated back into English.