The Ceremony
If you’ve never been to a Greek Orthodox wedding before, you’re in for a truly moving and unforgettable experience. While many Christian weddings are centred around personal vows, a Greek Orthodox ceremony is rooted in ancient liturgy and sacred symbolism. It is not just a celebration, it is a sacrament, a holy mystery in which two people become one in the eyes of God.
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Rather than exchanging spoken promises, the bride and groom make a silent, powerful commitment before God and the Church. The entire ceremony is a tapestry of spiritual meaning, each element carefully preserved through centuries of orthodox tradition.
The Structure of the Ceremony
The ceremony is made up of two main parts: the Service of Betrothal and the Sacrament of Crowning.
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In the Service of Betrothal, the priest blesses the wedding rings and places them on the right hands of the bride and groom, signifying strength, honour, and divine grace. The rings are then exchanged three times by the Koumbara, calling on the presence of the Holy Trinity. This act replaces modern wedding vows, as the couple’s consent is understood through their presence, not their words.​​​​​​​​​​​
The Sacrament of Crowning (or Stepsis) is the heart of the ceremony. The couple is given lit candles to hold, symbolising Christ, the Light of the World, illuminating their path forward. Their right hands are joined, and the priest places the stefana (wedding crowns) on their heads. These are not crowns of royalty in the worldly sense, but symbols of honour, sacrifice, and the glory of marriage. The Koumbara once again steps in to exchange the crowns three times, binding the couple spiritually.
They then share wine from a Common Cup, taking three sips, another reference to the Trinity, symbolising the life they will now share: the joys, the burdens, the celebrations, and the quiet moments alike.
The “Dance of Isaiah”
One of the most memorable and emotional parts of the ceremony is the Dance of Isaiah, a joyful, symbolic procession. Led by the priest, the couple walks three times around the altar, taking their first steps together as husband and wife. This is done to the chanting of hymns, reminding us of God’s presence and the journey the couple is beginning with his blessing.
It’s not a dance in the traditional sense, but it is beautiful to watch, and even more powerful in meaning. It represents the circular, eternal nature of marriage and the guiding presence of Christ at the centre of their new life.
Final Blessings
The ceremony closes with blessings for the couple, calling on the examples of holy men and women from the Bible, like Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, and asking God to grant them health, happiness, wisdom, and love. The crowns are then gently removed, and the couple is declared united in both faith and love.
In Greek tradition, guests throw rice outside the church as the couple takes their first steps as husband and wife. It’s a joyful and symbolic gesture that represents fertility, prosperity, and the wish for a happy, abundant life together. It might be a little messy, but it’s one of the most beloved (and festive!) parts of a Greek wedding.
Why It Matters
A Greek Orthodox wedding is not just about two people coming together, it’s about entering a sacred, lifelong union with God at the centre. Every element of the service, from the candles and crowns to the shared wine and the role of the Koumbara—is deeply symbolic.
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We feel incredibly lucky to share this tradition with you. Whether you’ve experienced it before or this is your first time, we hope you’ll find it just as meaningful, emotional, and joyful as we do.