Greek wedding traditions
The five terms below introduce a Greek Orthodox marriage service. Greek heritage and Orthodox faith are not interchangeable; civil, secular and other religious ceremonies may be very different.
Betrothal and participants
Betrothal service
The opening portion of the Orthodox marriage service, centred on prayers and rings.
Ring blessing
The priest blesses the rings before placing them on the couple’s right hands.
Koumbaro or koumbara
The Orthodox wedding sponsor who assists with the rings and crowns.
Ring exchanges
The sponsor exchanges the couple’s rings three times in the customary Greek Orthodox sequence.
Lambades
The decorated wedding candles used in the celebration.
Joining right hands
The priest joins the couple’s right hands during prayers for their union.
Crowning and readings
Stefana
The wedding crowns, commonly joined by a ribbon.
Crowning
The priest places the crowns on the couple.
Crown exchanges
The sponsor exchanges the crowns three times in the customary Greek Orthodox sequence.
Epistle reading
The reading from an apostolic letter in the marriage service.
Gospel of Cana
The Gospel account of the wedding at Cana, read during the service.
Cup, procession and conclusion
Common cup
The couple share blessed wine from one cup.
Dance of Isaiah
The priest leads the couple in the ceremonial procession around the table.
Removal of crowns
The crowns are removed near the conclusion of the service.
Final blessing
The priest blesses the couple at the end of the celebration.
Wedding register signing
The signing of wedding documents, arranged with the parish separately from the symbolic actions of the service.
Planning photography and video
Confirm the church’s camera positions, the sponsor’s role and the precise sequence with the priest. Ring switches and crown exchanges are repeated actions; we plan for the complete sequence rather than assuming one exchange. Tell us about any permitted celebration outside the church.
Explore the Wedding Event Dictionary
Explore heritage and traditions
Further reading
Marriage — Saint George Greek Orthodox Church
Wedding service — Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension