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Updated: October 2026

Cost of a baptism in Greece in 2026: what parents and godparent pay

What a baptism costs in 2026: church, reception, favours, photographer, baptism items, how costs are usually split between parents and godparent, and why estimates differ so much.

Family 2 min read 3 sources

A baptism with a reception for about 100 guests usually costs 2,000–4,000 € in 2026, with the reception the biggest expense. Sources differ noticeably: one gives 1,875–4,150 € for 100 people, another 3,000–8,000 € as a usual budget, depending on the level of the reception.

01Detailed price table

Job / itemFromTo
Church (contribution to the church)At some churches in Attica from 180 € and above 50 € 200 €
Reception/catering (simple menu)€/person, often with a minimum of 100–120 people 7 € 14 €
Reception at an estate/restauranttotal 1,500 € 6,000 €
Favours (μπομπονιέρες)2–5 € each 100 € 500 €
PhotographerVideo +200–500 € 300 € 800 €
Baptism items (godparent)Clothes, oil cloths, box, candle 300 € 1,500 €
Baptism cross (godparent)Depending on the metal 100 € 300 €

Baptism with a reception. The range is wide because the sources disagree (see text).

02What affects the price

Type of reception

Simple catering at 7–14 €/person or a meal at an estate/restaurant: this is where the big difference in the total lies.

high
Number of guests

Every 20 fewer guests cut the cost by 140–280 € with simple catering, much more at a restaurant.

high
Church

The amount is set by the parish and varies a lot. Some churches do not allow outside decoration.

medium
Decoration

Decoration is 30–90% of the price of a baptism package.

medium
Photographer/video

Video adds 200–500 € and the album 80–300 €.

medium

03Regional differences

Contributions to churches vary a lot by parish. A news report mentions amounts from 180 € and up at churches in Attica. In the provinces a reception at a taverna or estate is usually cheaper than in Athens. In small villages and on islands many baptisms are held as a village feast, at a much lower cost.

04Tips before you pay

  • Ask the parish first about the contribution, the available times and whether outside decoration is allowed.
  • Agree openly with the godparent what they take on (baptism items, cross, witness favours, sometimes the favours too).
  • An undecorated baptism package that you decorate yourselves is the biggest single saving.
  • A lunchtime buffet reception costs less than an evening one with table service.
  • After the baptism, the naming is registered at the registry office. The church sends the record.

05Frequently asked questions

How much does a baptism with a reception cost?

For about 100 people, one source gives 1,875–4,150 € and another 3,000–8,000 € as a usual budget. The difference depends mainly on the type of reception.

What does the godparent pay?

Usually the baptism items (clothes, oil cloths, candle, box), the cross and the witness favours. The reception is usually paid by the parents.

How much do we pay at the church?

Usually 50–200 €, but the amount is set by the parish. At some churches in Attica 180 € and up is asked.

How much do favours cost?

About 2–5 € each, that is 100–500 € in total.

How much does a baptism photographer cost?

300–800 € for photography. Video adds 200–500 €.

Can I have a baptism without a reception?

Yes. Then the cost is limited to the church, baptism items, favours and photographer, usually under 1,000–1,500 €.

06Sources

  1. Agorasmart – Πόσο κοστίζει μια βάπτιση το 2026
  2. WhiteClover – Οργάνωση βάπτισης: οδηγός 2026
  3. eReportaz – Οι «ταρίφες» στους ναούς για γάμους και βαπτίσεις

Prices are indicative, do not constitute an offer and may vary by area and professional. Last checked: October 2026.

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