A series of rare earth molybdates, Y2-xEux(MoO4)(3) for x=0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6 and 2.0 were prepared by solid-state method and their crystal structures, photo luminescent characteristics were investigated. The powders are mainly studied for their red light emission efficiency under near UV excitation. The crystal structures of the powders were found to depend on annealing temperature and the yttrium concentration. Mixtures of monoclinic (C2/c) and orthorhombic (Pba2, Pbna) structures were formed in varying proportions depending on the value of x and annealing temperatures (700 degrees-800 degrees C). The luminescence behavior depended on the resultant composition of the crystal phase and the Eu3+ concentration. The excitation spectra showed the characteristic and broad O -> Mo charge transfer (CT) band of the MoO4 tetrahedra and the sharp intra-configurational 4f-4f transitions of Eu3+ in the host lattice. The integrated emission ratio (D-5(0)-> F-7(2)/D-5(0)-> F-7(1)) of Eu3+ depends on the annealing temperature and reveals that the local site symmetry of Eu3+ ions decreases with increasing concentration of Eu3+. The emission spectra obtained by exciting at 396 nm, gave highest red emission intensity for Y0.4Eu1.6(MoO4)(3) annealed at 700 degrees C/6 h among this series of samples.