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Getting married in Greece

Greece is no short of magical destination wedding locations. Its mild weather and natural beauty offer the perfect backdrop for a fairytale wedding: crystal clear waters, blue skies, ancient ruins, picturesque towns. Evidently, it is no surprise couples from all around the world choose Greece for their special day.

All of that I had to say goodbye to, when we decided on a rainy, freezing, November weekday mid-pandemic elopement at Edinburgh City Chambers. (And despite the stark contrast to what I had in mind it was, in every sense, the perfect decision for us.)

Still, please allow me to share my former Dream Wedding Ideas Binder with you, in the form of this blog post.

This article aims to inspire your wedding planning, or at the very least help you daydream a little. It includes 12+ stunning, magical destination wedding location ideas and top venues in mainland Greece and the islands, updated for 2024.

Why plan a destination wedding in Greece?

Greek heritage

For expats, mixed and second generation diaspora Greeks, getting married in Greece is a beautiful way to connect with their ancestral land and heritage. The couple gets to practice and embrace old traditions passed on from the Greek side of the family. They get the colourful rituals AND the perfect photos.

Romantic beginnings

I’ve heard this one a lot. Perhaps you met your partner in the queue for gelato on a Greek seaside town, or you shared the only cab of the island to go back to your hotel? Perhaps that’s where you got engaged. Getting married in Greece allows you to cherish those memories and create new ones in a special place, significant to your unique story.

Spectacular settings

You can’t deny the view. If you’re looking for the perfect setting for your wedding day, Greece is full of breathtaking landscapes. Hilltops, cliffs, terraces overlooking the Aegean sea, quaint courtyards, sandy beaches, take your pick! Just imagine that photo book.

You want to honeymoon in Greece

And why wouldn’t you. One one the most popular reasons for planning a destination wedding in Greece, and one way to determine the perfect venue: your honeymoon plans.

You just want to

Once in a while, a traveler will inexplicably fall in love with a place. I have seen this in my own travels, a Frenchman falling in love with Chile, a Greek falling in love with Spain, an American falling in love with Ireland. And Greece has undeniably claimed the hearts of many travellers from around the world. Pair that love with the legendary Greek hospitality and you have a perfect wedding location.

Ultimately, it’s your wedding. If you want to get married in Greece, you don’t really need a specific reason to justify that decision. When Greece calls you need to answer!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you).

Things to consider when planning your wedding in Greece

So the decision has been made, you’re planning a wedding in Greece! Let’s have a look at the practical aspects to consider when planning a destination wedding in Greece.

Choose the right location for you

This will probably be the first thing to consider. Are you open to ideas? Perhaps you already have your heart set on a place? There are so many stunning destination wedding locations in Greece to choose from, that it can feel a bit overwhelming.

A few factors to help you decide:

• direct flights from where you live
• season (go for Spring and Autumn for fewer crowds and milder temperatures)
• your budget
• accommodation costs
• accessibility
• fun ways to entertain your guests before and after the big day
• the particular, unique charm of a place

Popular wedding destinations in Greece include Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, and the Peloponnese. Further down we’ll have a look at the most popular locations and top venues in each one.

Is it legal to get married in Greece as a foreigner?

So OK, you can definitely get some great pictures, but can you legally get married in Greece?

Let me give you the short answer and put your mind at rest: YES.

But. Paperwork in Greece, not wedding-related paperwork, any kind of paperwork, is what my Brit husband would call “a ball-ache”.

Can same sex couples get married in Greece?

Yes, as of February 2024, same sex couples can have a legally binding civil wedding ceremony in Greece. Getting married in a church is not an option, we’re probably a good few decades away from that.

Legal Requirements and Practical Considerations

Documents you will need for a civil wedding in Greece:

1. Birth certificates of the couple
2. Certificates of no impediment to marry or marriage license
3. Divorce / adoption / change of name certificates where applied
4. Passports of the couple
5. Apostille stamp on your documents
6. Official translation of your documents to Greek

For a religious Orthodox wedding even more papers would be needed (a few examples: baptism registration records for the couple and “family status” certificate for the best man / woman, proving they’re either single, or married in an Orthodox church, or else they’re not eligible to be part of your wedding). See all legal requirements in detail here.

As you can tell this option is significantly more complicated, especially if the bride or groom are not Greek Orthodox but it can definitely be navigated if it’s important to you.

Which brings me to my next point.

Where do you start planning your destination wedding in Greece?

Take a deep breath, write a short paragraph with your ideas, attach the link to your Pinterest board and contact a local wedding planner (or three). You will want to do this!

Local wedding planners will take the stress away from trying to plan a wedding abroad. They’re familiar with the region, they know and have special deals with local vendors and suppliers, they can recommend accommodation for your guests and assist you every step of the way in general.

They can even help you navigate all the legalities smoothly and some of them even take care of the official translations as part of the package. If you’re not sure of a location that’s OK too! Your planner can recommend the perfect venue for you, depending on your budget and vision.

Weddings are a booming industry in Greece. For that reason, choosing a wedding planning professional can be quite overwhelming in itself.

Further down in this guide, I have put included a curated list of Greek destination wedding planners and elopement specialists. This list includes seasoned event planners with stellar reviews, award winning wedding professionals, specialists in destination weddings and boutique island ceremonies and elopements, all with truly impressive portfolios.

Accommodations & travel logistics

Once you’ve locked your date and venue it’s time to research accommodations for your guests and plan all travel logistics. The most convenient way to go is reserving room blocks at hotels or villas near your venue. Again, your wedding planner will be able to assist you with this.

It’s a good idea to do this well in advance. This way you can design and include a details and itinerary insert in your invitations so your guests are clued in on all plans.

Provide detailed information about transportation options, including airports, ferry schedules, and local transportation services.

Plan activities for your guests

Anyone willing to travel overseas for your special day deserves a treat for themselves. In addition to accommodation and logistics it’s a great touch to have something fun planned for your guests. If you’ re planning a destination wedding in Greece, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to group activities, experiences and excursions.

Depending where you are and what your guests would be into, it can be a day boat cruise to a secluded beach, a wine tasting tour, a guided tour of an ancient site, a local food experience or a photography tour. It can be a great way to build a connection with your destination of choice and for them to create cherished memories of their own. It will be, to quote Julia Donaldson, a wedding that noone will ever forget.

Incorporate Greek traditions

While planning you wedding in Greece, you can choose to include a few Greek wedding traditions. By doing so you set the tone for a ceremony that closely relates to the setting. These elements will add a personal and unique touch to your celebration.

Here are a few of them, to get you inspired:

Rice instead of confetti

While this tradition has both fierce supporters and opponents, I am leaving it here because it is very quintessentially Greek.

In a Greek Wedding, rice is typically thrown at the couple while they circle the altar table 3 times in the second part of the ceremony, and then again when they exit the venue. It is a symbol of good luck, prosperity and fertility.

The counter argument is that wasting food is in bad taste and completely unnecessary. Supporters of this custom would argue it’s really the same as allowing a toddler to make some crafts out of macaroni, and it is really a one off. (There used to be an urban legend that uncooked rice is bad for the birds but I have not managed to find any supporting scientific evidence pointing to that.)

Lots of little flower girls / bridesmaids

Children are also considered lucky and are given big parts in a Greek wedding. I have been to weddings with as many as seven little flower girls. Their primary job is to supply all guests with sufficient ammo: rice mixed with rose petals.

The exchange of crowns

This is a great tradition of the Orthodox ceremony that you could make your own. Similarly to hand fasting, wedding crowns tied together with a ribbon are exchanged, symbolising the foundation of a family as a brand new kingdom.

Sugared almond favours

Wedding guests are traditionally offered a favour pouch with 5 sugared almonds, to represent love, health, happiness, fertility and long life. The odd number five also symbolises the undivided bond of the couple. This is a tradition Greece shares with Italy.

Top Greek Islands for Destination Weddings

So are you sold on the idea of a destination wedding in Greece yet? Read on for more inspiration on popular island locations, along with their top wedding venues.

Best Destination Wedding Locations in Greece part 1: Islands a stone-throw away from Athens

The best connected destination in Greece is Athens itself. With quite a few islands just a short ferry ride away, you can have the convenience of being close to the capital without giving up the beauty of the Aegean Sea.

Hydra

A small island in the Saronic Gulf, Hydra is known for its picturesque harbour and traditional stone mansions. No cars are allowed on this island (or any other motor vehicles actually). All transportation is carried out by donkeys and mules, and you will definitely need to ride one: Hydra has a rocky landscape and a lot of steps. It is perfect if you’re going for a traditional, cultural vibe.

Top venue: Bratsera Hotel

Bratsera is a beautiful boutique hotel in Hydra Town and the only one with a pool. It is located right by the harbour so by staying there means you and your guests would avoid going up and down the steps all day. Bratsera offers an intimate setting perfect for small and private weddings.

Spetses

Spetses is another gem of the Saronic gulf with a cosmopolitan, vintage vibe and an idyllic setting: grand seaside mansions, horse-drawn carriages, green pine forests. Its charming ambiance, breathtaking sea views and convenient accessibility from Athens, make Spetses a top destination for weddings in the Mediterranean.

Top venue: Poseidonion Hotel

A historic 18th century landmark with Belle-epoque decorated rooms, the Poseidonion houses a luxury hotel and spa and an awarded bar and restaurant.

Top outdoors location: Zogeria Beach

A lot of couples pair a ceremony at the picture-perfect St. George chapel at Zogeria Cove with a reception under the stars, right by the sea.

Kea

Also known as Tzia, is a tranquil island in the Cyclades archipelago (and a beloved destination for our family). Kea features serene, sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters, some of them only accessible by boat. The island has a rich history and visitors can explore both ancient Greek and Byzantine landmarks.

If you’re dreaming of an intimate and romantic wedding on a Greek island near a beach, do look into Kea. It’s stunning and far far far far less expensive than Myconos and Santorini.

In case it’s not obvious, I can’t recommend Kea enough as a destination, wedding or not. Even though we’ re trying to explore different places every time we go back to Greece, this is one we keep returning to.

Top venue: Aigis Suites

Aigis Suites and spa is the top boutique hotel of the island, situated in Vourkari. It offers a small number of luxury suites, some with a private pool and hot tub. Its breathtaking views over the bay and the Aegean Sea can be enjoyed from an infinity pool.

Best Destination Wedding Locations in Greece part 2: The Aegean Sea

Santorini

Everything you’ve heard about Santorini it true. Is it expensive? Very much so. Is it beautiful? Oh, it is something out of this world. Will you have to share your much anticipated sunset in Oia with 10 bus loads of random tourists? I’m afraid so, sorry. Is it still worth visiting? Yes, if you ask me, it is most definitely worth visiting.

Go off season, obviously. It’s OK if it’s a little cool to swim, Santorini is not about the beaches anyway. (OK I overdid it, I went in November and froze my tail off. Still, famous sunset: check. Lovely people: check. Mysterious volcano vibes: check. Amazing food and wine: check.)

What about getting married in Santorini?

Santorini is the holy grail of destination wedding locations in Greece and if your budget allows it is an experience you will not regret. It is true the industry has caught on on all the demand and the prices reflect that. For that reason many couples opt for a Santorini elopement instead of a full on wedding.

Top venue: Dana Villas & Infinity Suites

Situated in Firostefani, Dana Villas & Infinity Suites boasts stunning cliffside views of the sea and the caldera in an elegant and secluded setting. There’s no shortage of excellent accommodations with sea views in Santorini but as I’m only mentioning one per location, Dana Villas it is. The suites even have private heated indoor / outdoor pools with “cave” vaulted ceilings! *faints*.

Now, this one certainly comes with a hefty price tag, but you have options here. The most popular one is eloping which avoids the expense of guest accommodations altogether. You can choose to plan your ceremony on the breathtaking terrace and splurge out on a single night only at the honeymoon suite. Or, you could explore other accommodation options entirely.

Santorini is a paradise for experiences and activities for your wedding guests or just for yourselves.

Remember, you’re not alone in this. An experienced planner will take you by the hand, do the heavy lifting for you and save you money left right and centre.

Top Destination Wedding Planners in Santorini

Here is a curated list of a select few Wedding Planners, all based on the stunning island of Santorini. I am mentioning more top wedding planners further down, but these particular ones are local to the island.

Save this list for later.

• Vanilla Sky Weddings
• Tie the Knot Santorini
• Indigo Weddings
• Santorini Weddings
• Santorini Proposals
• Unique and Forever
• Oh my Wedding
• Julia and Evita
• Wedding Wish

Myconos

Mykonos is one of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades complex and a world-renowned destination for high end weddings. It combines a unique cosmopolitan lifestyle, vibrant nightlife, local traditional architectural treasures and pure Cycladic natural beauty.

Top venue: Royal Myconian

Quite hard to pick one wedding venue only in Myconos, but there you go: This beautiful family run hotel has views over the longest sandy beach of the island and features lots of different indoor and outdoor backdrops and terraces perfect for your wedding day.

Crete

Crete is located in Southern Greece and it is the largest of the Greek islands. It offers many choices for couples and travellers and it has something for everyone as a wedding destination choice: lively and popular towns and private, relaxed ambient settings.

Crete is really well connected, with five ferry ports and two international airports.

Planning a Wedding in Crete: Full Guide to Getting Married on the Island!

Top venue: Grecotel LUX.ME White Palace

Situated in Rethymnon, Grecotel LUX.ME White Palace offers a great variety of ceremony and reception settings, with a total of twenty-two pools and seven restaurants. And as a bonus, (my favourite thing about Grecotel establishments) it offers free kids stay, dining and activities.

Rhodes

Rhodes is most notably known as a destination wedding location, for couples who love to combine their honeymoon with their wedding. As such, the island has several prominent hotels and resorts expertly built to accommodate this niche. Let’s take a closer look at the most popular hotels and resorts for these wedding types.

Top venue: Amada Colossos Resort

Amada Colossos is a luxury resort in Kallithea beach, close to Faliraki Bay, Rhodes. It offers panoramic sea views, several swimming pools and a lot of different, elegant wedding venues (including beachfront ceremonies). It is a family friendly hotel and highly rated by traveling families.

Your wedding crew, big or intimate, will love these day activities from Faliraki.

Best Destination Wedding Locations in Greece part 3: The Ionian Sea

The Ionian islands have a different kind of beauty to the Aegean: Venetian architecture instead of white-washed houses and green mountains instead of rugged hills. They are popular with couples looking for a more tranquil and idyllic setting to exchange vows.

Corfu

This beautiful island of the Ionian Sea features a unique blend of Greek, Venetian, and British influences. This is reflected in its architecture, cosmopolitan culture, and distinctive cuisine. The Old Town of Corfu, known for its cobblestone streets and pastel-coloured Venetian architecture, is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.

The waters on the island’s famous beaches like Paleokastritsa and Glyfada, are crystal clear and the cleanest I have personally swam in, in the whole of Greece (reflected in the chillier than average temperature, but worth it!).

Angelokastro fortress, one of the most important Byzantine castles in Greece, is located on top of a rock formation, on a steep slope, 305 meters above sea level. Just imagine the photos taken from up there!

Check this gorgeous elopement up on the castle hill.

Top venue: Corfu Imperial, Grecotel Exclusive Resort

Corfu Imperial is located in Kommeno Bay. It offers different elegant ceremony and reception settings both indoors and outdoors: seaside spots, lush gardens, ballrooms, waterfront restaurants and even a tiny private island!

Couple and guest accommodations are also sorted here, with lots of different choices between little villas, maisonettes, bungalows. They also offer whole houses that could work for your entire wedding party.

The biggest bonus with the Grecotel chain is the kid-friendly aspect, with kids under 12 staying free in the parents’ room, and all sort of baby gear and equipment provided. Big thumbs up from me!

Kefalonia (Cephalonia)

Kefalonia is a very well connected and accessible wedding destination choice, with two main ports, two smaller ports and an international airport. The island has a variety of Orthodox and Catholic churches and chapels as well as plenty of charming restaurants, perfect for laid back wedding receptions. In addition, for couples looking for an extra luxurious touch, you can find a lot of villas and resorts with magical views of the Ionian.

Top wedding venue: Emelisse Nature Resort

Located in Fiskardo, Emelisse Nature Resort offers a tranquil and scenic setting for weddings, with lush gardens, sea-view terraces, and elegant venues.

When it comes to activities, Kefalonia’s crystal clear waters and hidden coves make it a perfect destination for enjoying the seaside. On top of that, the island also has lush mountainous forests, perfect for refreshing hikes, ancient sites, fortresses and delicious local cuisine.

Best Destination Wedding Locations in Greece part 4: Mainland Greece

When it comes to destination weddings, the Greek islands will probably always steal the spotlight. It is the magic spell of the Aegean Sea.

But if you put your project manager hat on for a minute, you’ll appreciate this: mainland Greece is also in the Aegean, surrounded by the same waters, conveniently connected and perfectly accessible. It is full of must-see historic landmarks and scenic landscapes great for photography. And indeed, quite popular for destination weddings too, especially if your guests can only be there for a day or two.

So let’s have a look at three mainland Greece spots, popular as destination wedding locations, for couples who are looking for the Greek summer vibe without the hassle.

Athens

Greater Athens has coastline that stretches for 40 miles and is well connected to both the city centre and the airport. This makes it an attractive choice for couples who want the sea view in their wedding album but don’t have the time to faff with a lot of transits.

The Athenian Riviera is full of beaches with stunning views and lots of seaside venues and tavernas. It also abundant in hotels and resorts of varied levels of luxury and price tag, so couples and guests can plan their stay accordingly.

Top venue: Grand Resort Lagonissi

Located on the Athenian Riviera, Grand Resort Lagonissi offers luxury accommodations, stunning sea views, and elegant venues for weddings, including beachfront ceremonies and lavish ballrooms.

Peloponnese

The Peloponnese peninsula in Southern Greece is full of picturesque towns, historic sites, olive groves, orange orchards and awe-inspiring mountains, all surrounded by a stunning coastline. Understandably, the Peloponnese offers some of the best destination wedding locations in Greece.

A lot of travellers get fixated on the islands. If you’re reading this, whether you’re looking for a charming wedding destination or a week away in the sun, don’t overlook the Peloponnese.

Top venue: The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino

Located in Messinia, the south-western part of Peloponnese, Costa Navarino is a luxurious retreat surrounded by olive groves and blue waters. It offers numerous beautiful wedding venues, including beachfront settings and small traditional chapels.

Again, Messinia offers a such diverse range of activities and experiences for yourselves and your wedding guests. Snorkelling, kayaking, hiking, wine and olive oil tasting, ancient citadels and palaces and an amazing culinary scene.

Chalkidiki

Top venue: Porto Carras Meliton Grand Resort

As far as destination wedding locations in Greece go, this is as high end as it gets. This luxury seafront resort in the peninsula of Sithonia, Halkidiki offers not one but numerous wedding venues, including beachfront ceremonies and receptions.

As if this wasn’t enough, Porto Carras has even more surprises for you: a golf course (not interested in that personally, do you think I should since I’m local to Scotland now?), a marina (very nice for some) and its own winery 😮 (now we’re talking).

As for the region of Halkidiki, with 550 kilometres of coastline and the best beaches of all mainland Greece, you wouldn’t struggle to entertain your guests of plan some unique honeymoon activities.

Top Local Greek Destination Wedding planners

As promised, a list of top local wedding planners to take the stress out of your planning. Save this list for later.

• Lily of the Valley
• White Ribbon Boutique Events
• Stella and Moscha
• Rock Paper Scissors
• The Event Company
• Mazi Event Design & Production
• Mitheo Events
• Silk and Tile
• Rosmarin Weddings
• Think Happy Events
• Belli Momenti Corfu
• Mosaique
• Kiss from Fleur
• La fete
• Storytelling Lab

Destination wedding locations in Greece – Conclusion

So there you go: You have the world famous sunsets of the Cyclades, the raw natural beauty and unique personality of Crete, the idyllic setting of the Ionian Islands the (literally) classic elegance of the Athenian seafront. Greece from North to South is full of unique destination wedding locations. It provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding celebration and the beginning of another great chapter: your married life ❤️.

Congratulations and remember, the right choice is the one you will make! 💒

Related posts:

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The time of the day that only exists in Greece

Original & fun things to do with kids in Athens (that are not ancient stuff)

An amazing wine tasting at Cinque Bar & Deli, Athens

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