Travel
Getting Married in Greece: A Step-by-Step Guide
29 Feb 2024 •5 min read
Do you imagine your wedding celebration surrounded by azure skies, crystal-clear waters, and ancient landscapes? If you do, Greece will be your perfect wedding destination. The country is like a canvas for creating unforgettable moments of love and celebration.
Greece is well-known as a country with a rich history, one-of-a-kind natural beauty, and warm hospitality. This is why it not only attracts millions of tourists each year but also many couples who seek a magical wedding experience.
In this article, we’ll provide you with all the steps to getting married in Greece. Get ready to plan your dream destination wedding.
Wedding Planners
Planning a destination wedding can be challenging and become overwhelming very quickly. When you’re not from around, you don’t know how to plan everything from afar and find good vendors.
This is where a local wedding planner can be of immense help. A person with expertise in Greek weddings will provide you with insights, assistance, and support.
We’ve put together a list of our favorite wedding planners:
- Jasmine + Mint Boutique Events offers full-service wedding planning. They will help you with everything from finding the ideal venue to organizing your ideal team of wedding professionals for your big day.
- Sand and Lace Events organizes unique wedding celebrations that will be remembered for a long time. The team is known for its epic parties and impeccable style.
- BPerfect Weddings is a planning agency specializing in weddings in Santorini and Crete. They have one goal–to make all your ideas come to life and ensure you have an elegant, high-quality wedding celebration.
Venues
Can you imagine exchanging vows while seeing a breathtaking sunset, or dancing the night away in a traditional Greek village under a canopy of stars? This Mediterranean paradise offers numerous magical venues for your big day.
Take a look at our top picks:
- El Viento Santorini is a place with both indoor and outdoor luxury spaces. Your ceremony can take place on a spectacular terrace overlooking the sunset. A private terrace and an open-air bar sound like a dream wedding setting.
- Theros Wave Bar Santorini is another venue perfect for a beach wedding. The combination of romantic details, endless horizons, and evocative lighting ensures a memorable experience.
- Four Seasons Astir Palace is located in Athens, at the edge of the Aegean. The stunning views of the sea offer an ideal background for wedding photography and make all beach lovers’ dreams come true.
- Lycabettus at Andronis Luxury Suites is known as the most romantic spot in Santorini. Lycabettus offers a stunning and picturesque wedding venue. Perched atop a cliff overlooking the sparkling sea, the venue provides breathtaking panoramic views that create a magical backdrop for a ceremony and reception alike.
- Pacman at Andronis Arcadia is perfect for a scenic ceremony or memorable afterparty. Ideal for an outdoor ceremony is the restaurant’s pool deck that overlooks the Caldera and the sparkling Aegean Sea — or even more magical, position the couple-to-be right in the middle of the deck’s infinity pool that spills into the landscape.
Bonus Tip
Here are four useful tips for choosing the perfect venue:
- Determine the number of guests you plan to invite and choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate your party size.
- Consider the ambiance and aesthetic of the venue, whether you prefer a rustic and intimate setting, a grand and opulent atmosphere, or a laid-back beach vibe.
- Take into account the location of the venue concerning nearby attractions, accommodations, and transportation options for you and your guests.
- Consider practical logistics such as accessibility, parking, rental equipment, and any restrictions or regulations imposed by the venue.
Marriage License in Greece
Getting married in Greece is more than just choosing a venue with beautiful sea views. A crucial legal step is obtaining a marriage license.
Follow our step-by-step guide:
- Both you and your partner need to provide documents that include valid passports or IDs, birth certificates, a certificate of marriageability, and a certificate of no impediment. All of these have to be translated into Greek and certified by a notary.
- Schedule an appointment with the local municipality to submit your application for a marriage license.
- Submit your paperwork, at least 8 days before the wedding but at most 3 months in advance.
- Once you get married, you’ll have 40 days to register your marriage at the municipality’s registry.
Bridal Salons
All future brides know that finding the perfect wedding dress is the most important step to making them feel like true princesses on their wedding day. Whether you’re looking for a simple look enhanced with nice accessories or a puffy princess dress, bridal salons in Greece offer it all.
Consider some of these salons:
- AthenaV Bridal is the central representative of Pronovias Fashion Group. They offer numerous gowns of all styles, colors, and textures. You can also find beautiful accessories that add the perfect final touch to your look.
- BridesWings offers bridal gowns from international designers. They specialize in boho, vintage, and contemporary wedding dresses that cater to a range of budgets and tastes.
Florists
Fresh and stunning flowers will add beauty and elegance to your special day. This country is home to many talented florists who specialize in creating unique floral designs as a touch of romance to your celebration.
Take a look at our suggestions:
- Red Box Days was set up by Kostas who had one vision in mind: to sell simple and stylish flowers that are beautifully presented. The team has a strong sense of color and design and a genuine passion for flowers.
- Studio 7’s team believes that the beauty of flowers has the power to bind humanity in a universal bond. They will make all your floral visions come to life.
Makeup and Hair Artists
Every bride wants to look and feel her absolute best as she walks down the aisle. One certain way to ensure this is to find skilled hair and makeup artists. Think about the look you envision, find an artist, schedule a trial session, and ask for any adjustments you want.
We’re here to help you with our recommendations:
- Renia Mpledaki Make Up Artist’s team consists of talented and professional artists. They can create any look you want, whether it’s just for your groom’s eyes, bright lights, or a photography flash.
- Rena Skourti Hair Stylist’s goal is to make brides and their friends feel and look their best. She can create any hairstyle you want, from romantic waves to a glamorous sleek bun.
- Petros Salon offers luxury hair and makeup services. Additionally, you’ll find hair extension and manicure/pedicure services, so you can get full glam for your special day.
Photographers
Considering the beauty of Greek weddings, we suggest you hire a talented photographer who knows how to capture all the beautiful moments on that special day. Those memories will last you forever and you’ll gladly relive them in years to come.
Our list of Greek photographers includes:
- Albatross Destination Weddings is a team of destination wedding photographers who know how to capture the beauty of the Mediterranean background. They love to meet couples, get to know their love stories, and record and narrate them.
- Your White Moments are full-time wedding photographers and filmmakers. As storytellers, Yiannis and Dimosthenes love to capture all the special moments exactly the way they happened. They won’t tell you how to pose, they’ll only try to direct you.
- Lighthouse Photography is a team of two partners both in life and work. Teo and Anna have one goal–to tell your love story through their pictures. They’re always looking forward to meeting new couples and making them life-lasting memories.
Iconic Locations for Wedding Photography
- Santorini: Known for its stunning sunsets, whitewashed buildings, and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, Santorini offers many iconic locations for wedding photography, from the village of Oia to the beaches of Ammoudi Bay.
- Athens: The historic city of Athens is home to many popular landmarks and architectural wonders. From the majestic Acropolis and ancient ruins of the Parthenon to the charming streets of Plaka, you can explore a variety of picturesque settings that showcase the rich history and culture of Greece's capital city.
- Crete: The largest of the Greek islands, Crete boasts diverse landscapes ranging from rugged mountains and lush valleys to pristine beaches and quaint villages. You can choose from a variety of locations on the largest Greek island, including the historic Venetian harbor of Chania, the turquoise waters of Elafonissi Beach, and the palm forest of Vai.
Average Costs
If you want to know how to set your wedding budget, you should know the average costs of getting married in Greece. Prices can vary from town to town and venue to venue, but we’ve gathered information about the average costs for all important planning parts.
They include:
- Venue: $1,500 - $30,000
- Wedding planner: $800 - $3,000
- Photographer: $600 - $2,200
- Catering: $50 - $150
- Wedding cake: $400 - $700
- Flowers and decorations: $700 - $15,000
- Hair and makeup: $200 - $700
Getting Married in Greece: Guest Guide
How to get to Greece? Which hotels to choose and where to stay? We cover it all in our comprehensive guest guide.
How to Get to Greece
Here's a guide to help you navigate the various transportation options and ensure a smooth arrival for you and your guests:
- Flights: Greece is well-connected to major cities worldwide, with airports in Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, and other popular tourist destinations.
- Ferries: If you're traveling from neighboring countries or islands, ferries provide a scenic and enjoyable way to reach Greece. Ferry routes connect Greece to Italy, Turkey, and various Greek islands.
- Cruises: Cruises are another popular option for reaching Greece, allowing you to combine your wedding celebration with a memorable voyage through the Mediterranean Sea.
- Group travel: If you're coordinating travel for a group of wedding guests, consider organizing group discounts or arranging group travel packages to streamline the process and save on costs.
Places for Out-of-Town Guests to Stay
Greece offers countless accommodation options. You will choose them according to the place of your wedding celebration, but we have some suggestions ranging from luxury resorts to traditional guesthouses:
- Amanzoe (Peloponnese): Guests can experience luxury and tranquility at Amanzoe, a stunning resort overlooking the Aegean Sea. With private villas, infinity pools, and world-class amenities, it offers an exclusive retreat for everyone seeking a truly exceptional experience.
- Canaves Oia Suites (Santorini): Located in the village of Oia, Canaves Oia Suites offers luxurious accommodations with views of the caldera and sunset. Guests can indulge in elegant suites, infinity pools, and personalized service for an unforgettable stay in Santorini.
- Kapetan Tasos Suites (Crete): Everyone will enjoy the charm and hospitality of traditional Greek hospitality at Kapetan Tasos Suites in Crete. Based in the historic village of Chania, these charming suites offer cozy accommodations, authentic local cuisine, and warm hospitality in a tranquil setting.
Start Your Seamless Wedding Preparations
You’re all set now to start taking the first steps towards turning your wedding ideas into reality. Greece is a country of rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and delicious cuisine and there’s no doubt you’ll have a magical celebration there.
Let Loverly be your assistant. With expert tips and advice and easy-to-use wedding tools, you’ll stay organized and know how to make informed decisions. It’s time to make your Mediterranean dreams come true!
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