Photo by Kimon Kaketsis
Travel
Getting Married in Greece: A Step-by-Step Guide
23 Jan 2026 •5 min read
Dreaming of a destination wedding with breathtaking sea views, golden sunsets, and timeless architecture? Getting married in Greece remains one of the most romantic (and popular!) choices for couples planning a destination wedding in 2026 or 2027.
From legal requirements and wedding costs to the best time of year to get married in Greece, this step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know to plan a Greek wedding that’s beautiful, seamless, and stress-free.
Why Get Married in Greece?
Greece continues to top the list of best destination wedding locations—and for good reason! Couples are drawn to the country’s mix of natural beauty, historic charm, and welcoming culture.
Reasons couples choose a Greece destination wedding:
- Iconic landscapes and ocean views
- A relaxed yet elevated wedding style
- Excellent infrastructure for international guests
- Incredible food, wine, and hospitality
- Endless options for intimate and multi-day celebrations
Whether you’re planning a small elopement or a full wedding weekend, Greece offers the flexibility few destinations can match.
Step 01.Choose the Type of Wedding Ceremony in Greece
Before you start booking venues, decide what type of ceremony you want.
Civil (Legal) Wedding in Greece
A legally binding ceremony recognized internationally. This option requires official paperwork, translations, and coordination with local authorities.
Religious Wedding
Most religious weddings in Greece are Greek Orthodox and involve additional documentation and requirements.
Symbolic Wedding Ceremony
A symbolic ceremony has no legal requirements in Greece and offers the most flexibility. Many couples legally marry at home, then celebrate in Greece.
Step 02.Hire a Local Wedding Planner in Greece
For 2026 and 2027 weddings, hiring a local wedding planner is strongly recommended, if not essential. Planning a destination wedding in Greece involves permits, local regulations, noise restrictions, ferry schedules, and venue-specific rules.
A Greece wedding planner can help with:
- Venue sourcing and booking
- Vendor coordination
- Permit and noise regulation compliance
- Wedding weekend timelines
- On-the-ground logistics and support
Recommended Wedding Planners in Greece
Wedding Planner
Julia & Evita
Athens, Greece
Wedding Planner
Jasmine + Mint Boutique Events
Athens, Greece
Wedding Planner
Lifetime Affair
Santorini, Greece
Wedding Planner
Rocabella Weddings Santorini
Santorini, Greece
Wedding Planner
Weddings & Events by Bitsolis Franziska
Germany
Wedding Planner
ENSOUL EVENTS
Athens, Greece
Step 03.Choose the Best Wedding Venue in Greece
From cliffside terraces to beachfront venues, Greece offers an incredible variety of wedding locations.
Popular Wedding Venue Styles
- Cliffside venues with sunset views
- Beach wedding locations
- Private villas and estates
- Boutique hotels
- Traditional village venues
- Historic properties near major cities
Best Places to Get Married in Greece
- Santorini: Famous for sunsets and intimate weddings
- Crete: Ideal for larger weddings and diverse scenery
- Athens & Athens Riviera: Easy access and historic backdrops
- Peloponnese: Scenic, less crowded, and increasingly popular
- Mykonos: Chic, stylish, and party-forward
Venue Planning Tips
- Expect guest count limitations at many venues.
- Music curfews are strictly enforced in some areas.
- Wind is common on the islands. Plan B options matter.
- Consider accessibility and guest transportation early.
Recommended Wedding Venues in Greece
Wedding Venue
Rocabella Santorini Hotel & SPASantorini, Greece
Wedding Venue
Cavo Ventus Luxury Villa
Santorini, Greece
Wedding Venue
El Viento Santorini
Athens, Greece
Step 04.Marriage License & Legal Requirements in Greece
If you’re planning a legal wedding in Greece, paperwork is required.
Documents Typically Needed
- Valid passports
- Birth certificates
- Certificate of no impediment or marriageability
- Official Greek translations
- Apostille or notarization (depending on country)
Important Timelines
- Submit documents at least 8 days before the wedding
- Paperwork is usually valid for up to 3 months
- Register the marriage within 40 days after the ceremony
Many couples rely on their planner to guide or manage the legal process.
Best Time of Year to Get Married in Greece
Weather plays a major role in planning an outdoor wedding in Greece.
Best Months for a Greece Wedding
- May–June: Warm temperatures, fewer crowds
- September–October: Ideal weather and golden light
Things to Know
- July–August: Very hot and peak tourist season
- Wind is common on islands, especially in the afternoon
- Shade and hydration are essential for daytime ceremonies
Sunset ceremonies remain the most popular choice for destination weddings in Greece.
Wedding Style, Hair & Makeup in Greece
Greek weddings are known for effortless elegance. Lightweight fabrics, breathable silhouettes, and natural glam are especially popular for warm-weather celebrations.
Beauty planning tips:
- Schedule trials when possible
- Plan for heat, humidity, and wind
- Build extra time into your wedding timeline
- Work with artists experienced in destination weddings
Recommended Hair & Makeup Artists in Greece
Hair and Makeup Artist
Julia Popova
Hair and Makeup Artist
Makeup Santorini Renia
Santorini, Greece
Hair and Makeup Artist
Chrisoula Petraki Hair
Athens, Greece
Flowers, Décor & Wedding Design in Greece
Wedding design in Greece often highlights the natural surroundings with seasonal florals, greenery, textured linens, and candlelight.
Important considerations:
- Some flowers may require importing
- Wind-safe installations are essential
- Rentals and lighting are key for outdoor venues
Recommended Florists & Décor in Greece
Wedding Florist
Jim Labraco
Athens, Greece
Lighting and Decor
Santorini Events
Santorini, Greece
Wedding Florist
Moustakis
Athens, Greece
Event Rentals
Maison Trilogie
Lighting and Decor
Cretan Candles
Crete, Greece
Wedding Florist
Enkipo Flower Creations
Crete, Greece
Wedding Photography & Iconic Photo Locations in Greece
Between the light, architecture, and landscapes, Greece is one of the best destinations in the world for wedding photography.
Iconic Wedding Photo Locations
- Whitewashed villages and blue domes
- Ancient ruins and historic landmarks
- Seaside cliffs and beaches
- Harbor towns and stone pathways
Golden hour timing should be built into your ceremony and reception schedule.
Recommended Photographers & Videographers in Greece
Wedding Photographer
Vangelis Photography
Athens, Greece
Wedding Photographer
Moments To Keep Wedding Photography
Athens, Greece
Videographer
Iraklis Rigas Studio
Santorini, Greece
Videographer
I Do Films Global
Athens, Greece
Wedding Photographer
Octograph
Athens, Greece
Wedding Photographer
DMOL Studio
Italy
How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in Greece?
Wedding costs in Greece have increased with demand, especially for peak season weddings and iconic locations.
Average Wedding Costs in Greece
- Venue: $5,000 – $45,000
- Wedding Planner: $3,000 – $8,000
- Photography: $3,500 – $9,000
- Videography: $3,000 – $8,000
- Catering: $150 – $300 per guest
- Bar Packages: $40 – $90 per guest
- Cake or Dessert Table: $700 – $2,000
- Flowers & Décor: $5,000 – $25,000+
- Rentals & Lighting: $3,000 – $12,000
- Hair & Makeup: $800 – $2,000
Typical Total Wedding Budget
- 20–40 guests: $35,000 – $55,000
- 50–80 guests: $55,000 – $85,000
- 100+ guests: $85,000 – $120,000+
Guest Travel Guide for a Greece Destination Wedding
How Guests Get to Greece
- Direct international flights to Athens and major islands
- Ferry connections for island weddings
- Group transportation and shared transfers are helpful
Where Guests Should Stay
Encourage early booking, especially for summer weddings.
Accommodation options include:
- Luxury resorts
- Boutique hotels
- Vacation rentals
- Traditional guesthouses
Staying close to the wedding venue simplifies logistics.
Final Thoughts: Planning a Wedding in Greece
Getting married in Greece is truly unforgettable, but successful destination weddings require thoughtful planning, realistic budgets, and local expertise. With the right preparation, your Greek wedding will feel seamless, elevated, and deeply personal.
From the scenery to the celebration, Greece offers an experience you—and your guests—will remember forever. Your destination wedding in Greece starts here!
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