Whether you envision an intimate ceremony on a sun-kissed beach, a fairytale affair in a historic castle, or a chic celebration in a cosmopolitan city, Greece offers diverse options to suit every couple’s unique style and preferences. Our guide will walk you through the best wedding destinations in Greece, each with its own allure and charm.
So, grab a notebook, open your heart to inspiration, and join us as we unveil the magic of planning your dream wedding in Greece. Let’s embark on an adventure that will weave together romance, beauty, and the rich tapestry of Greek culture, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Couples worldwide choose Greece for their destination wedding because it’s considered one of the most romantic places on earth.
With over 9,000 miles of coastline and thousands of beaches, there are plenty of stunning locations to tie the knot, no matter what desirable vibe. And, of course, the Mediterranean climate is perfect for a beach wedding. But these aren’t the only reasons people choose Greece for their wedding.
Greece is steeped in history and culture, providing a unique setting for your wedding. You can exchange vows against the backdrop of ancient ruins, feel the presence of mythology, and incorporate Greek traditions into your ceremony, making it an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
Greek hospitality is renowned worldwide, and you can expect warm and friendly service from the locals. The country has a well-developed wedding industry, with experienced wedding planners and vendors who can assist you in organizing every aspect of your special day.
With hundreds of islands to choose from, each with its own culture shaped by its landscape and history, how are you supposed to decide the best way to get married in Greece?
We have put together some of our favorite locations in Greece for couples to get married (and our favorite wedding venues in these locations). But before reading through the list and starting your research, take the time to consider what setting you dream of for your wedding. Are you thinking of a ceremony on the beach or a castle-like venue that creates a fairytale-like feel?
Known for its iconic blue-domed churches and breathtaking sunsets, Santorini is one of Greece’s most popular wedding destinations. The picturesque cliffside villages overlooking the Aegean Sea provide a romantic and unforgettable backdrop for your special day.
With its cosmopolitan atmosphere and vibrant nightlife, Mykonos is another sought-after wedding destination. This glamorous island offers beautiful beaches, charming windmills, and luxurious resorts, creating an ideal setting for a stylish and memorable wedding.
The historic capital city of Athens provides a unique blend of ancient history and modern amenities. You can exchange vows against the backdrop of the iconic Acropolis or opt for a stylish city wedding in one of Athens’ chic venues or rooftop settings.
The largest Greek island, Crete, is renowned for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This gorgeous island features stunning beaches and quaint villages to historic sites like the Palace of Knossos, Crete offers a variety of options for a romantic and unforgettable wedding experience.
These destination wedding venues in Greece only represent a few wonderful wedding venues and beautiful islands. Still, as you can see, they are diverse to fit every couple’s taste.
Planning a destination wedding in Greece can be an exciting and rewarding experience. To help you navigate the process smoothly, here are some valuable tips:
Establish a realistic budget for your destination wedding and consider the associated costs carefully. Ensure to account for expenses such as venue rental, catering, transportation, accommodation, decor, and any additional activities or entertainment.
Also, factor in currency exchange rates, taxes, and gratuities when calculating your budget.
The first step in planning is picking the perfect location. Whether you prefer the romantic ambiance of Mykonos, the tranquil beauty of Crete, or the traditional atmosphere of Rhodes, the Greek islands provide an enchanting backdrop for your special day.
Take into account seasonal factors when choosing your wedding date. Consider the time of year you wish to get married in Greece. A summer wedding (June to August) is more popular but can be crowded and expensive. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, while winter weddings can be magical in specific locations.
Choose your location and date early and keep your guests informed. Provide guests with information about travel logistics, accommodation options, and pre-or post-wedding activities. Consider creating a wedding website or sending out save-the-date cards to ensure everyone is well-prepared.
Working with a local wedding planner who is familiar with the region and has established connections can significantly simplify the planning process. They can help with legal requirements, recommend trusted vendors, suggest unique venues, and provide valuable insights into local customs and traditions.
Plan a pre-wedding visit to Greece to scout venues, meet with vendors, and finalize details. This will give you a firsthand experience of the locations you’re considering and help you make informed decisions.
Consider the experience your guests will have during their stay in Greece. Provide them with recommendations for local attractions, restaurants, and activities they can enjoy during their visit. Organize wedding packages or arrange group outings to enhance their overall experience.
By following these tips and working closely with your wedding planner, you’ll be well-prepared to create an unforgettable destination wedding experience in Greece.
Planning a destination wedding can be demanding, but remember to enjoy the process. Embrace the beauty of Greece, soak in the culture, and savor the journey of bringing your dream wedding to life in this enchanting destination.
Familiarize yourself with the legal requirements for getting married in Greece. Ensure you have all the necessary documents and understand the process for obtaining marriage licenses and certificates. Each location may have specific guidelines regarding paperwork, documentation, and timelines.
As we mentioned, a local wedding planner can help with the logistics of the legal aspect of the wedding. Or, you could choose to get legally married at home before the wedding and have the ceremony in Greece be a symbolic one.
Planning a destination wedding in Greece is an extraordinary journey filled with beauty, romance, and cultural richness. From the mesmerizing sunsets of Santorini to the ancient wonders of Athens, Greece offers an enchanting backdrop for your dream wedding. By following these tips, you can navigate the intricacies of planning with confidence and create a truly memorable experience for yourself and your loved ones.
As you embark on your wedding planning journey, remember to embrace the Greek culture, traditions, and natural beauty surrounding you. Work closely with local professionals who understand the intricacies of hosting a wedding in Greece, and allow them to guide you through the process.
The best months to get married in Greece are May, June, and September because of the weather. During these months, you’re most likely to get a sunny wedding day without it being too hot.
Due to the heat, couples commonly get married later in the day, just before nightfall. However, you also want to consider lighting when it comes to pictures, so you want to ensure your wedding is early enough that you still get daylight.
The popularity of the movie Mamma Mia shot the island of Skopelos into fame and increased the desire for Greek destination weddings.
A symbolic wedding is one in which no official or legal paperwork is signed. When planning a destination wedding, many couples will choose to sign any legal marriage documents at their local registry office before travel so they don’t have to worry about international paperwork.
There are several Greek wedding traditions, many of which involve dance. Others include breaking plates, a couple wearing wedding crowns, and a wishing tree (where guests write their wishes for the couple and hang them on a tree).
At the Groom Club, we help grooms up their game at every stage of the wedding process, from the proposal to the honeymoon. Ready to get married but want to elope? We’ve got your back. Want to create a wedding website but need some inspo? Look no further!
Make the Groom Club your go-to spot for all the latest on how to make your wedding unique and memorable. Discover all our latest articles today and subscribe to our newsletter for more TGC content.
