Blue-domed churches, whitewashed buildings, and breathtaking sunsets have long made Santorini a favorite among couples looking to get married in a setting they will truly never forget.
From a traditional Greek wedding with your closest friends and family to an opulent event in a villa on the cliff or an intimate ceremony overlooking the Aegean Sea, Santorini has something to offer to make your perfect wedding day. Here lies a complete guide to getting married on this enchanted Greek island.
Why choose Santorini for your wedding?
Along with the title of one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Santorini offers a unique combination of luxurious settings, historic charm, and romantic atmosphere. It is highly known for:
• Breathtaking Views: Just imagine exchanging vows against the dramatic scenery of the caldera. The cliffs of Santorini provide unparalleled, sweeping views of the Aegean Sea's sparkling turquoise waves.
• Perfect Weather: Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, the island is a perfect wedding destination throughout the year and boasts long, sun-filled summers.
• Intimate and Exclusive: Santorini offers exclusivity, ensuring your wedding is truly one of a kind, with many intimate settings, from private villas to boutique hotels.
Best times to get married in Santorini
• Peak Season: From May to September, Santorini enjoys perfect weather, but this is also the most expensive and busiest period. Expect higher rates and larger crowds.
• Shoulder Seasons: April, May, and October offer pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and potentially lower costs—ideal for couples seeking a balance between good weather and exclusivity.
Choosing the perfect wedding venue
Santorini offers a wide range of venues, from luxurious hotels to private estates. Here are some top venue types to consider:
• Clifftop Venues: Couples wanting a dramatic and breathtakingly beautiful backdrop for their wedding simply need a clifftop location with a view of the caldera. Indeed, many luxury hotels and private locations have beautiful terraces perfectly suitable for late-afternoon ceremonies.
![Fira, orthodox churches, Santorini, Greece.]( "Fira, orthodox churches, Santorini, Greece.")
Fira, orthodox churches, Santorini, Greece.
• Traditional Churches: The beautiful Greek Orthodox churches of Santorini are reasons in themselves why a traditional wedding is just right for this Greek island. Find a more culturally and spiritually located church, such as the Panagia Episkopi or Agios Nikolaos in Oia.
• Beachfront Locations: Imagine holding an al fresco wedding ceremony at one of Santorini's amazing beaches, like Perissa beach, barefoot. Many beach clubs have hidden coves and spots directly overlooking the sea where you can plan your special ceremonies and receptions with the soothing sounds of the waves.
![Venetsanos winery wedding set up, Santorini]( "Venetsanos winery wedding set up, Santorini")
Venetsanos winery wedding set up, Santorini
• Wineries and Vineyards: There are plenty of local wineries that offer unique and rather rustic wedding venues, and Santorini is famous for its wine. The famous Venetsanos Winery offers class-leading local wines and great views across the island.
Hiring wedding vendors in Santorini
Even though there are many good wedding suppliers in Santorini, it's highly advisable to hire a local wedding planner to help arrange the wedding. A local planner is of immense help in:
• Coordination and Planning: Without the proper assistance, organizing a wedding in Santorini can be both an overwhelming experience and a dream come true. It can make all the difference to hire a local wedding coordinator who is familiar with the island. They will relieve your worries and let you fully enjoy the trip thanks to their extensive knowledge of Santorini's locations, customs, and hidden treasures. You can concentrate on creating memories when you trust a planner to take care of the details.
• Florists and Décor: The local florists are skilled at creating the romantic and stylish ambiance you want, from the floral arrangements to the whole décor.
• Hair and Makeup Artists: You and your wedding party can appear flawless for the ceremony and pictures with the help of a group of local experts.
• Photography and Videography: The magnificence of Santorini deserves to be immortalized in breathtaking images. Hiring a photographer who specializes in destination weddings is a fantastic way to capture the memories of your special day.
Legal requirements for getting married in Santorini
Before marrying in Santorini, it is important to understand what the Greek law requires for marriage. If you are not a Greek citizen, you must:
• Submit Documents: Provide marital status documentation (if divorced or widowed), passport, and birth certificate.
• Get a Marriage License: File an application for a marriage license three days in advance from the Santorini municipality.
• Services for Translators: You can opt for a symbolic ceremony or hire an official translator if you don't speak Greek well.
It’s important to consult with your wedding planner or venue to make sure all legal details are handled before your arrival.
Catering and wedding reception
Catering and wedding receptions in Santorini offer a vast array of options, from gourmet and fine dining to traditional Greek cuisine, ensuring an unforgettable celebration. Most venues collaborate with the island’s top chefs to present guests with exceptional lunch choices. Classic Greek dishes such as baklava, souvlaki, tzatziki, moussaka, and fresh fish are popular menu items.
For an authentic Greek experience, serving Assyrtiko, one of Santorini's indigenous and globally recognized wines, alongside the reception meal is a must. Many couples opt to continue the celebration with a reception at the same location or at a different venue following the ceremony.
Activities for wedding guests
Aside from its fabulous ceremonies, Santorini is also the perfect destination to relax in, during the days before and after a wedding. The following are just some of the fun things your guests may want to enjoy:
• Sunset Cruise: A private cruise around the island is an outstanding way to experience its spectacular scenery and sea roads.
• Oia and Fira Tour: Wander through the picturesque towns with charming cobblestone streets, bustling shops, and cozy cafes that will delight every visitor.
• Hiking and Sightseeing: Visit the archaeological site of Ancient Thera or the top of the island's caldera for breathtaking views.
• Wine tours: Most of the wineries in Santorini offer wine excursions that combine the beautiful scenery. It's a great group activity your guests will surely enjoy.
Final tips for a smooth wedding in Santorini
• Book Early: Santorini is a popular wedding destination, so it’s crucial to secure your venue and vendors well in advance, particularly for peak-season weddings.
• Respect Local Customs: Familiarize yourself with Greek wedding traditions, such as plate smashing, to ensure an authentic experience.
• Relax and Enjoy: Santorini’s natural beauty will make your wedding day unforgettable. Trust your planner and vendors to take care of the details, and enjoy the magic of your special day.
You will never forget the pleasure of being married in Santorini. It's the ideal location to celebrate your love due to its lovely scenery, top-notch venues, and variety of activities. Working with a local wedding planner and carefully choosing the correct venue and vendors will help you create a perfect wedding day that you and your guests will remember for a lifetime.
Let Santorini do its magic to make your ideal wedding a reality by starting your preparations early and embracing the island's charm.
