Greece is not short of people who want to get married there. The light alone is reason enough: that particular gold that hits the stone walls at five in the afternoon, the way the sea looks from the terrace of a villa in the Peloponnese, the smell of thyme and wild herbs coming in off a hillside in Crete. If you have been to Greece, you understand it. If you have not, the photos are probably what made you start searching.
What the photos do not show you is that planning a destination wedding in Greece is a genuinely complicated project. The legal system is different, the logistics require more lead time than a UK wedding, and the supplier landscape varies wildly depending on where you are going. This guide is about where to actually start, so you do not spend six months researching in circles.
Start with this question: what kind of Greece?
Greece is not one place. The Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos) are the well-known option and they deliver exactly what people picture: white walls, blue domes, dramatic views. They are also busy, expensive and tightly logistically constrained, particularly Santorini, where every vendor has done hundreds of weddings and the infrastructure is geared toward larger international events.
The Greek mainland, the Peloponnese, Crete, Corfu, Kefalonia and the smaller Cycladic islands offer something different. More private. Often more beautiful in a quieter way. And considerably more workable for couples who want a genuinely intimate wedding rather than a luxury resort event.
Before you do anything else, decide which version of Greece excites you. That decision shapes everything that follows.
The legal structure: how marriage in Greece actually works
Getting legally married in Greece as a British couple involves paperwork and timing. You have two main options.
Option 1: Legal ceremony in Greece
A civil ceremony in Greece requires specific documentation from both partners, including an apostilled birth certificate, proof of single status (a "certificate of no impediment" from your local register office in the UK), and a valid passport. Documents in English usually need to be translated into Greek by a certified translator.
Civil ceremonies take place at the local town hall (dimarcheio). You must contact the relevant municipality in advance and they will advise on their specific requirements, as these vary slightly by region.
Option 2: Legal ceremony in the UK, celebration in Greece
Many couples find this considerably simpler. You get legally married at a UK register office, with just a small group or even just witnesses, and then hold the celebration in Greece with a symbolic ceremony led by a celebrant. This separates the legal process from the celebration entirely, removes the Greek bureaucracy from your planning, and gives you complete freedom over the ceremony.
"Most of the intimate Greek weddings I work on are structured as a UK legal ceremony followed by a celebration abroad. It removes a significant amount of complication and gives couples real freedom over how their day looks."
When to go
The Greek wedding season runs roughly from late April to October, with the high season sitting between June and September. If you are set on summer, July and August are the most popular months. For couples who want better value, more availability and pleasantly warm rather than extremely hot weather, late May, June or September are worth considering.
Greek summers are very hot. If your guests are not used to heat or you are planning a ceremony in direct sun, factor this in when you are thinking about timing and logistics.
Choosing a venue
Venue choice in Greece is usually between a few categories:
- Private villas: Often the best option for intimate weddings. You hire the whole property, it has accommodation on site, and the event stays entirely within your group. Good villas book out 12 to 18 months ahead for peak summer dates.
- Small boutique hotels: Some Greek hotels take exclusive buyouts for weddings, particularly smaller properties. This gives you a venue with existing infrastructure and built-in accommodation.
- Dedicated wedding venues: More common on Santorini and Mykonos. These are well-equipped and experienced, but tend to feel more like wedding factories than the private villa experience most couples are looking for.
- Restaurant venues: Particularly good for smaller groups. Some tavernas and restaurants can be hired privately for a dinner celebration.
Practical logistics you need to plan for
Getting there
Most Greek islands require a flight to Athens or another hub, followed by a connecting flight or ferry. For guests flying from the UK, direct flights to Heraklion, Corfu, Kefalonia, Rhodes and several other islands are available seasonally. Santorini and Mykonos also have direct summer routes.
Accommodation for guests
If you are using a private villa, accommodation is typically on site for the core group. For additional guests, you need to block-book nearby accommodation early, as small island towns fill up fast in summer.
Local suppliers versus UK-based suppliers
Photography in particular is worth thinking about carefully. Some couples bring a photographer from the UK who they already know and trust. Others use local Greek photographers who know the light and locations well. Both can produce brilliant results. If you go local, ask to see multiple full galleries, particularly from small and intimate weddings.
Food and catering
Greek food is one of the great pleasures of planning a Greek wedding. Caterers and tavernas who do private events are generally excellent. Build a menu that reflects where you are. Fresh fish, grilled meats, Greek salads, good local wine. Keep it simple and it will be memorable.
What does a destination wedding in Greece cost?
Costs vary significantly by location, season and guest numbers. As a rough guide for a small wedding of 20 to 40 guests:
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Villa or venue hire (3 nights) | £3,000 to £15,000+ |
| Catering per head | £80 to £180 |
| Photography | £2,000 to £5,000 |
| Celebrant | £800 to £2,000 |
| Flowers | £800 to £3,000 |
| Music (live or DJ) | £600 to £2,500 |
| Local coordinator | £1,500 to £4,000 |
Total costs for a 20 to 40 person destination wedding in Greece typically range from £15,000 to £40,000, not including travel and accommodation for guests (which is their own expense). The range is wide because of how much villa and venue hire can vary.
FAQs
How far in advance do I need to book?
For peak summer dates on popular islands, 12 to 18 months ahead is not unusual for venues. Photographers with strong reputations also fill up quickly. If you have flexibility on dates or location, you have more options with 9 to 12 months. Shoulder season (May or September) gives you more room.
Do I need a local coordinator?
For a destination wedding in Greece, yes, almost certainly. Coordinating suppliers in another country, managing logistics across a language barrier, and dealing with the unexpected on the day is very difficult to do remotely. A local coordinator who knows the specific area well is worth their fee.
What about Greek Orthodox ceremonies?
A Greek Orthodox religious ceremony requires at least one partner to be Greek Orthodox. For most British couples, this is not applicable. Civil ceremonies and celebrant-led symbolic ceremonies are the standard routes.
Can I plan a Greek wedding from the UK without visiting first?
In theory, yes. Many couples do research trips to visit venues and meet suppliers. If a visit is not possible, work with a coordinator who can do site visits on your behalf and provide detailed walk-throughs. Good photos and video calls are not a substitute for someone who has been there recently.
If you are planning a destination wedding in Greece and want to talk through logistics, legalities or supplier recommendations, get in touch.