How to Plan a Destination Wedding in Greece: A Complete Guide from your Greece wedding & elopement photographer
Planning a destination wedding in Greece feels overwhelming at first.
You’re coordinating vendors from thousands of miles away, navigating a different language, and trying to visualize a celebration in a place you might have only seen in photos.
I’ve photographed a lot of destination weddings across Greece, working with couples from the US, UK, Australia, and beyond. I’ve seen what works, what causes unnecessary stress, and how the smoothest weddings come together.
This guide breaks down exactly how to plan your Greece destination wedding, step by step, so you can focus less on logistics and more on the celebration itself.
Why Choose Greece for Your Destination Wedding
Greece offers something rare: dramatic natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and genuine warmth that makes your wedding feel both grand and intimate.
The islands provide endless variety. Santorini gives you volcanic cliffs and famous sunsets. Mykonos delivers sophisticated beach club energy. Crete offers mountains, beaches, and authentic villages all in one place. Paros balances charm and accessibility without the crowds.
Beyond the scenery, Greek hospitality makes destination weddings feel personal rather than transactional. Your taverna owner remembers your names. Your florist sources blooms from local gardens. The experience feels human.Aegean islands & beyond…
Step 1: Choose Your Greek Island or Region
Popular Greek Islands for planning Destination Weddings in Greece
- Santorini remains the most iconic choice. The caldera views, whitewashed architecture, and dramatic cliffside venues create unforgettable backdrops. Expect higher prices and summer crowds, but the visual impact is unmatched.
- Mykonos attracts couples wanting sophistication and energy. Luxury hotels, beach clubs, and vibrant nightlife make it perfect for couples who want their wedding to feel like a party from start to finish.
- Crete offers the most variety. You get beaches, mountains, charming towns, and authentic Greek culture. It’s also more affordable than Santorini or Mykonos while being equally beautiful.
- Paros provides that perfect middle ground. It’s romantic without being touristy, accessible without being overdeveloped. Couples who want authentic Greece without sacrificing beauty choose Paros.
- Athens and the Athenian Riviera work beautifully for couples who want ancient history mixed with modern luxury. Rooftop venues with Acropolis views, seaside temples, and sophisticated restaurants create a different kind of Greek wedding.
How to Decide Which Location Fits Your Vision
Start by asking yourselves what matters most:
- Activities for guests: Consider what your guests will do beyond the wedding
- Iconic views vs. authentic experience: Santorini delivers the former, lesser-known islands provide the latter
- Party atmosphere vs. intimate celebration: Mykonos vs. smaller islands
- Accessibility for guests: Athens and larger islands have direct international flights
- Budget: Smaller islands generally cost less than Santorini or Mykonos
Step 2: Determine Your Greece Wedding Budget
What Does a Destination Wedding in Greece Actually Cost?
Budget ranges vary dramatically based on your choices:
Small elopement (2-10 people): €5,000-€15,000
- Photography, officiant, simple florals, intimate dinner
Intimate wedding (20-50 guests): €15,000-€40,000
- Venue, catering, photography, florals, music, basic coordination
Medium wedding (50-100 guests): €40,000-€80,000
- Full venue buyout, complete catering, professional planning, entertainment
Luxury wedding (100+ guests): €80,000-€200,000+
- High-end venues, elaborate florals, full band, extensive planning, premium everything
Budget Breakdown for Planning a Greece Destination Wedding
Here’s where your money typically goes:
Venue & catering (40-50% of budget)
- Tavernas: €50-€100 per person
- Mid-range hotels: €100-€150 per person
- Luxury venues: €150-€300+ per person
Photography & videography (10-15%)
- Full-day coverage with experienced photographer: €3,000-€8,000
- Videography adds: €2,000-€5,000
Flowers & décor (8-12%)
- Simple arrangements: €1,500-€3,000
- Elaborate installations: €5,000-€15,000+
Music & entertainment (5-10%)
- DJ: €800-€1,500
- Live band: €2,000-€5,000
- Traditional Greek musicians: €1,000-€2,500
Wedding planner (10-15%)
- Partial planning: €2,000-€5,000
- Full planning: €5,000-€15,000
Hair & makeup (2-5%)
- Bride only: €300-€500
- Bridal party: €100-€150 per person
Officiant & ceremony (1-3%)
- Symbolic ceremony: €300-€800
- Legal ceremony: €500-€1,200
Accommodation for couple (varies)
- Budget hotel: €100-€200 per night
- Luxury suite: €500-€2,000+ per night
Invitations & stationery (1-2%)
- Digital: Minimal cost
- Printed suites: €500-€2,000
Money-Saving Tips for Greece Destination Weddings
- Choose shoulder season (April-May or September-October). Prices drop 20-40% compared to peak summer, weather stays beautiful, and you avoid crowds.
- Consider weekday weddings. Many venues offer significant discounts for Monday-Thursday celebrations.
- Opt for taverna receptions. Authentic Greek tavernas provide incredible food, atmosphere, and value. You’ll spend €50-€100 per person instead of €150-€300.
- Limit florals strategically. Greece’s natural beauty does half the work. Simple, locally-sourced arrangements look stunning without elaborate installations.
- Skip unnecessary extras. You don’t need massive welcome bags, elaborate favors, or multiple outfit changes. Guests came for the experience, not the swag.
Step 3: Decide Between Legal and Symbolic Ceremonies
Legal Marriage in Greece: What You Need to Know
Getting legally married in Greece involves significant bureaucracy. You’ll need:
- Certificate of no impediment (from your home country)
- Birth certificates (translated and apostilled)
- Divorce decrees or death certificates if previously married (translated and apostilled)
- Valid passports
- Application to local municipality (submitted 2-3 months in advance)
- Publication in local Greek newspaper
- Two witnesses (Greek residents or with legal documents)
The process takes 2-4 months minimum. Documents must be translated by certified translators and apostilled. Costs for paperwork, translations, and legal fees typically run €1,000-€2,000.
Why Most Couples Choose Symbolic Ceremonies
About 80% of destination wedding couples in Greece choose symbolic ceremonies instead. Here’s why:
- Simplicity: No paperwork, no waiting periods, no bureaucratic stress
- Flexibility: Ceremony happens exactly when and where you want
- Personalization: Your officiant crafts a ceremony that reflects your story, not legal requirements
- Cost savings: Significantly less expensive than legal ceremonies
- Same emotional impact: The commitment you’re making feels identical whether paperwork is involved or not
Most couples handle legal requirements with a simple civil ceremony back home (often just signing papers at city hall), then have their meaningful celebration in Greece.
How to Find an Officiant for Your Greece Wedding
For symbolic ceremonies, you have several options:
- Professional celebrants specialize in destination weddings. They craft personalized ceremonies, understand international couples, and bring experience. Expect to pay €400-€1,000.
- Ask a friend or family member to officiate. This adds personal meaning and saves money. Many online ordination services allow friends to become certified (though this is purely symbolic in Greece).
- Bilingual officiants work beautifully if you’re blending cultures or have Greek family members attending.
I can recommend several excellent celebrants who create beautiful, meaningful ceremonies. They’ll work with you remotely, understand what photographs well, and make your ceremony feel authentic.
Step 4: Choose the Best Time for Your Greece Destination Wedding
Month-by-Month Guide to Greece Wedding Weather
- April: Wildflowers bloom, temperatures average 18-22°C (64-72°F), occasional rain possible. Beautiful light, fewer tourists.
- May: Nearly perfect conditions, 22-26°C (72-79°F), minimal rain. My top recommendation for destination weddings in Greece.
- June: Warm but not yet scorching, 26-30°C (79-86°F). Tourist season begins but remains manageable.
- July: Hot (30-35°C/86-95°F), crowded, expensive. Beautiful if you don’t mind heat and people.
- August: Peak heat and crowds. Greeks take holiday this month. Highest prices, busiest venues.
- September: Ideal conditions return. Water is warmest, weather is gorgeous (26-30°C/79-86°F), crowds thin out. Second-best month after May.
- October: Still warm (20-25°C/68-77°F), much quieter. Great value. Some venues begin closing for season.
- November-March: Off-season. Cooler, some rain, many businesses close. Not recommended unless you want true solitude and don’t mind unpredictable weather.
Best Months for Planning a Destination Wedding in Greece
May and September offer the sweet spot: gorgeous weather, reasonable crowds, better pricing than peak summer, and that perfect Mediterranean light for photography. June and early October work beautifully as secondary choices. Avoid July-August unless you love heat and crowds, or you’re specifically drawn to the high-energy summer vibe.
How Far in Advance to Plan Your Greece Wedding
12-18 months gives you the best vendor selection and venue availability, especially for May, September, and popular islands like Santorini.
- 6-12 months still works well, particularly for smaller weddings or less tourist-heavy islands.
- 3-6 months is possible but limits your options significantly. You’ll need flexibility on dates and vendors.
- Under 3 months: Only realistic for very small elopements (under 10 people) or extreme flexibility on all details.
Popular photographers, planners, and venues book earliest. If you have your heart set on specific vendors, start early.
Step 3:Step 5: Find and Book Your Greece Wedding Vendors
Do You Need a Wedding Planner for Your Greece Destination Wedding?
Absolutely yes if:
- Having 50+ guests
- You don’t speak Greek
- There’s not enough time for planning
- You’re coordinating complex logistics (multi-day celebrations, unusual venues)
- Wanting someone on the ground handling day-of coordination
You can probably skip a planner if:
- It’s just the two of you or under 20 guests
- You’re using a hotel or venue with in-house coordination
- Feeling comfortable managing vendors remotely
- Budget is extremely tight
- Having plenty of planning time
The middle ground: Hire a planner for day-of coordination only (€1,500-€3,000). You handle the planning, they execute on the day.
How to Find Reliable Greece Wedding Vendors
- Ask your photographer first. Photographers work with vendors constantly and know who’s reliable, creative, and worth the money. I maintain relationships with excellent planners, florists, musicians, and venues across Greece and happily make recommendations.
- Check vendor directories: Love4Weddings, The Wedding Tales and similar platforms feature vetted Greek wedding vendors.
- Read reviews carefully: Look for reviews from international couples specifically. Their experience matters more than local reviews.
- Request video calls: Meet vendors virtually before committing as you’ll get a feel for communication style and professionalism.
- Verify English proficiency: If you don’t speak Greek, ensure vendors communicate comfortably in English. Miscommunication causes stress.
Essential Vendors for Your Greece Destination Wedding
- Photographer (book first): Your photos are what remain after the day ends. Prioritize finding someone whose style resonates with you and who has destination wedding experience.
- Venue/caterer: Often these come together in Greece. Book early, especially for popular locations and dates.
- Wedding planner or coordinator: Even if you skip full planning, day-of coordination prevents stress.
- Florist: Greek florists work magic with local blooms. Share inspiration images but trust their expertise with seasonal availability.
- Hair and makeup: Book professionals who work with your coloring and style preferences. Request a trial if you arrive a few days early.
- Musician or DJ: Live music (even just a guitarist during dinner) adds so much to the atmosphere.
- Officiant: For symbolic ceremonies, book someone who crafts personalized ceremonies, not generic scripts.
- Transportation: Don’t underestimate this. Many Greek island roads are narrow and confusing. Arrange transportation for yourselves and guests.
Questions to Ask Greece Wedding Vendors Before Booking
To all vendors:
- What’s your cancellation/postponement policy?
- Have you worked with international couples before?
- Do you speak English fluently?
- Can we communicate via video call during planning?
- What’s included in your pricing & what costs extra?
- Will you personally be there on our wedding day or will you send an assistant?
For photographers specifically:
- How many Greece destination weddings have you photographed?
- Do you shoot film, digital, or both?
- How many edited images do we receive?
- What’s the timeline for receiving our gallery?
- Do you help with timeline planning?
- Can you recommend other vendors?
For venues:
- What’s the deposit and payment schedule?
- Are there noise restrictions or curfews?
- What happens if weather doesn’t cooperate?
- Can we bring our own vendors or must we use preferred lists?
- What’s included in the venue fee?
Step 6: Handle Legal Requirements and Documentation
Passports and Travel Documents for Greece Weddings
All guests need passports valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates. US, Canadian, UK, and Australian citizens don’t need visas for stays under 90 days. Confirm passport validity early. Renewal takes time, and you don’t want a guest unable to travel due to an expired passport.
What Documents You Need for a Greece Wedding
For symbolic ceremonies: Nothing beyond valid passports. Your celebrant handles ceremony details.
For legal ceremonies (if you choose this route):
- Certificate of no impediment
- Birth certificates (apostilled and translated)
- Divorce decrees or death certificates if applicable (apostilled and translated)
- Passport copies
- Application forms from local municipality
- Two witnesses with proper documentation
Work with a wedding planner or legal specialist if pursuing legal marriage in Greece. The paperwork is complex and time-sensitive.
Travel Insurance for Destination Weddings in Greece
Purchase travel insurance that covers:
- Trip cancellation/interruption
- Medical emergencies
- Lost luggage (especially important for wedding attire)
- Vendor bankruptcy or failure
Wedding-specific insurance adds coverage for:
- Vendor no-shows
- Extreme weather
- Damaged attire or rings
- Photography/videography failure
Policies typically cost 5-10% of your total trip cost. Given what you’re investing in your Greece destination wedding, insurance provides crucial peace of mind.
Step 7: Plan Guest Logistics and Communication
How to Invite Guests to Your Greece Destination Wedding
Send save-the-dates 8-12 months in advance. Destination weddings require more planning time than local celebrations. Guests need to request time off, book flights, and budget for the trip.
Include essential information:
- Location (specific island or city)
- Wedding date
- Approximate length of stay you’re hoping for
- Hotel recommendations
- Wedding website URL for detailed information
Formal invitations go out 4-6 months before the wedding, earlier than typical weddings. Include travel logistics, accommodation options, and any planned group activities.
Creating a Wedding Website for Your Greece Wedding
A detailed wedding website is essential for destination weddings. Include:
Travel Information:
- How to get to Greece and your specific island
- Recommended flight routes
- Airport transfer information
- Visa requirements (if applicable)
Accommodation:
- Hotel blocks or group rates you’ve arranged
- Range of budget options (luxury, mid-range, budget)
- Distance from wedding venue
- Booking deadlines for group rates
Itinerary:
- Wedding day timeline
- Welcome dinner or other group events
- Free time for exploring
- Suggested activities and tours
What to Pack:
- Weather expectations
- Dress code for wedding and other events
- Practical tips (comfortable shoes for cobblestones, sun protection)
FAQs:
- Common questions about travel, costs, what to expect
Registry Information:
- Many couples skip traditional registries for destination weddings or request contributions toward honeymoon experiences
Greece Destination Wedding Guest Accommodations
- Book hotel blocks early (12+ months for popular dates). Many hotels offer group rates for 10+ rooms and provide perks like complimentary room upgrades or welcome amenities.
- Provide price range options. Not everyone can afford luxury hotels. Recommend budget-friendly options within reasonable distance of your venue.
- Consider villa rentals for close family or wedding party. They offer better value for groups and create bonding opportunities.
- Location matters. On islands like Santorini, where you stay significantly impacts the experience. Guide guests toward areas convenient to your wedding venue and main towns.
- Don’t pay for guest accommodations unless you’re specifically requesting destination attendance. Guests understand that attending a destination wedding includes travel and lodging costs.
Planning Group Activities for Wedding Guests in Greece
Your guests are investing time and money to celebrate with you. Help them make the most of their Greek adventure:
Welcome dinner (night before the wedding): Gather everyone at a traditional taverna. Keeps it casual, gives guests a chance to meet, and eases everyone into the celebration.
Post-wedding brunch: Extends the celebration and gives you time to say proper goodbyes to guests.
Organized group activities:
- Boat tours (private or small group)
- Wine tasting at local wineries
- Cooking classes
- Beach days
- Historical site tours
Provide local recommendations on your wedding website: restaurants, beaches, activities, insider tips. Guests appreciate the guidance.
Build in free time. Don’t over-schedule. People want to explore on their own too.
Step 8: Plan Your Greece Wedding Day Timeline
Sample Timeline for a Greece Destination Wedding
For an evening ceremony and reception:
- 2:00 PM: Hair and makeup begins
- 4:00 PM: Photographer arrives, getting-ready photos
- 5:00 PM: Bride gets into dress
- 5:30 PM: First look (optional) or final preparations
- 6:00 PM: Guest arrival, welcome drinks
- 6:30 PM: Ceremony begins (timed for golden hour light)
- 7:00 PM: Cocktail hour, couple’s portraits
- 8:00 PM: Reception begins, first dance
- 9:00 PM: Dinner service
- 10:30 PM: Cake cutting, toasts
- 11:00 PM: Dancing begins
- 1:00 AM: Reception ends (some venues allow later)
For a sunset ceremony:
- 3:00 PM: Hair and makeup
- 5:00 PM: Getting ready photos
- 6:00 PM: First look or final prep
- 7:00 PM: Guest arrival
- 7:30 PM: Ceremony (sunset timing varies by month)
- 8:15 PM: Cocktails and couple portraits in twilight
- 9:00 PM: Reception and dinner
Best Times for Ceremony and Photos in Greece
- Golden hour (the hour before sunset) provides the most beautiful, flattering light for photography. This is when the Mediterranean light turns golden and magical.
- Sunset ceremonies are incredibly popular in Greece, especially Santorini. Just be prepared for crowds at famous viewpoints.
- Late afternoon (5:00-7:00 PM depending on season) works beautifully. You get gorgeous light for the ceremony and sunset for couple’s portraits afterward.
- Morning ceremonies offer privacy and cooler temperatures, but you miss that golden evening light. They work well for intimate elopements.
- Avoid midday (12:00-3:00 PM) if possible. The overhead sun creates harsh shadows and squinting in photos, plus the heat is intense in summer.
Building Buffer Time Into Your Greece Wedding Timeline
Greek time runs a bit more relaxed than other cultures. Build extra time into your timeline:
- Add 15-30 minutes to travel times between locations
- Start earlier than you think necessary for hair and makeup
- Allow 30-45 minutes for cocktail hour (Greek hospitality often means generous pours and lingering conversations)
- Don’t panic if things run slightly behind. The relaxed Mediterranean pace is part of the charm.
As your photographer, I help create realistic timelines based on your specific venue, season, and guest count. Getting this right makes the day flow smoothly without feeling rushed.
Step 9: Prepare for Your Greece Destination Wedding
What to Pack for Your Greece Wedding
For the couple:
Wedding attire (carry-on only, never check):
- Wedding dress in garment bag
- Suit or tuxedo
- Shoes (break them in before you travel)
- Undergarments and shapewear
- Jewelry and accessories
- Veil or headpiece
Beauty essentials:
- Skincare products (sun protection, moisturizer)
- Makeup for touch-ups
- Hair products
- Perfume/cologne
Documents:
- Passports (in carry-on)
- Printed copies of vendor contracts and contact information
- Wedding timeline
- Vows (if you’re reading personal vows)
- Marriage license (if doing legal ceremony)
Comfort items:
- Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones are everywhere)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Light layers (evenings can cool down)
- Medications
For guests, recommend packing:
- Swimwear (most people extend their stay)
- Dress code-appropriate attire
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection
- Light sweater or shawl for evening
Shipping Your Wedding Dress to Greece
Don’t ship your dress. Airlines lose packages, Greek customs can delay items indefinitely, and the stress isn’t worth it.
Instead:
- Carry your dress on the plane in a garment bag
- Many airlines allow wedding dresses as an additional carry-on item free of charge (call ahead to confirm)
- Use a specialized wedding dress travel bag
- Ask your hotel to steam it upon arrival (most are happy to help)
Final Vendor Confirmations for Your Greece Wedding
Two weeks before your wedding:
Contact every vendor to confirm:
- Date, time, and location
- Final guest count
- Any last-minute changes
- Payment status and remaining balance
- Their contact information for wedding day
Create a vendor contact sheet with names, phone numbers, and emails for everyone. Share it with your wedding party or family member who can help field questions on the wedding day.
Confirm arrival times with photographer, videographer, hair and makeup team, florist, musicians, and anyone else who needs to be somewhere at a specific time.
Step 10: Enjoy Your Greece Destination Wedding
Arriving in Greece: First Few Days
Arrive at least 2-3 days before your wedding. This gives you time to:
- Recover from jet lag
- Do final venue walk-through
- Meet with key vendors face-to-face
- Adjust to the climate and pace
- Actually relax and enjoy Greece
Use this time wisely:
- Confirm final details with your planner or venue coordinator
- Break in your wedding shoes (walk around in them)
- Scout photo locations with your photographer if desired
- Get a light tan if you want (but use sunscreen!)
- Relax and reconnect with each other
Day-Before Checklist for Your Greece Wedding
Confirm everything one last time:
- Call or text key vendors
- Review timeline with planner/coordinator
- Prepare tip envelopes for vendors (if you’re tipping)
- Pack emergency kit (safety pins, stain remover, band-aids, pain relievers)
- Charge all devices (phones, cameras)
- Set multiple alarms
Attend your welcome dinner but don’t stay out too late. You want to feel rested and energized for your wedding day.
Try to relax. Everything is planned. Your vendors are professionals. Tomorrow is about celebrating, not perfection.
Your Greece Wedding Day: Letting Go and Being Present
The most important advice I can give you: be present. Your wedding day will fly by. The moments you’ll remember most aren’t the perfectly arranged centerpieces or the playlist you agonized over. You’ll remember:
- The way your partner looked at you during vows
- Your grandmother crying happy tears
- Dancing with your father under Greek stars
- That spontaneous moment when everyone sang along to a song
- The feeling of being surrounded by everyone you love
Trust your vendors. You hired them for their expertise. Let them do their jobs while you focus on experiencing your day.
Take moments just for the two of you. I always build in time for couples to step away from the reception, even for just 5 minutes, to take it all in together.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Something minor will probably go wrong (it always does at weddings). It won’t matter in your memories or your photos.
After Your Greece Wedding: Extending Your Stay
Most couples stay in Greece for 7-14 days total, combining the wedding with their honeymoon.
Smart post-wedding plans:
- Stay an extra 2-3 days at your wedding location to decompress
- Island-hop to somewhere new (if you married in Santorini, head to Paros or Naxos next)
- Explore mainland Greece (Athens, Delphi, Meteora)
- Simply relax and enjoy being newlyweds
Don’t over-schedule your honeymoon portion. You’ll be exhausted after the wedding. Build in downtime for sleeping late, long dinners, and doing absolutely nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a Destination Wedding in Greece
A destination wedding in Greece costs between €15,000-€80,000 for most couples, depending on guest count and choices. Small elopements (under 10 people) start around €5,000-€15,000. Intimate weddings for 20-50 guests typically run €15,000-€40,000. Larger celebrations for 50-100 guests range from €40,000-€80,000. Luxury weddings exceed €80,000.
Greece destination weddings can cost less than traditional home weddings if you keep guest counts small. An intimate celebration for 20-30 people often costs less than a 150-person hometown wedding. However, large Greece weddings (100+ guests) typically cost more due to travel logistics and imported vendors.
Yes, guests pay their own travel and accommodation costs for destination weddings. This is standard etiquette. Your responsibility is providing information about hotels, group rates, and recommendations. Only pay for guest expenses if you’ve specifically requested attendance or are having a very small celebration.
Brides typically choose lighter fabrics suitable for warm weather. Flowy dresses photograph beautifully in Mediterranean settings. Grooms often wear linen suits or lighter-weight formal wear. Consider the terrain—cobblestones and outdoor venues mean comfortable, practical footwear matters. Light, breathable fabrics work best for Greece’s climate.
You need a wedding planner if you have 50+ guests, don’t speak Greek, or want comprehensive coordination. For intimate weddings under 20 people, you can plan yourself, especially if using a venue with in-house coordination. Day-of coordination (without full planning) offers a practical middle ground.
Symbolic ceremonies in Greece require only valid passports. No legal paperwork, waiting periods, or translations are necessary. Your celebrant handles ceremony details. This simplicity is why 80% of destination wedding couples choose symbolic ceremonies over legal marriages.
Yes, you can legally marry in Greece, but it requires 2-4 months of advance paperwork including translated and apostilled documents, certificates, and publication in Greek newspapers. Most international couples choose symbolic ceremonies instead and handle legal paperwork in their home country.
Plan your Greece destination wedding 12-18 months in advance for best vendor availability, especially for May, September, or popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos. You can plan in 6-12 months but with limited options. Under 6 months works only for very small elopements with flexible dates.
May and September are the best months for Greece weddings. Both offer ideal weather (22-28°C), fewer crowds than summer, and better pricing. June and early October work well as alternatives. Avoid July-August unless you enjoy extreme heat and peak tourist season.
Late afternoon or early evening ceremonies (5:00-7:30 PM depending on season) provide the best light for photography and comfortable temperatures. Sunset ceremonies are popular but can mean crowds at famous viewpoints. Morning ceremonies offer privacy but miss the golden evening light that makes Greece so photogenic.
Rain is rare in Greece during wedding season (May-October) but possible. Most venues have indoor backup plans or covered terraces. Discuss contingency plans with your venue and planner during booking. Often, overcast conditions create beautiful, dramatic photography that couples end up loving.
Yes, a welcome dinner helps guests meet each other, eases everyone into the celebration, and shows appreciation for their travel. Keep it casual at a traditional taverna. This also gives you face time with guests before the wedding day when you’ll be busy with other obligations.
Recommend guests stay 5-7 days minimum. This allows 1-2 days for travel and recovery, the wedding day, and 2-3 days to explore Greece and justify the trip cost. Many guests extend to 10-14 days, combining wedding attendance with vacation. Build this recommendation into your wedding website.
