A Greek island famous for its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and stunning caldera views, Santorini exudes romance, attracting thousands of couples each year to tie the knot in the Mediterranean. If you are considering joining the ranks of these couples, there are a few things you’ll need to know to navigate planning a Santorini wedding. Luckily, we got the chance to speak with a real couple who wed there last year and their planner to gather firsthand advice on eloping in Santorini.

Alvaro and Jabnia, a couple who first met in Nicaragua and later rekindled their love in the U.S., initially planned a large wedding in Fort Lauderdale. However, they realized they longed for a more intimate, stress-free experience. With the help of their planner, Carmen of Events by Carmen, Jabnia envisioned her dream wedding, and Santorini was the undeniable choice.

Yes, you really do need a local planner.

Hiring a local wedding planner is essential to navigate permits, vendors, and logistics. Carmen worked closely with The Diamond Rock, a Santorini-based planning firm, to bring Alvaro and Jabnia’s vision to life.

Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Santorini

If you want to legally marry in Santorini, there are a few important requirements to keep in mind:

• You must be in Santorini for at least three business days before your wedding.
• Both partners will need valid passports.
• You must provide an attested copy of your birth certificate with an Apostille stamp and an official Greek translation.
• If applicable, any additional Apostilled evidence of the termination of previous marriages must be submitted with an official translation.
• You’ll need to provide all required documentation to the local authorities in advance.
• Two witnesses are required for the ceremony.

For American couples, the U.S. Embassy in Athens provides a detailed guide outlining the legal process. Since marriage licenses are typically issued eight days after application, planning to be in Greece at least two weeks before your wedding is advised. (If the legal process seems overwhelming, you can opt for a symbolic ceremony instead, which many couples prefer as it allows for greater flexibility and less paperwork.)

Avoid Peak Tourist Seasons

Couples should consider the best time to elope. Santorini experiences peak tourist seasons from June through August, which means higher prices and larger crowds. Instead, opt for the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-October for pleasant weather and more privacy.

Select Your Venue Carefully

Santorini offers a variety of stunning venues, from luxurious cliffside resorts to intimate terraces with panoramic sea views. Some of the most coveted locations include:

• Canaves Oia – A five-star hotel offering private terraces and infinity pools overlooking the caldera.
• Venetsanos Winery – A romantic vineyard venue with an open terrace for sunset ceremonies.
• Andronis Luxury Suites – Known for its intimate ambiance and world-class service.

When selecting a venue, consider privacy levels, vendor flexibility, and sunset visibility for the perfect golden-hour ceremony.

Plan Your Activities & Timeline

You’re making the trip all the way to Santorini, so you might as well fill it with unforgettable experiences. Plan activities that you can enjoy both as a couple and with your guests. Consider:

• A sunset catamaran cruise around the caldera.
• Wine tasting at one of the island’s scenic wineries.
• Watching the sunset near Oia Castle on your final night.

Alvaro and Jabnia’s wedding epitomized the magic of a Santorini elopement. Their cliffside ceremony featured a floral-adorned altar with pampas grass and chandeliers, framing the Aegean Sea. Jabnia stunned in a couture Galia Lahav gown, while Alvaro complemented her look in a neutral linen suit. Following their vows, they strolled through Oia’s narrow pathways, where locals cheered “Opa!” in celebration. Their altar transformed into a private candlelit dinner, allowing them to fully savor the experience.

Vendors: Planning & Design: Events by Carmen & The Diamond Rock; Photo and Video: Dreamodd; Venue: Love Cave Venue; Florist: Montago Santorini Flowers; Cake: Petranart;
Chandeliers, Arch, & Art de la Table: Santorini Wedding Wonderland; Candles: Idea Candles; Catering: Caper Santorini; Chairs: Maison Trilogie; Menus: Celebrations Made Best; Makeup & Hair: Popi Margariti; Dress: Galia Lahav