Planning a destination wedding in Greece requires understanding marriage requirements, managing vendors from abroad, and coordinating guest travel. This guide provides 10 expert tips from real experience to help you navigate Greek wedding customs, seasonal considerations, budgets, and logistics for a stress-free celebration.
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When you decide to plan a wedding in Greece, you’re choosing one of the world’s most romantic and beautiful destinations for your celebration. There are, however, some things you’ll need to consider to ensure your big day is magical and that the period leading up to it is stress-free.
A few years ago, as a Greek expat living abroad for more than 10 years, I found myself planning my own wedding back in Greece. Distance added complexity, but it also gave me a unique perspective on what really matters when coordinating a destination wedding. I’ve come up with 10 key tips that will help you plan a wedding in Greece that’s authentically beautiful and genuinely stress-free.
Marriage Requirements: What Type of Wedding Do You Want?
Before diving into the planning process, first decide on the type of wedding you envision and make sure it meets Greece’s legal marriage requirements.
Greece offers three main ceremony options:
Civil Ceremony
Legally binding marriages performed by government officials. Perfect for couples wanting a straightforward legal ceremony.
Orthodox Religious Ceremony
Traditional Greek Orthodox weddings are deeply rooted in culture and symbolism. Couples must meet specific religious requirements and work with a Greek Orthodox church.
Symbolic Ceremony
Non-binding ceremonies that allow complete creative freedom in your venue and format. Many international couples choose this route for flexibility, then complete legal paperwork in their home country.
Our Experience
We opted for a symbolic wedding at our dream venue—a stunning 15th-century Venetian estate in Crete. This gave us the freedom to marry exactly where we wanted without navigating Greek bureaucracy from abroad. We completed our legal paperwork at the local registry office back home—quick and stress-free.
MISTAKE TO AVOID:
Don’t assume you can easily get legally married in Greece without understanding the requirements. The paperwork can be overwhelming, especially from abroad. Research your options early and decide which type of ceremony suits your situation.
Resources for Legal Ceremonies
If you’re planning a legal ceremony in Greece:
Quick Decision Framework:
- Want a specific venue with no restrictions? Go for a Symbolic ceremony
- Greek Orthodox family expectations? Go for a Religious ceremony
- Simple and straightforward? Consider a Civil ceremony
Set a Realistic Budget (Then Add 15%)
Greece destination weddings offer incredible value compared to similar celebrations in the US, UK, or Northern Europe. However, planning from abroad means anticipating hidden costs and currency fluctuations.
Budget Smart, Not Cheap
Create a detailed spreadsheet tracking every expense. We used Google Sheets to organize:
- Venue costs and deposits
- Vendor quotes (photographer, caterer, florist, DJ)
- Guest accommodations and transportation
- DIY project materials
- Contingency fund (we budgeted 15% extra and used it all!)
MISTAKE TO AVOID:
Don’t try to DIY everything to save money. Select a few low-hanging fruits that will be easy for you to do and will save the most money. Check here for an in-depth guide on what to DIY for your Greek wedding.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Planning from abroad? Expect these additional expenses:
- Translation and apostille fees (for legal documents)
- Import duties on wedding supplies shipped from abroad
- Currency fluctuation impacts (track Euro exchange rates monthly)
- Last-minute vendor fees for changes or additions
- Transportation between islands if your wedding involves multiple locations
Budget Tip: Consider opening a digital bank account in € currency to lock in favorable exchange rates months in advance.
For a complete breakdown of Greece wedding costs by region and vendor type, check out our Greece Destination Wedding Budget Calculator.
Choose Your Dream Venue (Book 12-18 Months Early)
Your venue sets the tone for everything—your date, your budget, your style, and even which vendors you can work with.
Visit in Person (or Get Extremely Detailed Virtual Tours)
Pictures on websites and social media are designed to sell. They won’t show you the construction site next door or the busy highway within earshot.
MISTAKE TO AVOID:
Don’t trust venue photos alone! We were convinced we’d found the perfect venue before visiting. During our pre-wedding trip to Crete, we toured 4-5 venues in person. Our “picture-perfect” top choice had busy street traffic, poorly maintained areas, and a vibe completely different from the photos. We even got invited to crash a wedding during our visits! Seeing venues in real time was invaluable. If you absolutely cannot visit, request detailed walk-throughs via video call and check the venue’s social media for unfiltered guest photos.
Questions to Ask Every Venue
Make a list and take notes:
- Do they have preferred vendor lists? Some venues only work with specific caterers or require you to use their in-house services.
- Is there a music cut-off time? Greek weddings go until sunrise, but many venues will have you turn down the music at midnight due to noise ordinances.
- Are there hidden fees? Setup, breakdown, cleaning, overtime charges—get everything in writing.
- Do they only work with wedding planners? Some high-end venues require professional coordination.
- What’s included? Tables, chairs, linens, lighting, sound systems, parking, accommodations?
For a complete venue touring checklist, read our guide: What to Look for When Touring a Wedding Venue in Greece.
Top Venue Picks
We got married at Metohi Istoria in Crete—a 15th-century Venetian estate surrounded by olive groves. The historic architecture and intimate atmosphere were exactly what we dreamed of.
Explore more stunning venues in our Wedding Venue Directory, featuring curated locations across Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and mainland Greece.
Consider Weather & Holiday Timing
Greece is absolutely stunning in summer, but summers can also be unbearably hot for outdoor celebrations.
Best Seasons for Greece Weddings
May & September-October (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
- Ideal weather: warm but not scorching
- Fewer tourists and crowds
- Better vendor availability
- More affordable accommodation for guests
- Lower venue and vendor prices
June-August (Peak Season)
- Beautiful beach settings
- Very hot (35°C+ / 95°F+)
- Crowded tourist season
- Highest vendor demand and prices
November-April (Off-Season)
- Budget-friendly
- Unpredictable weather
- Limited vendor availability
- Cooler temperatures, potential rain
Our May Wedding
We chose to get married in May, and the weather was beautifully warm without being oppressive. Our guests could enjoy the ceremony and reception comfortably without turning into hot, sweaty messes!
MISTAKE TO AVOID:
Don’t underestimate the fierce Greek summer sun. If you’re set on a summer wedding, plan celebrations for as late in the day as possible. We scheduled our ceremony for 7 PM and reception for 8:30 PM, which allowed comfortable outdoor dancing well into the night.
Avoid Orthodox Holiday Periods
If you’re planning a religious ceremony, avoid major Orthodox holidays:
- Great Lent (40 days before Easter)
- Holy Week (week before Easter)
- August 15 (Assumption of Mary – huge celebration in Greece)
For a complete month-by-month guide, see our article: When to Get Married in Greece: Complete Wedding Season Guide.
Book Your Photographer Early (Before They’re Fully Booked)
You’ll have your photos forever. Don’t compromise on capturing your Greece wedding magic.
What to Look For
Experience in Greece
Greek light is intense and different from Northern Europe or North America. Photographers who’ve shot in Greece understand how to work with the brilliant Mediterranean sun and deep shadows.
Style Match
Review portfolios carefully. Do you want bright & airy? Moody and dramatic? Photojournalistic or posed? Make sure their editing style matches your aesthetic vision.
Picturesque Location Knowledge
Ask if they know hidden gems around your venue. Local professionals have scouted breathtaking spots you’d never find on your own. We snuck away during cocktail hour for sunset photos at a secluded olive grove our photographer suggested.
Deliverables Clarity
- How many hours of coverage?
- Do they include RAW files?
- When will you receive edited photos?
- Do they offer videography or recommend videographers?
Book ASAP
Photographers book up fast, especially for May-September weddings. We secured ours 14 months in advance.
Explore trusted photographers in our Greece Wedding Photographer Directory.
Decide: Wedding Planner or Coordinator?
This decision depends heavily on your organizational skills, time availability, and comfort managing vendors remotely.
Wedding Coordinator (What We Chose)
What They Do:
- Execute your vision on the wedding day
- Manage vendor timing and setup
- Handle day-of emergencies
- Usually hired 1 month before the wedding
Best For:
- Organized couples who enjoy planning
- Those comfortable communicating with vendors
- Couples on a tighter budget
Our Experience:
We managed all planning ourselves while living abroad. We spoke with our wedding coordinator a month before the wedding and handed her a detailed brief. On the day itself, she ensured everything ran smoothly so we could actually enjoy our celebration instead of micromanaging logistics.
MISTAKE TO AVOID:
Don’t skip hiring a coordinator even if you DIY the planning. We initially thought we didn’t need one, but having someone manage the day-of execution was absolutely worth the investment. After months of planning every detail, the last thing you want is to stress over vendor timing and setup on your wedding day.
Full-Service Wedding Planner
What They Do:
- Design your wedding concept and theme
- Recommend and coordinate all vendors
- Manage timeline and budget
- Handle all logistics from start to finish
Best For:
- Couples who need help with design vision
- Those without time to manage planning
- Anyone overwhelmed by coordinating from abroad
Our Initial Experience:
We initially hired a wedding planner, thinking it would make everything easier. It didn’t work out and fell short of our expectations—that was our first mistake! We ended the relationship and took on planning ourselves. The lesson? Make sure you’re clear on expectations and communication style before committing.
Venue-Included Coordinators
Ask if your venue includes day-of coordination. Some do! Just clarify what their role covers—many only handle venue logistics, not full wedding coordination.
Find trusted planners and coordinators in our Greece Wedding Planner Directory.
Plan Guest Travel & Accommodations Early
Think like a guest. How much will their trip cost? How complex are the logistics? Is the destination worth the effort?
Your wedding may be the most important day of your life, but for your guests, accessibility and logistics matter.
How to Make Greece Travel Easier:
- Choose a well-connected island or mainland destination. Think of the people that may just want to fly in for the two or three days of the wedding.
- Use Google Flights & Skyscanner to compare flights and layovers.
- Consider ferry options if your destination isn’t near a major airport.
Pro Tip: Part of the reason why we chose Crete as our wedding destination was the easy in-and-out travel logistics for guests coupled with the numerous peripheral guest experience options.
Make It Easy for Guests
Curate Accommodation Options
We created a list of recommended hotels at different price points near our venue in Crete. We approached three hotels 9 months early and negotiated discounted group rates.
How We Secured Discounts:
- Off-season timing (mid-May) benefited hotels with higher occupancy
- Early approach (9 months out) gave them time to plan
- ~100 guests = considerable room blocks
Provide Clear Travel Information Create a simple guide with:
- Flight options to Greece
- Airport transfer recommendations
- Local attractions and activities
- Restaurant suggestions
- What to pack for Greece in [month]
MISTAKE TO AVOID:
Don’t expect guests to figure everything out themselves. Many of our guests were flying in from abroad and had never been to Greece. By creating a comprehensive travel guide and securing hotel discounts, we made their experience stress-free. This also created a “village” feeling—guests ran into each other at breakfast and got to know each other before the wedding!
Transportation Logistics
For remote venues, arrange:
- Shuttle buses to transport guests to ceremony and reception
- Taxis on standby for guests wanting to leave early
- Clear pickup times and locations
We arranged a shuttle bus to take guests from hotels to the church, then to our reception venue, and back to hotels in the early morning hours. For guests wanting to leave earlier, we had taxis ready for ad-hoc hotel runs.
The Consider the Guest Experience: Plan More Than Just the Wedding Day
Guests traveling for your wedding will expect to get the most out of their trip. Additional events beyond the ceremony and reception will be much appreciated and in some cases expected! Be sure to plan a guest experience beyond just the wedding ceremony and reception itself.
Guest Experience & Activities to Consider:
- Optional self-paid welcome drinks a day or two before the Big Fat Day. If it’s within your budget, offer a first round of drinks. Later, switch to self-paid welcome drinks.
- A rehearsal dinner – This is an American tradition we opted for the evening before the wedding with the closest friends and family (traditionally covered by the groom’s family)
- A farewell brunch (we covered this, and guests loved it!). It was nice to get more time to reminisce with friends and family in the beautiful setting.
- Local experiences—wineries, olive grove tours, monasteries, archaeological sites, hikes, and beautiful beaches. Greece has no shortages of these, even if you don’t explicitly plan them, it’s nice to include them as suggestions.
Why It Matters: A well-planned experience increases guest acceptance rates and makes your wedding more unforgettable!
Wedding Website
Set up a wedding website with all the details. This saves you from answering the same questions 100 times via email!
Include:
- Travel and accommodation information
- RSVP system (we used online RSVPs—no lost mail!)
- Wedding schedule and timeline
- Dress code
- FAQs about Greece, weather, local customs
- Registry information
Read more: Destination Wedding Greece: Why You Need a Wedding Website
Understand Greek Wedding Culture & Vendor Communication
Building relationships with Greek vendors is one of the best things you can do.
“Ask the Greegle”
My husband coined this phrase, perfectly reflecting how the Greek community works. Greeks are all about community and love to help—but they’ll move mountains for you if you care to build a genuine relationship.
How to Build Vendor Relationships:
- Ask vendors for recommendations. They’ll only suggest people they genuinely trust.
- Be patient with communication. Greek pace of life is beautifully relaxed. If you’re waiting for an email response, make a phone call (language barrier allowing).
- Show genuine interest in their work and expertise. Greeks appreciate when you value their craft.
- Don’t expect US/UK timelines. Vendors often set prices at the beginning of each year, so they won’t commit to quotes until the year of your wedding.
MISTAKE TO AVOID:
Don’t plan your Greek wedding during peak summer months (June-August). Vendors work long hours ensuring every wedding is perfect, which means they have little time for email correspondence. Contact vendors outside the busy summer period for better response times and availability.
Greek Wedding Traditions to Know
Understanding a few key traditions helps you navigate conversations with vendors and family:
Koumbara/Koumbaro (Sponsors)
The Greek equivalent of maid of honor and best man, but with deeper spiritual significance. They’re lifelong sponsors who play a sacred role in Orthodox ceremonies.
Stefana (Wedding Crowns)
Symbolic crowns joined by ribbon, representing the couple’s unity.
Philoxenia (Hospitality)
The Greek philosophy of treating strangers as friends. This translates to generous portions, open bars, and abundant food at weddings.
Learn more about authentic and fun Greek wedding traditions you can incorporate into your wedding.
Plan Your Menu with Greek Hospitality in Mind
Greek food is one of the highlights of any Greece wedding. Fresh ingredients, Mediterranean flavors, and generous portions embody the philoxenia spirit.
Dietary Requirements Are Easy
MISTAKE TO AVOID:
Don’t overthink dietary requirements. The Mediterranean diet naturally caters to many restrictions! We selected numerous vegan dishes for our wedding feast, and our caterer assumed we had many vegan guests. In reality, we had only two—but the variety meant everyone had plenty of delicious options.
Buffet vs. Plated Service
We decided against a served menu because it contradicted the Greek hospitality ethos of “more is more.” Instead, we chose an elegant Meze-style buffet with a wide range of dishes for guests to enjoy.
Our Menu Highlights:
- Traditional Greek dips and freshly baked bread
- Greek salads with local Mizithra cheese
- Spanakopita and cheese pies
- Antikristo (traditional Cretan slow-cooked lamb over wood fire)
- Grilled seafood platters
- Baklava and traditional desserts
- Endless Moscato Spinas (our favorite Cretan wine!)
Label Foods for Clarity
Ask caterers to label buffet items, or create your own elegant labels indicating vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.
Exploring Authentic Greek Wedding Cuisine
For catering budget planning, see our Greece Destination Wedding Budget Calculator.
Create a Detailed Planning Timeline and Stay Organized
Our Planning Timeline
18 Months Before:
- Decided on ceremony type (symbolic)
- Set overall budget
- Booked venue (Metohi Istoria, Crete)
12 Months Before:
- Booked photographer
- Secured caterer after tastings
- Reserved hotel blocks with group discounts
- Launched wedding website
9 Months Before:
- Booked DJ
- Selected florist
- Finalized guest list
- Sent save-the-dates
6 Months Before:
- Ordered wedding attire
- Designed all stationery (DIY)
- Booked hair and makeup artist
3 Months Before:
- Finalized menu with caterer
- Confirmed all vendor contracts
- Created detailed day-of timeline
1 Month Before:
- Hired wedding coordinator
- Provided coordinator with detailed brief
- Final venue walkthrough via video call
1 Week Before:
- Arrived in Crete
- Met coordinator in person
- Confirmed all vendor timing
Planning Tools That Saved Us
Google Sheets Budgeting Tracker
Every expense, every quote, every deposit tracked in real time with currency conversion.
Shared Google Drive Folder
All contracts, inspiration photos, vendor contact info, timeline documents in one organized place accessible from anywhere.
Wedding Website with RSVP System
We didn’t have to deal with RSVP cards getting lost in the mail. This saved part of our budget AND prevented the inbox chaos of 100 individual guest questions.
Mood Boards on Miro
We created extensive mood boards detailing:
- Theme (rustic elegance meets Venetian history)
- Color palette (terracotta, olive green, cream, gold)
- Stationery design
- Flower and decoration inspiration
- Lighting concepts (string lights everywhere!)
- Food and drink presentation
- Wedding attire style
Getting this specific helped us narrow down vendors quickly and ensured everyone was on the same page.
MISTAKE TO AVOID:
Don’t skip defining your vision early. First and foremost, get crystal clear on what you want your day to look like. This vision will guide every planning decision and help vendors understand your expectations precisely. Share your mood boards with chosen vendors so you’re all aligned from the start.
Your Greek Wedding Success Starts Here
Planning a destination wedding in Greece from abroad isn’t just about finding the perfect whitewashed chapel or sunset terrace.
It’s about:
- Understanding cultural differences
- Managing logistics from afar
- Creating an experience that honors both your vision and Greek hospitality
Remember, every couple who’s successfully pulled off their Greek destination wedding started exactly where you are now—excited, slightly overwhelmed, and searching for real advice from someone who’s been there.
The mistakes and tips above? Consider them your wedding planning cheat sheet. Dodge these common pitfalls and you’re already ahead of 90% of couples planning their Greek celebration from abroad!
Next Steps
- Decide on ceremony type (legal vs. symbolic)
- Set your budget with 15% contingency
- Research venues and plan a scouting trip if possible
- Book photographer before they’re fully booked
- Start building vendor relationships with patience and genuine interest
And remember—soon you’ll be married in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, surrounded by loved ones, incredible food, and unforgettable Greek hospitality.
Greece Wedding Planning FAQ
Planning & Timeline
Start planning 12-18 months ahead for popular seasons (May-October). We began our planning 18 months out, which gave us access to our preferred venues and vendors. Last-minute planning (under 6 months) severely limits your options and increases costs.
May and September-October offer ideal weather, fewer crowds, and better vendor availability at more affordable prices. Summer (June-August) provides beautiful beach settings but can be very hot and crowded. Avoid Orthodox holiday periods if planning a religious ceremony.
Underestimating the importance of local coordination. Unlike planning a wedding at home, you can’t easily pop over to check on details. Having a reliable local contact, whether a venue coordinator or hired planner, is essential for peace of mind. Planning 12-18 months ahead will give you time to connect with vendors. Aim for ones that are local to your island destination and have great local networks and relationships.
Absolutely! Almost all Greek wedding vendors speak professional English. However, having someone who understands local business culture helps tremendously with timing expectations and communication styles.
Costs & Budget
Costs vary widely by location, season, and guest count. For detailed pricing breakdowns by region and vendor type, check our Greece Destination Wedding Budget Calculator and Cost of a Wedding Venue in Greece.
Generally yes, especially for venues and catering. However, factor in travel costs for you and key family members, potential import duties on supplies, and currency exchange fluctuations.
Vendors & Services
Most wedding vendors in tourist areas (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete) speak English fluently. Communication is rarely a barrier, though patience with response times helps!
It depends. If you enjoy planning and have good organizational skills, a day-of coordinator might suffice. If you need help with design, vendor selection, and full logistics, invest in a full-service planner. We successfully DIY’d our planning but hired a coordinator for execution.
Ask vendors for recommendations—Greeks only suggest people they genuinely trust. Also check our curated directories:
– Wedding Venue Directory
– Greece Wedding Planner Directory
– Greece Wedding Photographer Directory
Guests & Logistics
50-100 guests is common. Smaller weddings (20-50) are increasingly popular. Consider that not everyone will be able to make the journey, so expect ~60-70% acceptance rate for international guests.
Create a comprehensive wedding website with accommodation recommendations at different price points, flight information, local activities, what to pack, and clear RSVP system. Consider negotiating hotel group discounts and arranging transportation to/from the venue.
Legal & Paperwork
Requirements vary by nationality and ceremony type. For comprehensive guides:
– US Citizens: Greek Marriage Requirements
– Australian Citizens: CNI & Apostille Guide
Yes! Many couples choose this route for maximum flexibility. Complete legal paperwork in your home country, then have your dream symbolic ceremony at any Greece venue you love.
For a more detailed FAQ you can visit my overall FAQ page.
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