Yes, you can have a beach wedding in Greece, but most couples (around 80-90%) opt for a symbolic ceremony on the sand rather than a legally binding one. This approach lets you design your dream beachfront celebration without navigating complex Greek bureaucracy, while handling the legal paperwork in your home country. Costs range from around €650 for a simple elopement to €40,000+ for a luxury celebration, with the venue type (not guest count) being the biggest factor in your budget.
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Can You Legally Get Married on a Beach in Greece?
This is the first question every couple asks me, and the answer is: yes, but it depends on what type of ceremony you want. There are two distinct paths, and understanding the difference early will save you months of confusion.
Symbolic Beach Ceremonies: The Popular Choice
The vast majority of international couples choose a symbolic ceremony for their beach wedding in Greece. And honestly? It makes perfect sense.
A symbolic ceremony has no legal standing in Greece, which means zero paperwork, no government permissions, and complete creative freedom. You handle your legal marriage at home (either before or after your Greek celebration), and your beach ceremony becomes purely about the experience, the vows, and the moment.
What I love about this option is the flexibility. You can choose virtually any beach, work with any celebrant who resonates with you, write completely personalised vows, and design the ceremony exactly as you envision it. No bureaucratic constraints, no required wording, no officials dictating the format.
Civil Beach Ceremonies: Possible but Complex
A legally binding civil ceremony on a Greek beach is technically possible, but I want to be honest with you about what it involves.
First, you need explicit permission from the local municipality (called the Dimos) to hold the ceremony outside a town hall. This permission is discretionary and not guaranteed. Each municipality has different policies, and there is no standardised process across Greece.
If you pursue this route, you will need to gather, translate, and submit extensive documentation:
- Valid passports for both partners (typically valid for at least six months past your wedding date)
- Full birth certificates including both parents’ names
- Certificate of No Impediment from your home country confirming you are free to marry
- Affidavit of Single Status, often obtained from your embassy in Greece
- Divorce or death certificates if applicable
All documents must have an Apostille stamp and be officially translated into Greek by a certified translator. If either of you does not speak Greek, a translator must be present at the ceremony itself.
And here is the part that catches many couples off guard: after a civil ceremony, your marriage is not yet legally finalised. You must register it at the local Office of Vital Statistics within 40 days. Miss this deadline, and you could face fines or even have the marriage deemed invalid in Greece.
For most couples planning a destination wedding, the symbolic route simply makes more sense. You get the magical beach ceremony you are dreaming of without the administrative marathon.
For more on legally getting married in Greece, read the full article here.
Can You Set Up a Private Wedding on Any Public Beach in Greece?
This question comes up constantly, and I want to give you the honest answer rather than the romanticised version.
Technically, yes. Your wedding planner can apply to the local municipality for a permit to hold an event on a public beach. But the reality is far more nuanced than that simple yes.
What the Law Actually Says
Greek Law 2971/2001 guarantees free and unobstructed public access to all beaches in Greece. This is not a guideline or a suggestion. It is the law. At least 50% of any beach must remain accessible to the public at all times.
What this means for your wedding:
- You cannot block public access, even temporarily
- People can legally walk through your ceremony area
- No physical barriers are allowed on the sand
- You cannot create a “private zone” even with a permit
The Permit Process Reality
If you still want to pursue a public beach ceremony, here is what to expect:
- The application goes to the local municipality
- Processing takes a minimum of 6-10 weeks
- Approval is discretionary and absolutely not guaranteed
- Each municipality has different (and often unclear) policies
- Protected areas like Natura 2000 sites are strictly off-limits (Elafonisi beach in Crete, for example, does not allow weddings)
When Public Beach Ceremonies Actually Work
I have seen public beach weddings succeed, but they tend to share certain characteristics:
- Very early morning timing (sunrise ceremonies when beaches are empty)
- Off-season or weekday scheduling
- Remote, harder-to-access beaches with naturally lower foot traffic
- Simple, quick setups rather than elaborate productions
- Couples who are genuinely comfortable with the possibility of onlookers
Why Resort Beaches Are So Popular
This is why so many couples choose semi-private resort venues or exclusive beach clubs for their weddings in Greece on the beach. These venues handle permits and permissions internally, manage the space to ensure privacy, already have infrastructure (power, bathrooms, seating), and dramatically reduce the risk of disruption.
The cost difference between permit fees for a public beach versus a venue hire fee might seem significant at first glance. But when you factor in bringing in generators, portable bathrooms, all seating and decor, plus the uncertainty of approval and privacy, the resort option often represents better value and far less stress.
Beach Wedding Costs in Greece: What You Will Actually Pay
Let me break down the real numbers because I know budget planning is one of the most stressful parts of this process.
The Cost Range
Beach weddings in Greece span an enormous range:
- Simple symbolic elopement: from €650
- Intimate celebration (up to 20 guests): €3,000-€7,000
- Medium wedding (50-80 guests): €10,000-€25,000
- Large celebration (100+ guests): €25,000-€40,000+
The Biggest Cost Driver (It is Not What You Think)
Here is something that surprises most couples: the primary factor driving your beach wedding budget is not the guest count. It is the venue type.
An exclusive beach club can charge a flat hire fee of €3,000 to €20,000 before you have added a single guest, caterer, or flower arrangement. This means a 20-person wedding at a premium private cove can actually cost more than a 100-person wedding at a more accessible location.
Island Price Differences
Your choice of island significantly impacts costs. Mykonos and Santorini command premium prices across the board, from venues to vendors to accommodation. If you are drawn to the Cycladic aesthetic but working with a tighter budget, consider Paros or Naxos for similar beauty without the extreme markup.
Crete and Rhodes offer excellent value with equally stunning beaches. Crete in particular gives you the most venue diversity and competitive pricing because it is the largest island with more options.
For couples researching specific islands, I have detailed guides on getting married in Crete and getting married in Santorini that break down the unique considerations for each destination.
Hidden Costs to Budget For
Beyond the obvious expenses, make sure you account for:
- Accommodation for yourselves and potentially subsidising guest stays (€1,140-€3,040 for a typical 4-night trip)
- Legal document translation and apostilles if pursuing a civil ceremony (€200-€500)
- Generator rental if your beach lacks power
- Portable bathroom hire for remote locations
- Guest transportation from hotels to the beach
- A local wedding planner (€1,500-€4,000, and worth every euro)
For more on the cost of a wedding in Greece check out this article. Read also my full guide on planning a wedding in Greece.
Best Greek Islands for Beach Weddings
Not all Greek beaches are created equal when it comes to weddings. Weather patterns, infrastructure, and local regulations vary significantly by region.
The Meltemi Factor
Before choosing your island, you need to understand the Meltemi. This strong, dry north wind sweeps through the Aegean islands (especially the Cyclades) from June through August and sometimes into autumn. It can blow for days at a time, strong enough to topple decor, disrupt audio equipment, and turn a dreamy ceremony into a chaotic battle against the elements.
The Meltemi affects Mykonos and Santorini particularly hard. If your heart is set on these islands during peak summer, factor wind contingencies into every single planning decision.
Island-by-Island Overview
Santorini offers dramatic beauty but limited actual beach options. The famous caldera views are clifftop, not beachfront. True beach ceremonies happen on the black sand beaches of Perissa, Kamari, or at venues like Eros Beach. Expect premium pricing (€10,000-€40,000+) and significant Meltemi exposure. Santorini, however, can be a perfect elopement destination, read more here.
Mykonos is known for its beach club culture, which can work beautifully for weddings. However, it is the most expensive island for weddings, with costs typically ranging €15,000-€40,000+. The party atmosphere is a plus or minus depending on your vision.
Crete is my personal favourite for beach weddings. As the largest Greek island, it offers incredible diversity: from the famous pink sand of Elafonisi (though weddings are not permitted there as it is a protected Natura 2000 site) to countless other stunning beaches where ceremonies are welcome. Costs are more reasonable (€10,000-€35,000), and the infrastructure is excellent.
Rhodes combines beautiful beaches with medieval architecture, giving you diverse photo opportunities. Pricing falls in the moderate range (€12,000-€30,000), and the island sees slightly less intense Meltemi than the Cyclades.
The Peloponnese mainland offers an often-overlooked alternative. The Ionian Sea coastline here provides calmer conditions than the Aegean, and venues tend to be less crowded with destination wedding couples.
Best Timing for Your Beach Wedding
The peak summer months (July-August) bring the highest prices, largest crowds, and strongest Meltemi winds. They also coincide with the August 15th national holiday when Greece essentially shuts down for celebration.
The sweet spot for beach weddings is May-June or September-October. You will find:
- More pleasant temperatures (20-25°C versus 30°C+ in peak summer)
- Calmer wind conditions
- Significantly lower venue and accommodation rates (often 25%+ savings)
- Fewer tourists on beaches
- More vendor availability
For detailed month-by-month guidance, my complete wedding season guide breaks down what to expect throughout the year.
Beach Wedding Venues in Greece: Three Standout Options
After researching dozens of venues, these three stand out for couples wanting genuine feet-in-the-sand ceremonies across different budgets and styles. You can explore more options in our full wedding venue directory.
Creta Palace, Rethymno, Crete: Best Value Beach Wedding
Price tier: € (Starting from €3,000) Capacity: Small to large weddings Location: Rethymno, Crete
Creta Palace offers what many couples search for but struggle to find: an actual beach ceremony at a reasonable price point. The resort stretches along a generous sandy beach where you can exchange vows with the Cretan Sea as your backdrop.
What makes it work for beach weddings is the combination of genuine beachfront access with full resort infrastructure. You are not hauling in generators or portable bathrooms. The existing facilities handle the logistics while you focus on the celebration.
The Rethymno location puts you in one of Crete’s most charming areas, with the Venetian old town nearby for pre-wedding dinners and guest activities. For couples prioritising beach wedding venues in Greece without the luxury price tag, this is where I would start.
View Creta Palace venue details
Amirandes, Grecotel Exclusive Resort, Gouves, Crete: Luxury with Flexibility
Price tier: €€€ (Luxury) Capacity: 20-160 guests (Events Patio), up to 80 on VIP Beach Location: Gouves, Crete
Amirandes represents the pinnacle of Greek beach wedding venues for couples wanting five-star luxury with genuine beach ceremony options. Their VIP Beach setup accommodates up to 80 guests directly on the sand, with the resort’s exceptional service supporting every detail.
The architecture here draws inspiration from Minoan civilisation, creating a setting that feels distinctly Greek rather than generically luxurious. The Olympic-size seawater pool offers a stunning alternative for cocktail hours, and with 212 rooms, you can comfortably accommodate a large guest list on-site.
What I particularly appreciate about Amirandes is the flexibility. If Meltemi winds threaten your beach ceremony, you have multiple backup options without compromising on elegance: chapel, poolside terraces, private villa settings. For a destination wedding where weather contingencies matter, that peace of mind is invaluable.
Mandola Rosa, Peloponnese: Boutique Beach Romance
Price tier: €€€ (Boutique luxury) Capacity: Intimate to mid-size (45 units total) Location: Riviera Olympia, Peloponnese
Mandola Rosa offers something different: a flower-decked beach gazebo on a blue-flag golden sand beach, with the intimacy of a boutique property rather than a large resort.
With only 25 suites and 20 villas, this venue naturally limits your wedding to a more intimate scale. That exclusivity translates to a feeling that the entire property is yours for the celebration.
The Peloponnese location is worth considering if you want to avoid island logistics. You are on the mainland here, accessible from Athens without ferry schedules, yet on the Ionian Sea coast where conditions tend to be calmer than the Aegean. Ancient Olympia is nearby for guests interested in cultural excursions.
For couples envisioning private beach weddings in Greece with a romantic, almost secretive quality, Mandola Rosa delivers that atmosphere beautifully.
View Mandola Rosa venue details
Planning Your Beach Wedding: Practical Considerations
Weather Contingencies Are Non-Negotiable
I cannot stress this enough: you need a backup plan. Even in the “dry season,” weather can shift. The Meltemi can arrive unexpectedly. Planning a beach wedding without a contingency is gambling with your most important day.
Discuss with your venue or planner:
- What indoor or sheltered space is available if conditions deteriorate?
- Is there an additional fee to reserve the backup option?
- At what point is the decision made to move indoors?
- How will guests be notified of location changes?
Timing Your Ceremony
Schedule your beach ceremony to begin approximately 90 minutes before sunset. This avoids the harshest midday heat (summer temperatures regularly exceed 30°C) and positions you perfectly for golden hour photography.
Advise guests to arrive with sun protection regardless: high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, perhaps personal fans. A thoughtful touch is providing a “comfort station” with these items available.
Guest Accessibility
Beach ceremonies present genuine accessibility challenges. Sand is difficult for older guests, those with mobility issues, or anyone in heels. Before committing to a venue, verify:
- What is the path from parking or drop-off to the ceremony area?
- Are there boardwalks or more stable surfaces available?
- Can arrangements be made for guests who cannot navigate sand?
Working with Wind
If you are marrying during Meltemi season or at any exposed beach location, plan for wind:
- Secure all decor with substantial weights (not just sandbags, which can fail)
- Choose hairstyles that work with wind (elegant updos rather than flowing styles)
- Consider whether a long veil is practical or will become a distraction
- Ensure microphones have wind guards
- Brief your photographer on using wind creatively for dramatic shots
For those still finalising their timeline, understanding the legal requirements for getting married in Greece will help you plan realistic preparation schedules.
Your Next Steps
Planning a beach wedding in Greece is absolutely achievable, but it rewards couples who approach it with realistic expectations and local expertise. The symbolic ceremony route offers the most flexibility and least stress for international couples. Choose your island and timing based on weather patterns as much as aesthetics. Invest in a local wedding planner who knows the permit landscape and vendor relationships.
And remember: the goal is not just a beautiful wedding day, but a beautiful experience for everyone who travels to celebrate with you. The right beach, the right timing, and the right support team will make that happen.
Yasu, and happy planning!
For those who are still exploring locations and Greece as a destination, please check my Complete Guide on Why Greece is the Perfect Location for a Dream Destination Wedding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Costs & Budget
Beach weddings in Greece range from around €650 for a simple symbolic elopement to €40,000+ for a luxury celebration. Most couples spending on a medium-sized wedding (50-80 guests) budget between €10,000 and €25,000. The venue type is the biggest cost driver, not the guest count. An exclusive beach club hire fee alone can range from €3,000 to €20,000.
Crete and Rhodes generally offer the best value among popular wedding destinations, with costs typically 20-30% lower than Mykonos or Santorini for comparable services. Crete in particular has the most venue diversity and competitive pricing due to its size. The Peloponnese mainland is another budget-friendly option with beautiful Ionian Sea beaches and no ferry costs.
While not legally required, a local wedding planner is recommended. They navigate permit applications, have established vendor relationships, understand municipal policies, and coordinate logistics that would be extremely difficult to manage remotely. Budget €1,500-€4,000 for a good planner. Given the complexities of beach permits and Greek bureaucracy, this is an investment that pays for itself in reduced stress and better outcomes.
Legal Requirements and Logistics
Yes, but it requires special permission from the local municipality to hold a civil ceremony outside a town hall, and this approval is not guaranteed. You will also need extensive documentation including apostilled and translated birth certificates, a Certificate of No Impediment, and must register the marriage within 40 days. Most international couples (80-90%) choose symbolic beach ceremonies instead, handling the legal marriage in their home country.
All Greek beaches are public by law. Law 2971/2001 guarantees free and unobstructed access, requiring at least 50% of any beach to remain accessible at all times. Even with a permit for a wedding event, you cannot block public access or create physical barriers. This is why many couples choose semi-private resort beaches or exclusive beach clubs where the venue manages the space.
May-June and September-October offer the best conditions: pleasant temperatures (20-25°C), calmer winds, lower prices (often 25%+ savings), and fewer tourists. Avoid July-August when Meltemi winds are strongest in the Aegean islands and beaches are most crowded. The period around August 15th is particularly busy due to a national holiday.
For more FAQ, here’s my complete Greek Weddings FAQ
