If wandering through ancient ruins, sharing a private tasting at one of the best olive groves in the world, or exchanging vows on a cliffside overlooking the sea sound like your dream wedding vibes, then Greece might be the destination wedding location for you. Greece is a beautiful place to say ‘I do’, and it’s full of history and character that can add even more depth to your experience. After visiting here myself, it’s easy to see why so many couples start dreaming about how to elope in Greece.
That said, planning a destination elopement comes with some big decisions and lots of logistics. As a Greece elopement photographer, I’m here to guide you through every step, and help make sure your day flows seamlessly and feels meaningful and unforgettable. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about eloping in Greece. I’m sharing my favorite locations, the best times of year to visit, essential Greece elopement tips, the legal requirements, and so much more.
Why Elope in Greece?
I’m not exaggerating when I say that Greece has it all – breathtaking scenery, deep history, and timeless culture. Imagine exchanging vows in Santorini with it’s whitewashed coastal houses as your backdrop, wandering through Crete’s mountain villages and olive groves, or exploring ancient ruins in Athens. Every island and region in Greece has a different vibe and moves at its own pace, making it easy to find a location that fits your energy. From the golden beaches of Mykonos, the rustic charm of the Peloponnese, or one of the many lesser-known islands, no two elopements in Greece are alike.
Where are the Best Places to Elope in Greece?
One of the best parts about eloping in Greece is that there is no shortage of incredible places to say your vows. Each island and region has its own personality. Here are a few of my favorites.
Santorini
Santorini is pure magic and one of those places that instantly takes your breath away. I especially love its red cliffs, soft white beaches, and cliffside villages with rustic charm, not to mention that sunsets in Greece are truly incredible! Getting to witness one, especially during your elopement, is sure to become a part of your experience that you’ll remember for a long time. Whether you’re sharing a quiet dinner overlooking the landscape or soaking up the sun by the deep blue sea, Santorini offers an amazing mix of intimacy and adventure.
Crete
As Greece’s largest island, Crete offers so much variety. It’s known for its natural beauty – from rugged mountains to hidden beaches and olive groves that produce some of the best olive oil in the world. Here, you can explore ancient ruins, go for an olive oil tasting, or simply soak up the island’s slower rhythm.
Milos
If you’re craving something even quieter, Milos might be a good fit. This volcanic island is known for its incredible seaside cliffs, peaceful beaches, and iconic blue-and-white architecture. It’s honestly one of the best places to elope in Greece. To really soak in the island’s magic, I’d recommend a sunset sail for a relaxed, romantic evening on the water. As one of Greece’s quieter islands, Milos is perfect for escaping the crowds and eloping here allows you to truly savor every moment.
Mainland Greece
If you’re looking for a place to visit for your honeymoon in Greece, the mainland is packed with places to explore. You can wander among the monasteries and otherworldly rock formations of Meteora, relax along the sun-soaked Athens Riviera, or immerse yourself in the rich history of the Peloponnese, home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There’s are so many wonderful things to do and see on the mainland, but because it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Greece, I recommend eloping on one of the quieter islands and visiting the mainland before or after your ceremony.
When is the Best Time of Year to Elope in Greece?
Choosing when to elope depends on what kind of experience you want. Greece has a mediterranean climate which means the temperatures are fairly mild year-round, though each season still brings its own magic. Here is what you can generally expect during each season in Greece.
Late Spring and Early Fall
This is my favorite time for a Greece elopement. The weather during these seasons is beautiful, the crowds are smaller, and there is still plenty of light for beautiful photos. I’ve photographed couples here during the month of May, and everything felt warm and relaxed, without the summer rush.
Summer
If you love long, sun-filled days, summer in Greece is made for you. It’s perfect for swimming, exploring, and soaking up every golden hour. Summer is also the hottest and busiest season, though, so if you’re dreaming of something cooler or want more privacy for your celebration, the shoulder months might be the way to go.
Winter
Winter in Greece is quiet, slow, and incredibly peaceful. You’ll have most places to yourself, and the cooler weather gives everything a cozy, romantic feel. And if you really want snow during your winter elopement in Greece, it’s possible. You can exchange vows among snow-dusted peaks in Meteora for a truly magical experience.
Tips on How to Elope in Greece
Once you’ve decided when to elope in Greece, the next step is figuring out how to bring your elopement dream to life. From travel details to attire and vendors, here are a few tips on how to elope in Greece with ease.
What Vendors Should I Hire to Elope in Greece?
Hiring vendors for your elopement isn’t required, but it can make your experience even more special. Along with your photographer, you may want to bring in a few key people who can help bring your vision to life and who know Greece well. I’ll help you figure out the vendor side of things, but here are a few great ones to consider:
- Elopement photographer
- Elopement videographer
- Planner or coordinator
- Florist
- Hair and makeup artist
- Officiant
- Caterer or baker
- Decor rentals
What Kind of Attire Should I Bring to Elope in Greece?
Greece’s weather is generally mild, but summer can be hot. This means you’ll want to pack breathable clothing, comfortable shoes for exploring, and a swimsuit, because there’s never a bad time to experience the turquoise ocean.
What Travel Logistics Should I Think About to Elope in Greece?
If you are flying into Greece, Athens International Airport is the main entry point to the country. It’s located on the mainland, making this an easy area to reach and explore during your visit.
If you’re planning to visit the islands, travel can be a bit more complicated. Larger islands like Mykonos or Crete have airports, but smaller or less-visited destinations usually require a ferry, which can add an extra day of travel. Once you’ve decided on a location, research your options for getting to your specific area. Of course, as your Greece elopement photographer, I can help provide suggestions during this part of the planning process.
Should I Include Cultural Touches in My Elopement?
Incorporating local traditions can be a beautiful way to honor the country and make your day even more meaningful. Some local ideas you could include in your Greece elopement are a stefana (wedding crowns) ceremony, traditional Greek dishes for your celebration meal, or getting showered in rice or flower petals post ceremony. Little touches like these can help you more fully experience the country and its culture in a deeper way.
What are the Legal Requirements to Elope in Greece?
Greece is an amazing destination wedding location as you don’t have to be a local resident or citizen to get legally married here. While there are some requirements to get married in Greece I’ll help you make sense of it all (I also recommend working with a local planner or officiant if this is the route you decide to go). As a foreigner wondering how to elope in Greece legally, you’ll need:
- A valid passport
- Your full birth certificate
- A notarized affidavit of marriage
- Divorce or death certificate (if previously married)
Before you arrive, you’ll want to make sure your documents are officially translated into Greek. Once you’ve submitted everything, your marriage license typically arrives in about eight days and is valid for up to six months.
One thing to keep in mind about eloping in Greece is that after your ceremony, you’ll need to register your marriage with the local Civil Registry Office where you got married within 40 days. It’s a simple step, but an important one to make everything official.
Along with the paperwork, you’ll need an officiant and two witnesses—one of whom should be able to translate.
While the process is fairly straightforward, the paperwork can still be confusing. I’ll be there to help you out, but hiring a local elopement planner is also a good idea. They’ll help take care of the logistics and make sure everything flows smoothly, so you can fully enjoy your time in Greece without any surprises or unintended headaches.
Elope in Greece with a Symbolic Ceremony
If the legal steps to get married in Greece feel a bit overwhelming, you might consider a symbolic ceremony instead. You can handle the legal side in your home country and still have a relaxed, meaningful elopement in Greece. This approach gives you more freedom with your timeline while letting you fully soak in the magic of exchanging your vows in one of the most stunning places in the world.
At the end of the day, there’s no rulebook for your elopement. Follow what feels right for you, get support where you need it most, and it will all fall into place. Whether your ceremony is legal or symbolic, what truly matters is the way your feel when you look at your partner and say your vows.
Curious to see what a symbolic ceremony looks like? Here is a guide that walks you through what an elopement ceremony can look like (spoiler, the possibilities are endless and totally customizable).
Greece Elopement Photography Packages
If a Greece elopement feels right for you, you may be wondering what a Greece elopement photography package looks like. Ranging from four-hour elopements to all-day celebrations, I have created a range of packages designed to fit your vision. My packages can be tailored specifically to you, but in general, each package includes:
- Photography Coverage
- Digital gallery of 75+ images per hour
- 6-8 week gallery delivery
- Wedding highlights slideshow
- 48-hour sneak peeks
- Elopement guide full of tips
- Timeline planning assistance
- Permit Guidance
- Communication throughout every step
At the end of the day, my role as your Greece elopement photographer is to document the real moments of your elopement, from the laughter, the quiet looks, and everything in between. My goal is to document your story while helping you have a meaningful, unforgettable experience in Greece. To learn more about my Greece elopement packages, click here or contact me below to start planning.
By now, I hope you feel more confident about how to elope in Greece and that you feel inspired to start planning a day that’s completely your own. Whether you’re dreaming of exchanging vows on a cliffside overlooking the ocean or surrounded by old-world ruins, I would love to help you create an experience that’s truly reflective of your love story. Reach out, and we can create something beautiful together.
