eloping in Greece — The complete guide (steps, locations, photos & planning)

Greece… its sun-drenched islands, its white villages clinging to the Aegean Sea, its sunsets that the whole world dreams of seeing at least once.
For many couples, escaping there for two—far from constraints, guest lists, and burdensome traditions—is a no-brainer.
Eloping in Greece is an intimate wedding filled with freedom, emotion, and raw beauty: a promise of love in one of the most stunning settings in the world.

This comprehensive guide accompanies you step by step in planning your elopement in Greece: legal procedures, must-see (and secret) locations, ideal seasons, photography tips, itinerary ideas, and a suggested budget. No matter who you are, how the world defines you, whether you dream of exchanging vows overlooking the Santorini caldera, a symbolic ceremony atop Meteora, or a sunset on a Cretan beach, here's everything you need to know to experience your destination wedding.

I ) Legal procedures: how to get officially married in Greece

Many couples choose a symbolic greek wedding ceremony, but it is also possible to get legally married there. Here are the essential points to know:

a) Legal Weddings

Legal weddings are open to foreign nationals.
You will need to present:

- Valid passports for both spouses.
- Original birth certificates with apostille.
- Certificate of celibacy/no impediment to marriage (issued by your local town hall or consulate).
- Translated and certified copies of all documents in Greek.

Once the documents have been submitted to the town hall of the place of marriage, an administrative processing time of approximately one week is required before the ceremony.

=> Tip: Start your preparations at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance, and work with a local wedding planner or your consulate to avoid translation or stamp errors.

b) Religious Wedding

Orthodox weddings follow their own rules: baptism, preparation, specific documents.
If you are not Orthodox, opt for a civil marriage followed by a symbolic ceremony.

c) Symbolic Elopement Ceremony

This is the most flexible option. No paperwork, no deadlines: simply an officiant, two hearts, and a magical greece elopement venue.
It can take place:

* On a private terrace in Santorini,
* On a secluded beach in Crete,
* Or facing the sunset on the cliffs of Milos.

This option is ideal for destination wedding couples: it allows you to experience the magic of Greece without getting bogged down in bureaucracy.

II ) The best destinations for an elopement in Greece

Each island, each region has its own soul. Here is a selection of the most inspiring places—and their unique characteristics.

a) Santorini: the perfect postcard

The perched white villages of Oia and Imerovigli, the blue domes, the endless sea: it's impossible to dream of a more photogenic setting.
Santorini is ideal for an destination elopement at sunrise or sunset.

Its advantages:
- Private terraces offering spectacular views.
- Specialized vendors (officiants, wedding planners, hotels).
- Exceptional light all year round.
The drawback: it's also the most popular island. Opt for sunrise or the shoulder seasons (May, September, October) to avoid the crowds.

b) Meteora: between sky and stone

For couples seeking grandeur and tranquility.
Meteora offers a mystical setting: monasteries suspended in mid-air, cliffs bathed in golden light at sunset, and an almost biblical glow.
Ideal for an authentic and spiritual elopement meaning, far from the hustle and bustle.

c) Crete: Authenticity and Diversity

The largest Greek island combines mountains, beaches, flower-filled villages, and olive groves.
It's the perfect destination for an adventure elopement, with magnificent private villas, secluded coves, and stone roads. The north of the island, more popular with tourists, is overrun during peak season; a hidden gem emerges: exploring the south.

d) The Secret Cyclades: Paros, Sifnos, Folegandros

Less well-known than Santorini, these islands offer the same magic—but without the crowds. I'm only mentioning three islands, but the Cyclades are teeming with secret islands—more than 250 are known! And barely 10% of them are inhabited. You'll find your perfect spot, won't you?
Between small fishing ports, secluded churches, and peaceful sunsets: the perfect mix for a simple, sincere, and romantic ceremony. We give Sifnos a slight edge if you're a foodie <3

e) The Peloponnese: Continental Charm

     We often talk about the Greek islands and the region around Athens, but a common oversight is the Peloponnese region, which is brimming with natural sites and medieval villages like Monemvasia and Nafplio. Over 21,000 km² await your discovery, an ideal setting for a land-based elopement, in a tempting blend of mountains, sea, and ancient stone.

     Monemvasia is a spectacular medieval town, built on a coastal rock in the southeastern Peloponnese. You'll love its charm, with its narrow stone streets, views of the Aegean Sea, and rich historical atmosphere—perfect for a romantic and artistic elopement.

     The Mani Peninsula is wild and authentic, characterized by its stone tower houses, villages clinging to the cliffs, and stunning seascapes. It's a symbolic location for couples who love adventure and the raw beauty of nature, offering a more relaxed and authentic elopement.

     Porto Heli, on the east coast of the Peloponnese, combines luxury, tranquility, and a beautiful sea. It boasts magnificent private villas, views of the Argolic Gulf, and an upscale ambiance. Couples who want to elope in a more luxurious ceremony can choose to stay here.

     Nafplio is a romantic seaside town, often cited as one of the most beautiful in the Peloponnese. If you're planning to visit Athens and the surrounding area before getting married, Nafplio would be a great choice: the scenery is magnificent, with a fortification on the hill, calm waters, and the charm of the old town—all just an hour and a half's drive from the capital.

     Pylos, in the southwest Peloponnese, is a historic town with a castle called Niokastron and beautiful beaches nearby. It offers a lovely, slightly quieter, but equally photogenic alternative.

III ) When to go: the best season to elope in greece

- April – June: The light is soft, nature awakens and becomes lush and green, and the temperatures are pleasant.
- July – August: Like the rest of southern Europe, it is very hot, and also very touristy (not recommended for outdoor ceremonies).
- September – October: These are ideal conditions, with the sea still warm, and above all, a peaceful atmosphere after the tourist rush.
- November – March: The cold weather allows for a quiet season, unique winter light, and lower prices.

IV ) Typical itinerary for an elopement in Greece (3 days)

Day 1 — Arrival & Location Scouting

- Check-in at your villa or hotel.
- Exploring the venue and choosing the perfect spot for the ceremony.
- Meeting with the elopement photographer and officiant.

Day 2 — The Big Day

- Relaxed preparations (hair, makeup, and beauty treatments).
- Symbolic ceremony at sunrise or late afternoon.
- Photo/video shoot around the venue (2–3 hours).
- Private dinner by the sea or on a terrace.
- Overnight under the stars.

Day 3 — Relaxation & Exploration

- Late breakfast, swimming, mini road trip, or "day after" photoshoot.
- Optional activities: boat trip, sunset viewing, couples massage.

FAQ - ELOPEMENT wedding IN GREECE

1. Can I legally get married in Greece without residing there?
Yes. Civil marriages for foreigners are permitted, provided they present the required documents (apostilles, translations, certificate of celibacy).

2. Do I need a permit for a ceremony in Santorini?
For a private terrace or villa, no. For a public place (Oia cliffs, caldera), municipal authorization may be required.

3. What is the best month to get married in Greece?
May, September, and October: perfect weather, ideal light, fewer crowds.

4. How long does it take to organize everything?
On average, 6 to 8 weeks. Take a look on how to plan an destination elopement in 3 months. For a civil ceremony, start earlier (3 months). If you want more informations, my elopement packages have everything you are looking for. 

Getting married in Greece is saying "yes" to the light, the wind, and time standing still.
It's choosing a sincere micro wedding, far from the superfluous, centered on what truly matters: the two of you.
Whether in the hills above Oia, on the shores of a Cretan cove, or beneath the olive groves of the Peloponnese, Greece will offer you what few places in the world can: beauty in its purest form.

Why choose Greece for your destination elopement?

a Greece elopement, a promise of timelessness

Greece is a land of contrasts and light. Its landscapes evoke simplicity and eternity—two words that resonate perfectly with the idea to elope in europe.

From the white cliffs of Santorini to the golden beaches of Crete, the hanging monasteries of Meteora to the flower-filled alleyways of Paros, each place seems designed to celebrate love on your greece elopement.

The reasons are many:

- Unparalleled light, soft, golden, and above all, perfect for your future photos.
- A millennia-old history known to all, whose temples, ancient villages, and sacred nature are vestiges to be seen at least once in a lifetime.
- Places that are both romantic and wild: you can lose yourself together, whether in the small villages of the islands or amidst the lush nature that Greece offers.
- A welcoming culture where Greek hospitality is unparalleled, with its gastronomy and its simple way of life.

And above all: Greece allows for all types of elopement weddings. Legal or symbolic, intimate or with a few close friends, by the sea or in a mountain village… it’s a blank canvas on which to paint your story.

Indicative budget for an elopement in Greece

Position

Wedding Planner
Photographer
Officiant
Makeup & Hair
Decor & Flowers
Venue / Accommodation

Estimated Total

Low end of the price range ($)
1 200 - 2 300
2 000 - 4 500
350 - 800 
290 - 700
350 - 1 500
1 500 - 3 500

$5 700 - $13 500

High end of the price range ($)
3 500 +
6 000 +
1 200 +
900 +
2 400 +
6 000 +

up to $20 000 +