elopement in greece
the Ultimate Guide for eloping in Greece ! [updated for 2026]
Is elopement right for us?
Greece is waiting to show you its most beautiful spots for your elopement.
The details of planning your elopement in Greece may not be clear yet, but you need to be certain about the intentional nature of an intimate wedding. As long as you believe elopement is a perfectly healthy and intentional way to get married, the rest will be quite simple.
If you're not entirely sure, let yourself be persuaded by these 6 things you should know before elope. This article will help you gain a clearer perspective.
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 just the two of them—far from constraints, guest lists, and burdensome traditions—is a no-brainer.
An elopement in Greece is an intimate marriage of freedom, emotion, and raw beauty: a promise of love in one of the most stunning settings in the world.
I truly believe you'll have the time of your life, especially since it only happens once. So don't hesitate and go for it!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of 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 dream wedding.
why planning a destination wedding in greece ?
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.
How to choose where to elope in Greece ?
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.
The whitewashed 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 elopement at sunrise or sunset.
Its advantages:
- Private terraces offering spectacular views.
- Specialized vendors (officiants, wedding planners, hotels).
- Exceptional light all year round.
The downside: it's also the most crowded island. Opt for sunrise or the shoulder seasons (May, September, October) to avoid the crowds.
I) Santorini: the perfect postcard
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, the Meteora offer couples a perfect spot that blends grandeur and silence.
Meteora offers a mystical setting: monasteries suspended in the air, cliffs gilded by the sunset, an almost biblical light.
Of the 24 monasteries built, only 6 are open to the public. Climb the steps, and you'll be rewarded with an incredible panoramic view of the valley and the ruined monasteries.
If you're looking for a less crowded, more spiritually focused, and authentic elopement, exchanging vows high above Meteora is the perfect choice.
II) Meteora: Between Sky and Stone
The largest - and most populated - Greek island which combines mountains, beaches, flowery villages and olive groves.
It's the perfect destination for a more "wild" elopement, with magnificent private villas, secret coves and stone roads. The north of the island, more popular with tourists, is overrun during peak season; a hidden gem emerges: a visit to the south.
III) Crete: authenticity & diversity
Less well-known than Santorini, these islands offer the same magic—but without the crowds. I'm only talking about three islands, but the Cyclades are full of hidden gems—over 250 are known! And barely 10% are inhabited. You're sure to find your perfect spot, aren't you?
Between small fishing ports, secluded churches, and peaceful sunsets: the perfect mix for a simple, heartfelt, and romantic ceremony. Sifnos has a slight edge if you're a foodie <3
IV) The secret Cyclades: Paros, Sifnos, Folegandros
We often talk about the Greek islands and the region around Athens, but a common oversight is the Peloponnese, which is brimming with natural wonders and medieval villages like Monemvasia and Nafplio. It's more than 21,000 km² waiting for you to set foot on its land, an ideal place for a land elopement, in a tempting mix of mountain, 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 its rich historical atmosphere—perfect for a romantic and photogenic 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 place that will be symbolic for couples who love adventure and the raw beauty of nature, offering a more relaxed and authentic elopement experience.
Porto Heli, on the east coast of the Peloponnese, combines luxury, tranquility, and beautiful sea views. It boasts magnificent private villas, stunning vistas of the Argolic Gulf, and an upscale atmosphere. Couples seeking a more luxurious ceremony will find it the perfect setting.
Nafplio is a romantic seaside town, often cited as one of the most beautiful in the Peloponnese. If you plan to visit Athens and the surrounding area before getting married, Nafplio is an excellent choice: the scenery is breathtaking, with fortifications perched on a hill, calm waters, and the charm of the old town—all just a 1.5-hour 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.
V) The Peloponnese: Continental charm
book your greece elopement photographer and choose your greece elopement package
An experience like this only happens once in a lifetime, and you shouldn't underestimate the help you can get. That's why an elopement photographer is the service provider you need to completely trust, and who will help you plan your elopement in Greece with ease.
An elopement in Greece is incredible. The photographer must love the country to be able to show you the very best it has to offer. It should offer you a clear vision of your vague thoughts.
From my perspective, a photographer isn't just someone who arrives, takes pictures, and goes home. An elopement photographer is much more than that; they are your best friend throughout your elopement. They must understand you to be able to tell your love story as authentically as possible.
face the administrative aspects: permits, visas, and paperwork to make the marriage legal.
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.
greece elopement package
- Elopement duration from one to three days;
- Choose any location in Greece, with a backup plan (and a C if needed).
- A completely personalized elopement in Greece from start to finish!
- Photos in an online gallery; photo album and USB drive.
- GIFs, double exposure, drone footage (if permitted in the chosen location) + creative and artistic images.
- Travel expenses are already included.
Starting from $5.000
(from $5.000 to $9.000)
greEce elopement package
Position
Wedding Planner
Photographer
Officiant
Makeup & Hair
Decor & Flowers
Venue / Accommodation
Estimated Total
Low end of the price range ($)
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 $20 000 +
Position
Wedding Planner
Photographer
Officiant
Makeup & Hair
Decor & Flowers
Venue / Accommodation
Estimated Total
Low end of the price range ($)
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 +
Indicative budget for an elopement in Greece
inquire and be ready!
Envoyer le message
contact me to start planning your europe elopement
votre histoire
Give me your thoughts, I'll make them real !
J'ai hâte de raconter
your first names*
Vos préNOMS
email*
phone number*
NUMERO DE TELEPHONE
Where do you think eloping ?
DATE DE L'EVENEMENT
how much guests do you want to be with you?*
LIEU DE L'EVENEMENT
When you do think eloping ? Did you already choose a date ?*
compte insta
Have you ever traveled together ? What was the best travel ?
message
menu
a propos
Why would you like eloping ?*
If your ideas are not yet clear, it doesn't matter, most couples do not yet know where their intimate wedding will take place.
where do you live?*
Envoyer le message
inquire and be ready!
votre histoire
contact me to start planning your europe elopement
J'ai hâte de raconter
Give me your thoughts, I'll make them real !
Vos préNOMS
your first names*
email*
NUMERO DE TELEPHONE
phone number*
DATE et lieu DE L'EVENEMENT
When you do think eloping ? Did you already choose a date ?*
combien d'invités aimeriez-vous avoir avec vous ?
Where do you think eloping ?
qu'aimez-vous dans ma photographie ?
how much guests do you want to be with you?*
ecrivez ce que vous ressentez : quelle est votre vision de l'amour ? de votre mariage ?
Have you ever traveled together ? What was the best travel ?
Why would you like eloping ?*
If your ideas are not yet clear, it doesn't matter, most couples do not yet know where their intimate wedding will take place.
where do you live?*
planning resources
Your gender, sexuality, skin color don't matter as long as you are kind in your heart. <3
planning resources
Your gender, sexuality, skin color don't matter as long as you are kind in your heart. <3