The 15 Best Greek Destinations for a Wedding

The best Greek destinations for a wedding aren’t always the ones you see on postcards — and as someone who lives in Athens and spends a lot of time traveling the islands, I’ve found some incredible places that deserve a spot on your list.

In this guide, I’m breaking down 15 wedding-worthy destinations across Greece, from famous names like Santorini, Mykonos, and Nafplio to low-key gems like Symi, Kardamili, and Zagori.

Th best Greek destinations for a wedding: Mykonos couple with friends
Mykonos, Little Venice

I’ve also added three sample wedding itineraries to help you picture how a 3-day celebration could actually play out — one for a beach-luxe vibe, one for that laid-back island chic feel, and one for couples who want something a little wild and different, like a mountain wedding in the north.

The list is based on real trips, real places, and the kind of wedding spots I’d recommend to my own friends.

This post includes links that may be affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see my disclaimer/privacy policy for more information.

The Best Greek destinations for a wedding

Let’s start this list with my favorite island of Crete, in southern Greece!

1. Crete

Chania

Why choose Crete for your wedding?

Crete is Greece’s biggest island, and one of its most diverse.

You get high mountains and wild, stunning beaches, such as Balos and Elafonisos, as well as spectacular ancient ruins like Knossos Palace and numerous traditional villages, all rolled into one destination.

It is also the island with the longest summer weather in the country. Crete is a really unique wedding destination in Greece.

Who is this for?

Balos Beach in Chania

Couples who love variety: one day you’re hiking a gorge, and visiting an archaeological site, the next you’re sipping wine in a vineyard or eating mouth-watering dishes in a fishing village.

Best time to get married in Crete

May to October — warm weather, sunshine, and fewer crowds in spring or early fall.

🏨 Where to stay

Here is a list of my favorite hotels all over the island of Crete:

2. Paros

Why choose Paros for your wedding?

Voted the Best Island in the World in 2025 by Travel + Leisure, Paros is a cosmopolitan destination for classy vacations. It’s pretty, iconic, and full of amazing food and boutique hotels.

Who is this for?

Naoussa in Paros

Couples who want that Cycladic look (white buildings, blue shutters) without the Santorini or Mykonos crowds. Plus, if you’re into food, this place will blow you away.

Best time to get married in Paros

Late spring or early fall is perfect — sunny, warm, and easier to find availability at top spots.

🏨 Where to stay

✈️ Heads up: Check if there are direct UK flights depending on the season.

3. Santorini

Why choose Santorini for your wedding?

It’s iconic for a reason. Think jaw-dropping sunsets, caldera views, and the kind of scenery that makes people gasp.

Who is this for?

Couples who want a fairytale wedding with maximum wow factor. This is your “Instagram-famous” wedding destination.

Best time to get married in Santorini

April to June or September to October — still stunning, but less crowded than July/August.

Top Venues in Santorini


✈️ Direct UK flights are available during high season.

4. Mykonos

Ornos, Mykonos

Why choose Mykonos for your wedding?

It’s glitzy, glamorous, and fun — but there’s also a softer, more romantic side to Mykonos if you know where to look.

Who is this for?

Couples who want a lively celebration with style — think luxury villas, beach clubs, and designer vibes.

Best time to get married in Mykonos

June or September — warm enough for the beach, cool enough to dance all night.

🏨 Where to stay:

5. Rhodes

The medieval castle of Rhodes

Why choose Rhodes for your wedding?

Rhodes blends stunning beaches with medieval charm. You’ve got castles, ancient streets, and plenty of space to choose between a lively atmosphere or a more relaxed island pace.

Who is this for?

Couples looking for a mix of history, beach life, and a lively atmosphere will love it — it’s also family-friendly if you’re bringing guests with kids.

Best time to get married in Rhodes

May to October, but June and September are ideal.

🏨 Top picks:

6. Corfu

Corfu town

Why choose Corfu for your wedding?

Corfu is lush, green, and elegant. The Venetian vibes make it feel like a romantic escape with European flair.

Who is this for?

Couples who want that mix of culture, class, and natural beauty — think olive groves and turquoise water.

Best time to get married in Corfu

May, June, or September — perfect weather and fewer crowds.

🏨 Luxury stays:

7. Skiathos, Sporades

Skiathos

Why choose Skiathos for your wedding?

Golden beaches, pine-covered hills, party vibe, and that classic Greek island charm — all on a smaller scale.

Who is this for?

Couples seeking a lively and vibrant atmosphere without sacrificing gorgeous, green scenery.

Best time to get married in Skiathos

June or September offer the best weather, fewer crowds, and ideal lighting for photos.

🏨 Where to stay:

8. Symi

Symi

Why choose Symi for your wedding?

This tiny island resembles a painting: colorful houses, a picturesque harbor, and a slower pace of life.

Who is this for?

Couples who want something different and deeply romantic. No party scene — just peace and beauty.

Best time to get married in Symi

May, June, or September. During July and August, it has many day trip visitors from Rhodes.

🏨 Where to stay:

9. Parga, Epirus

Parga

Why choose Parga for your wedding?

It’s not an island — but it sure looks like one. Parga has bright buildings, Venetian castles, lush green rolling hills and clear waters. And it is a great spot to hop to the Ionian Islands.

Who is this for?

Couples who want that Greek island feeling without the ferry or flight hassle.

Best time to get married in Parga

May to early October. Go early or late in the season for that golden light.

🏨 Where to stay:

10. Zagori, Epirus

Papigo

Why choose Zagori for your wedding?

This is mountain wedding magic — stone villages, rivers, and cozy vibes. It’s really traditional Greece!

Who is this for?

Adventurous couples or anyone who’d rather be in the forest than on a beach.

Best time to get married in Zagori

Fantastic in spring and early autumn, cool and delightful in summer, fairytale-like in winter!

🏨 Where to stay:

11. Nafplio, Peloponnese

Nafplio

Why choose Nafplio for your wedding?

Nafplio is elegant, walkable, and full of neoclassical charm. It’s a mainland gem with sea views and historic forts.

Who is this for?

Couples who love architecture, culture, and a more sophisticated setting.

Best time to get married in Nafplio

All year round, best between March to June, or September to October.

🏨 Where to stay in Nafplio:

12. Chalkidiki

Sithonia, Chalkidiki

Why choose Chalkidiki for your wedding?

Three stunning peninsulas with crystal-clear water, luxury resorts, and pine-covered beaches.

Who is this for?

Couples who want a high-end beach wedding without the tourist overload.

Best time to get married in Chalkidiki

Late May to mid-September.

🏨 Luxury stays:

13. Navarino, Pylos

Pylos

Why choose Navarino for your wedding?

It’s peaceful, with real-Greece vibes, and surrounded by nature. Great beaches and top-tier resorts without the flashiness.

Who is this for?

Couples planning an elegant, private celebration with a close group of people.

Best time to get married in Navarino

All year round!

🏨 Where to stay:

14. Monemvasia

Monemvasia

Why choose Monemvasia for your wedding?

It’s literally a medieval castle town on a rock in the sea. Need we say more? Monemvasia is a large Byzantine fortress on a rock that broke away after a great earthquake in 375 CE.

Today, it is connected to the mainland by a road of about 400 meters.

Who is this for?

Couples seeking a magical, medieval, knight-like setting with a rich history and drama.

Best time to get married in Monemvasia

April to June or September.

🏨 Stay at:

15. Kardamili

Kardamili

Why choose Kardamili for your wedding?

This quiet seaside village on the wild Mani Peninsula is pure romance — olive trees, stone houses, and a dreamy coastal vibe.

Who is this for?

Couples who want something simple, beautiful, and totally under the radar.

Best time to get married in Kardamili

May or September are ideal — warm, mellow, and glowing with soft light.

🏨 Stay at:

FAQ

How much does a wedding on a Greek island cost?

That really depends on the kind of wedding you’re planning — is it a simple, budget-friendly celebration or more of a luxury event?

But the most essential costs that you have to take into consideration are:

1. Greek Orthodox churches will take a donation between €200 to €500. A municipal marriage license fee is €40 to €60.
2. Reception venue, decoration of the church and the venue, and the car
3. Photographer, DJ, wedding gowns, ring, and flower bouquet.

What documents do I need to get married in Greece?

You’ll typically need:

✔️ Valid passports
✔️ Full birth certificates
✔️ Certificate of no impediment (issued by your home country)
✔️ Divorce or death certificates if previously married.

All documents must be translated into Greek by an official translator and usually require an apostille. It’s best to check requirements with your local embassy or a Greek wedding planner, as they can vary slightly.

How many days do I need to stay in Greece before the wedding?

For a legal civil wedding, it’s recommended to be in Greece at least 3–5 business days before the ceremony, to handle any paperwork or meetings with the registrar.

If you’re having a symbolic ceremony, there’s no legal requirement — you can arrive at any time that suits your schedule.

Are weddings in Greece legally recognized in other countries?

Yes, civil weddings conducted in Greece are legally recognized in most countries, as long as you complete the required documentation and file everything correctly.
After the ceremony, you’ll receive a Greek marriage certificate, which you may need to translate and register in your home country.

Can I have a beach wedding in Greece?

Yes, but with some rules. While many beaches in Greece are public, some venues or resorts have private beach areas where you can host your ceremony.
For public beaches, you may need special permission from the local authorities. A wedding planner can help secure the spot and handle logistics like seating, decor, and access.

Can I hire local vendors, or should I bring my own?

You can absolutely hire local vendors — in fact, it’s recommended. Greece has a strong wedding industry with talented photographers, florists, caterers, and musicians.
Using local vendors not only simplifies logistics but also helps you avoid high travel costs for flying in professionals from abroad. Just be sure to book early during peak months!

Tips for Planning Your Greek Destination Wedding

  • Legal or symbolic? Decide if you want to marry in Greece or hold a symbolic ceremony legally.
  • Hire a local planner. It’ll save you headaches and make sure nothing gets lost in translation.
  • Weather matters. Summer is peak season, but late spring or early fall gives you great weather without the chaos. July often has heatwaves with temperatures over 41°C (105.8°F).
  • Start early. Venues and flights book up fast, especially on the popular islands.

Sample Greek wedding itineraries

Here are 3 sample Greek wedding itineraries tailored to different vibes: beach luxe, island chic, and off-the-beaten-path romance. Each one covers a 3-day celebration that’s simple to customize, whether you’re eloping or bringing 100 guests.

💎 Itinerary 1: Beach Wedding in Crete

For couples who want it all — sunshine, style, and a little history.

🗓 Day 1 – Welcome & Chill

  • Guests arrive in Heraklion or Chania
  • Private transfers to a beachfront resort (e.g. Ikaros Beach, Luxury Resort & Spa)
  • Sunset welcome drinks at the hotel bar or beach deck
  • Optional: Cretan-style meze dinner in a nearby village taverna
  • Early night or casual beach bonfire for the night owls

🗓 Day 2 – Wedding Day

  • Morning: Spa treatments or lounging by the pool
  • Afternoon: Ceremony setup on a private beach or olive grove terrace
  • Late Afternoon:
    • Ceremony (start ~2 hours before sunset)
    • Sunset cocktail hour
  • Evening:
    • Elegant seated dinner under fairy lights
    • First dance by the sea
    • DJ + dancing late into the night

🗓 Day 3 – Recovery & Adventure

🌸 Itinerary 2: Island Chic Wedding in Paros

Perfect for stylish couples who love relaxed elegance and good food.

🗓 Day 1 – Arrival & Harbor Hangout

  • Guests check into boutique hotels (Sersi Paros Villas & Suites)
  • Afternoon free to explore Naoussa or relax by the pool
  • Welcome dinner at a harborside restaurant — think fresh seafood and local wine
  • Icebreaker: Add a Polaroid photo board or a “wedding bingo” game

🗓 Day 2 – Wedding Bliss

  • Late morning: Optional yoga or beach hang
  • Afternoon: Ceremony in a whitewashed chapel or private villa
  • Golden Hour: Cocktail hour with a view over the Aegean
  • Dinner & dancing:
    • Long family-style tables with island dishes
    • Local musicians or acoustic set to start, then a party playlist

🗓 Day 3 – Beach Day + Farewell

  • Low-key beach picnic or private catamaran tour
  • Optional: Paddleboarding, snorkeling, or exploring Antiparos
  • Sunset farewell drinks at a rooftop bar or back at the villa

🌲 Itinerary 3: Mountain Escape Wedding in Zagori

Ideal for nature-loving couples who want something unique and magical.

🗓 Day 1 – Arrival in Papigko

  • Guests settle into stone guesthouses or eco-lodges
  • Welcome dinner in a rustic mountain taverna with live folk music
  • Local wine, grilled meats, and mountain herbs set the tone

🗓 Day 2 – Forest Wedding Day

  • Morning: Visit Voidomatis springs or Vikos Gorge (short and scenic)
  • Afternoon ceremony:
    • Set in a stone courtyard, forest clearing, or beside a mountain stream
  • Reception:
    • Long banquet table with traditional Zagori dishes
    • Firepit, acoustic music, dancing under the stars

🗓 Day 3 – Brunch & Slow Goodbyes

  • Big shared brunch with local cheeses, yogurt, and honey
  • Optional: river rafting, Zagori day trip.
  • Guests depart with handmade favors (e.g. herbal tea, local honey, or olive oil).

Final Thoughts

I hope this list helps you find the perfect place for your big day — a spot that feels just right for one of the happiest moments of your life. 💍💙

If you have questions, need more ideas, or just want to chat with others planning a wedding in Greece, come join us on the Facebook Group and subscribe to my YouTube channel for adventurous videos of Greece! 

Until then, happy and safe travels, Evgenia.

Essential Travel Info for Greece

About the author
Evgenia Mataragka
Hi there! I’m Evgenia, a local Athenian and the creator of Travel the Greek Way. I’m obsessed with uncovering the real side of my home country—from the historic corners of the mainland to the sun-drenched paths of the Greek islands. Check out my latest videos on YouTube and follow the community on Facebook.

Leave a Comment

Skip to content