How to Get Married in Santorini: A Complete Guide for UK Couples
- Shiny Greece
- Feb 4
- 4 min read
Author
J.P.
Getting married in Santorini is a dream for many couples, and with good reason. Dramatic cliffs, whitewashed villages, volcanic beaches and unforgettable sunsets make it one of the most iconic wedding destinations in Europe. While the setting feels effortless, organising a wedding in Greece does involve planning, paperwork and informed decisions.
This guide by Chelsea, a wedding planner at Santorini Weddings By Chelsea, walks you through everything you need to know, from legal requirements to choosing the right venue, so you can decide whether a Santorini wedding is right for you and how to make it happen smoothly.
Is It Legal to Get Married in Santorini?
Yes, UK couples can legally marry in Santorini. Civil weddings performed in Greece are recognised in the UK, provided all legal steps are followed correctly.
You can choose between:
● A legal civil wedding
● A symbolic ceremony
● A religious wedding, typically Greek Orthodox
Most international couples opt for either a legal civil wedding or a symbolic ceremony, depending on how much paperwork they want to manage.
A symbolic wedding has no legal standing on its own but allows complete freedom with location, vows and timing. Many couples legally marry in the UK first, then hold a symbolic ceremony in Santorini.
Legal Requirements for a Santorini Wedding
For a legal civil wedding, you will need to prepare documents well in advance. Requirements can change slightly by municipality, but typically include:
● Full birth certificates
● Certificates of no impediment to marriage
● Passports
● Decree absolute if divorced or death certificate if widowed
All documents must be officially translated into Greek and, in many cases, apostilled. You will also need to submit paperwork to the local town hall in Santorini several weeks before the wedding date.
Because Greek bureaucracy can be slow and document rules are strict, many couples work with a wedding planner to handle this process.
Best Time of Year to Get Married in Santorini
Santorini has a long wedding season, but timing matters more than many couples expect.
● May, June, September are the most popular months due to warm weather and fewer crowds.
● July and August are hot, busy and expensive, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C.
● April, October offer better value, though evenings may be cooler and weather less predictable.
If sunset photos are important to you, remember that summer sunsets are later, which can affect ceremony timing and guest comfort.
Wedding Venues in Santorini
Santorini offers a wide range of venues, from luxury resorts to intimate cliffside terraces. Popular options include:
● Private villas overlooking the caldera
● Purpose built wedding venues
● Boutique hotels
● Churches and chapels for religious ceremonies
Venues in towns such as Oia, Imerovigli and Fira are especially sought after due to their sunset views, though they come at a premium.
Some venues have strict capacity limits, music curfews or exclusivity rules, so it is important to check what is included before committing.
How Much Does a Santorini Wedding Cost?
A Santorini wedding is not a budget destination, but costs vary widely depending on guest numbers, venue choice and level of styling.
As a rough guide:
● Small symbolic weddings can start from around £5,000
● Legal weddings with 20–40 guests often fall between £10,000 and £18,000
● Luxury weddings can exceed £25,000
Key cost factors include venue hire, catering, floral design, photography, planning fees and accommodation. Flights and guest travel are usually paid separately.
Be cautious of packages that look inexpensive upfront but exclude essential elements like coordination time, permits or translations.
Why Use a Santorini Wedding Planner?
While it is technically possible to plan everything yourself, most couples choose a local planner, particularly for legal weddings.
Photo by: www.pexels.com/el-gr/photo/10733602/
A good planner will:
● Manage legal paperwork and translations
● Secure venues and suppliers
● Coordinate the wedding day timeline
● Act as your local representative in Greece
Planners familiar with Santorini also understand local restrictions, weather considerations and venue specific rules, which can prevent costly mistakes.
Guest Travel and Accommodation
Santorini is accessible via flights from the UK, often with a connection through Athens, or via ferry from mainland Greece.
Accommodation ranges from luxury cave hotels to more affordable options inland.
If you are inviting guests, it is considerate to:
● Provide a range of hotel recommendations
● Avoid peak August dates where possible
● Share travel guidance early
Some couples also host a welcome dinner or boat cruise to make the experience feel like a shared holiday rather than just a single event.
Is Santorini Right for Your Wedding?
Santorini is ideal if you want a visually striking destination, an intimate atmosphere and a relaxed yet refined celebration. It may not be the best fit if you are planning a very large wedding, want late night parties with loud music, or are working to a tight budget.
Approached properly, a Santorini wedding can be seamless and unforgettable. The key is understanding the realities behind the romance and planning accordingly.
Excellent tips!!