Dreaming of hosting your own Big, Fat Greek wedding? If not, you might consider it after reading this article. Even if your wedding day is years off, it never hurts to start planning early! After all, it’s easy to see why Greece is a dream wedding location for many couples. With over 6,000 islands – 227 of which are inhabited – there’s plenty of options to take your wedding to a whole different level.
When you think of Greece, you probably think of togas and ancient history – sites like the Acropolis come to mind, surely. And yes, Greece has so much history, it’s mind-blowing. Many of you are probably drawn to that particular aspect of Greece, and we can’t say that we blame you.
Visiting Greece simply for its rich history is a dream for many.
For others though, the appeal is completely different. Islands like Crete and Myokonos are well known for being modern and cosmopolitan. They’re the playgrounds for the rich and famous. If your dream is to hob-nob with celebrities and jet setters, well you really can’t go wrong with Greece.
Or maybe you’re not the jet setting, hob-nobbing type. Perhaps, you just like the idea of finding a simple fishing town and having a small, beach wedding. Or, if the beach isn’t for you, maybe you’ll find a rural farm or vineyard appealing. Again, if that’s the case, Greece will be able to satisfy your heart’s desire.
In fact, you probably have no idea of everything that this beautiful country has to offer. If that’s the case, well, you may be in for a surprise.
1. Santorini
When considering Greece as a wedding destination, it’s easy to see why Santorini is an obvious choice. After all, it’s considered one of the most romantic places in the world. Santorini features dramatic landscapes – many of which Greece has become known for the world over – beautiful sunsets, and of course, its volcanos.
Just imagine, if you will, taking in the beautiful white-washed villas and the black sand beaches – all of which can be the backdrop for your wedding day.
Sounds breathtaking, doesn’t it?
Couples have many options when booking a wedding in Greece. Hotels often hold ceremonies on their terraces, and many wineries have gorgeous wedding venues as well. And for those looking for a traditional Greek wedding, you can of course, have that too! After all, who wouldn’t want to arrive at the ceremony alongside local musicians while riding a donkey?
Recommended venues in Santorini include a cliffeside wedding at Dana Villas, overlooking the sea and Volcano Island while relaxing with friends and family on the rim of the volcano. Or if you’re more into a beach side wedding, that can be done as well. Have your wedding on the white volcanic rocks just steps from the sea at an ocean front bar.
2. Skopelos
The chapel of Agios Ioannis Kastri on the island of Skopelos may look familiar, and that’s because it’s where the wedding for the film, Mama Mia (2008) was set! And because of the famous movie, Skopelos has become a top wedding destination in Greece.
The chapel has a beautiful view, and boasts a charming, quaint beauty. Given all of that, it’s no wonder that Hollywood would want to film there, or why couples flock there to exchange their vows year after year.
If you prefer something more laid back, you have the luxurious beaches that always make for the perfect backdrop for a wedding ceremony. Or you can find a small villa where you can say “I do,” poolside. Another lovely aspect of Skopelos is that there are plenty of taverns and restaurants available to host your ceremony or event.
3. Rhodes
Perhaps your ideal wedding location is in a place where time seems to stand still. If that’s the case, the perfect place for you might be the Greek island of Rhodes. You have the stunning beaches, which Greece is known for, along with views of the Aegan and Mediterranean seas.
Rhodes also has the best sunshine record of all the Greek isles, making it less likely to rain on your big day. But the one unique aspect of Rhodes is that it’s scattered with traditional Monasteries, quaint villages, and charming churches and chapels, giving you plenty of scenery and options for your special day.
One of the most famous wedding chapels in Rhodes is a small church that sits high above Lindos Bay. Not only do you get magnificent views of the sea, but you’ll get a touch of ancient history infused into your wedding as well with a stunning view of the Acropolis.
4. Corfu
The old town of Corfu is a popular wedding destination thanks to its historic Venetian-style centre. In fact, the most popular venue in Corfu is none other than the Town Hall of Corfu, which was originally the Venetian-designed San Giacomo Opera Theatre that operated during the 19th century.
The Town Hall is located in the heart of the city centre, giving couples the opportunity to arrive at their ceremony by horse-drawn carriage. Or they can simply walk through the cobble-stone streets with local musicians serenading them along the way. Sounds romantic, no?
If you’re more into a beach wedding though, that can be done as well. And afterward, you can take stunning photographs in famous places such as the Old Fortress, Paleokastritsa, Liston Avenue and the streets of Old Town, which all have a special charm that can’t be captured anywhere else.
A Corfu wedding would be one your guests won’t soon forget. And the photos will undoubtedly make you the envy of everyone who couldn’t be there!
5. Kefalonia
Kefalonia is a large island with plenty of options for wedding venues. And like any of the islands in Greece, it’s breathtakingly beautiful. For those couples looking for a traditional chapel, Kefalonia has plenty. For those wanting a beach or garden wedding, you better bet that Kefalonia has those as well. Lots of them. There are plenty of villages, towns and venues to choose from that will make your special day that much more special.
Couples may choose Skala, a picturesque small village not far from the island’s main town of Argostoli. Or maybe you’ll want to hold your ceremony in Lourdas, an area of steep hillside that leads down into a beach with beautiful, pale sand and a natural spring nearby. And if none of that strikes your fancy, there’s also the tiny, secluded village of Assos, which is possibly the most beautiful location on the entire island.
The coast is surrounded by white rocks and dark blue sea, and the hillsides are covered in thick, beautiful forests. When we say Assos is tiny, we mean it. There are only 100 inhabitants in this rustic village.
And for those couples who are looking for something a little different, there’s also the Lighthouse of Saint Theodoroi in Argostoli, that’s built on a man-made peninsula close to the capital city. It’s a circular, open-air structure with columns and a town. It’s sure to be a romantic backdrop for any wedding, especially at night.
6. Mykonos
Perhaps you’re a cosmopolitan couple eager to go all out with glitz and glamor for your wedding day. If that’s the case, the island of Mykonos is probably the perfect place for you. Mykonos has long been a destination adored by the rich and famous, and it’s easy to see why as it is the most cosmopolitan of all the Greek Isles. And better yet, it’s a mere 45-minute flight from Athens.
If you’re looking to go all out with your wedding day festivities, you may want to consider chartering a private yacht to take you and your guests to the nearby island of Delos. Explore the mythical and mystical birthplace of the sun god, Apollo – which also happens to be a World Heritage Site as well.
One of the more popular venues located on Mykonos is the Mykonos Windmill which has views of Little Venice Bay.
7. Crete
Crete is the largest of the Greek Isles, and it offers an abundance of options for a dream wedding. Because of its size, Crete is both cosmopolitan and traditional, so if you’re having trouble narrowing down a location in Greece because you just can’t decide, Crete may be a great bet.
With a diverse landscape, plenty of beautiful beaches, and limitless venues, you really can’t go wrong. Whether you’re looking for a historical, mythical fortress, a beach, a quaint chapel, a rural farm or anything else your heart desires, Crete likely has it.
And of course, there’s always a beach wedding if you’re into that. Who are we kidding? Who isn’t into that? Especially with the breathtaking coastline views that Crete has to offer.
Even if you do narrow it down to Crete, you still have so many other options on hand and decisions to make. Traditional or not, it’s completely up to you.
8. Monemvasia
If the idea of getting married in a Medieval fortress appeals to you, well you’re in luck. Monemvasia is located on the Peloponnese and was once ruled by the Venetians and the Ottomans after the fall of the Byzantine Empire. It was once a major port during the Middle Ages, and the historical appeal and charm of this location is beyond belief.
And like with many of the other Greek locations, your options for venues are near limitless. Yes, they have small churches for a more traditional ceremony, or you can aim for something more unique – say a citrus grove or a vineyard. There are also lavish and restored mansions available to host your event. Possibly the most ideal location is the Kinsterna Hotel and Spa which is a 13th century mansion tucked away in the rolling vineyards and citrus groves.
9. Pelion
And finally, if you’re looking for the most naturally beautiful and tranquil island of all, look no further than Pelion. If you happened to see Mama Mia, most of the filming took place here on Pelion, and you can easily see why. With mountains covered in beautiful greenery that slope down until they touch the cobalt sea, you really can’t find a more stunning natural environment than what you’ll find on Pelion.
The village of Agios Ioannis is almost too good to be true, and it’s one of those places you must see in person to believe. Pictures simply do not do it justice. Almost all the hotels, restaurants and businesses are family run, and are not run by large corporations.
Imagine, if you will, a small wedding on the bay where the wedding party arrives by boat. First the best man and groom step from the boat, only to be followed by the bride and her parents. After the ceremony, as the bride and groom step from the boat, the gorgeous village of Agios Ioannis along with its stunning coastline is in sight.
If this sounds like a dream come true, then yes, it’s obvious the island of Pelion is the perfect location for your special day.
With so many beautiful islands and locations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when planning a Greek wedding. But there really is no need to be stressed out! If your heart is set on a Greek wedding, you really can’t go wrong with any of these islands or locations. While yes, each one offers something unique, there’s no doubt that your wedding will be stunning no matter which venue you choose.
And remember, there are countless more places in Greece to plan the perfect wedding. With so many islands, there’s no way we can list them all. These are merely our favorite Greek wedding locations.
For those who’ve been to Greece before, do you think we missed any ideal wedding locations? And for those who have not, which location sounds like the most ideal place for your dream wedding?
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