Planning Your Dream Destination Wedding in Greece

Greece, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and romantic atmosphere, is an ideal destination for couples seeking a once-in-a-lifetime backdrop for their wedding day. From the azure waters of the Aegean Sea to the charming villages overlooking the Mediterranean, Greece offers the dreamiest setting for your special day. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the most important steps in planning your destination wedding in Greece, while also discussing the importance of a having a wedding photographer who has been there before. Plus, we’ll include a brief overview of costs, including flights and accommodations, and introduce “Wild Love and Wanderlust,” your photographer for your luxury destination wedding in Greece.

Step 1: Choose Your Greek Wedding Destination

To begin, the most crucial step in planning a destination wedding in Greece is selecting the perfect location for you and any guests that will be joining the adventure. Greece offers a variety of stunning destinations for your wedding, including my favorites: Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, Crete, Milos, Paros & Rhodes. Each location has its own unique charm and ambiance, allowing you to design the wedding of your dreams. Consider factors like the climate, venue options, and the ease of accessibility for your guests when picking your location.

Step 2: Set a Budget

Determine your budget before you start planning your wedding and more specifically, searching for venues. Destination weddings can be costly, and it’s essential to have a clear idea of your financial boundaries. Your core costs may include travel, accommodation, wedding venue, catering, and photography. Keep in mind that Greece offers both affordable and luxurious options, depending on your preferences and budget.

Step 3: Secure Your Greece Wedding Photographer

Your choice of a wedding photographer is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make–it’s the one vendor whose work will be relevant years beyond just your wedding day or weekend. Look for a photographer, like Wild Love & Wanderlust, who specializes in destination weddings and has experience in capturing the beauty of Greece.

Wild Love and Wanderlust specializes in luxury destination wedding photography in Greece with an emphasis on documentary and editorial photography. Our experienced team understands the unique beauty and charm of Greek locations and can capture your special day in a way that showcases your love, your people and the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you.

Step 4: Wedding Planning and Coordination

Hiring a local wedding planner or coordinator is highly recommended, almost essential, when planning a destination wedding in Greece. They can assist with permits, paperwork, and navigating the local customs. Your wedding planner can also help you find suitable venues, caterers, and other vendors who are familiar with the area, ensuring a seamless experience.

My absolute favorite and highly recommended wedding planners in Greece are:

1. Julia & Evita – I teamed up with them for this gorgeous Santorini destination wedding and I can’t recommend their work enough.
2. Think Happy Events
3. Riviera Blu Events
4. The 12 Events

Step 5: Wedding Legalities

Destination weddings in Greece may involve specific legal requirements, such as obtaining a marriage license or fulfilling residency requirements. Your wedding planner can guide you through these legalities, making sure everything is in order. The alternative would be to legally get married in the Untied States on paper and then continue with your destination wedding in Greece.

Step 6: Choose the Perfect Venue

Greece offers a wide range of venue options, from traditional chapels overlooking the sea to elegant seaside resorts and boutique or private villas that can host your entire party. Keep in mind the size of your guest list, your budget, and the atmosphere you want to create. Booking well in advance is essential, especially for popular venues during the peak wedding season.

Step 7: Accommodation and Guest Logistics

Help your guests by providing them with options for accommodation. Consider negotiating group rates with local hotels and offering suggestions for transport and activities in the area. Clear communication and support will make your guests feel comfortable and welcome. This is where having a wedding planning can be a big help unless you love the planning side of travel like I do!

Step 8: Approximate Cost of Greece Weddings

The cost of a destination wedding in Greece can vary significantly. On average, a Greece wedding can range from $15,000 to $70,000 or more, depending on the location, the number of guests, and your vendor preferences. This budget should include expenses for the venue, catering, photography (including the services of Wild Love and Wanderlust), flights, and accommodations for both you and your guests. The range of costs is wide because there are ways to have a very affordable wedding experience and ways to have the luxury destination wedding you’ve always dreamed of.

Your Dream Wedding in Greece Awaits

Planning a destination wedding in Greece is an exciting adventure that requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Choosing a talented Greece wedding photographer, such as Wild Love and Wanderlust, is key to capturing the beauty and romance of this Mediterranean paradise. With the right team and careful planning, your Greek destination wedding will be a day to remember forever, and your stunning photographs will be a testament to the love you share for generations to come.

Remember, your wedding day is a celebration of love, and Greece provides the perfect canvas for that celebration. By following these steps and investing in the right professionals, you can create a magical, memorable event in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. Wild Love and Wanderlust is here to make your dream wedding in Greece a reality.

To inquire about Greece destination wedding photographer services, contact us.