If you’ve dreamed about ditching the big wedding and running off to an amazing place like Greece for your big day, you’re in the right place! I’m going to give you the inside scoop for how to elope in Greece so that your dreams can become a reality.

No matter when you’re looking to tie the knot, Greece is incredible year-round. With beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and unique culture, Greece is one of the most magical vacation destinations in the world and an even better place to celebrate love. 

There are so many unique spots for a destination wedding in Greece! Elope in Santorini, one of Greece’s most breathtaking islands, or experience culture in Athens. If an intimate elopement off the beaten path is more your style, say ‘I do’ next to Polylimnio Waterfalls or volcanic rocks on Lemnos Island.

Let’s get to it and check out all the details for an epic Greece elopement!

How can I legally elope in Greece?

US citizens can have a civil or religious ceremony (or both) in Greece. If you’re hoping to get married in Greece legally, there are some essential steps to follow. With that said, you can skip this part and legally get married in your hometown before running off to Greece for your celebration.

If you prefer to do the legal stuff in Greece, here’s what you need to know as a US citizen:

• Marriage license: You may need a marriage license from your home state. Before you travel to Greece for your elopement, contact the city/town hall where you plan to get married to confirm this.
• Other important documents: These include a passport, birth certificate with official translation and Apostille stamp, and a $50 notarization fee.
• Decree of absolution (if applicable): If you’ve been married before, you need a decree of absolution of your previous marriage (death certificate or divorce documents).
• Register your marriage: Within 40 days following the ceremony, you’ll need to go to the Vital Statistics Office in the city where you get married.

Note: If one partner is a Greek citizen, you’ll need a copy of a local newspaper with your wedding notice before obtaining your marriage license.

After submitting all your documents, it usually takes about 8 days to obtain your official Greece marriage license. Again, if you want to skip this and just do the fun part of your special ceremony, you can always do the legal stuff in your home state. 

Learn more about how legally to elope in Greece here.

How much does it cost to elope in Greece?

As with any elopement, the cost for eloping in Greece varies. This will depend on factors, including time of year, destination, venue, and accommodations. With that said, you can plan to spend $5,000 – $15,000 on your Greece elopement. Yes, I know that’s a big range but it varies greatly based on so many factors, from travel expenses and accommodations to wedding attire and a photographer.

When is the best time for a Greece elopement?

Honestly, no matter when you elope in Greece, the experience will be unforgettable! However, each season offers something different. I’ve broken it down by season to help you decide when to have your destination wedding in Greece.

Winter

If you’re on a budget and prefer fewer crowds, winter is the best time for your Greece elopement. While it does cool down, you’ll still find moderate temperatures in most areas. You can also expect sunny days with some rain in the mix.

In December, it cools down but isn’t too chilly yet in most areas (especially in coastal cities). If you’re interested in winter activities, plan your elopement for January.

Spring

Many travelers appreciate Greece most in spring. This is when you can find great weather, natural beauty at its finest, and the best outdoor adventures.

Summer

If you’re looking to head to the beaches (or other bodies of water!) and enjoy Greece’s warmest weather, you’ll probably want to elope in Greece during summer. June might be the best summer month since it’s already warm, but most crowds aren’t usually seen until July and August.

Fall

Like spring, Fall offers pleasant weather and beautiful nature. With colorful leaves and fewer crowds, many couples prefer a fall elopement in Greece and I can’t blame them! 

Where can I elope in Greece?

There are so many amazing Greece wedding locations! Have your ceremony on a popular island or chase hidden gems for your big day. Let’s take a look at some of the most incredible places for a Greece elopement.

A Paradise for Nature Lovers: Meteora (Kalambaka)

For one of the best Greece wedding locations for nature lovers who want to get away from the hustle, head to Meteora. This rock formation is found in the center of Greece in the Pindos Mountain and makes for unmatched elopement backdrops. The closest town to Meteora is Kalambaka, which offers incredible views of Meteora.

Kalambaka offers a unique and convenient place to stay. Aside from tying the knot, there are many things to see and do in the area, including visiting monasteries, hiking, wine tasting, and rock climbing.

Volcanic Rocks Backdrop: Lemnos Island

Want to elope in Greece next to an inactive volcano? Lemos Island might be the place for you! While the beaches are beautiful, the most remarkable feature of Lemnos Island is the volcanic rocks of Falakro. You can find this spectacular sight in the island’s northern region, and it’s even more breathtaking at sunset.

On Lemnos Island, Myrina is the most popular tourist destination. With that said, the island is less traveled than many other areas, so you can expect a laid-back, more authentic experience. There are plenty of villas and hotels for visitors throughout the area.

A Popular Destination: Santorini

If you’re looking for a popular destination with stunning wedding backdrops, I recommend you elope in Santorini. As one of Greece’s most remarkable islands and an iconic summer vacation destination, Santorini is easily a top choice!

Say ‘I do’ on a sandy beach, atop a stunning cliff, or in front of captivating architecture. You can’t go wrong with any elopement venue in Santorini! There are also many beautiful villas and vacation rentals to book for your wedding vacation and honeymoon.

Fascinating History and Culture: Athens

Athens is Greece’s capital and the country’s largest city. Many tourists love Athens for its deep history and rich culture. It’s also known for romance and is home to many spectacular wedding elopement destinations, including charming hotels, the Acropolis rock, and beautiful gardens.

Athens is known for being accommodating to travelers. There are endless activities, like visiting historical sites and wandering around alleys filled with shops and restaurants. You can also find many hotels and vacation rentals in Athens.

Off the Beaten Path: Kalamata

If you’re looking to elope in Greece off the beaten path, Kalamata might just be the place for you! Kalamata is a waterfront city with ancient ruins, impressive sunsets, and tons of fun outdoor adventures. One of the best elopement spots is the Polylimnio Waterfalls, that’s surrounded by small lakes and lush forests about 20 miles from the city.

Kalamata’s a great home base that’s away from the hustle and close to beautiful nature. There are plenty of things to do and places to stay, as well as areas to explore outside of the city.

Beach Wedding: Mykonos

If you’re dreaming of your special day taking place on a breathtaking golden sand beach surrounded by gorgeous blue waters, you’ll definitely want to consider Mykonos. If you want to tie the knot in Mykonos but not on the beach, there are also elegant hotels, the historic town hall, and intimate gardens.

Not only is this popular Greek island one of the best elopement destinations, but the locals are kind, and the food is delicious. There’s also a vibrant nightlife scene and plenty of accommodations for travelers.

Greece Elopement Packages

Now that we’ve got the bases covered for how and where to elope in Greece, you’re probably ready to pack your bags and go. I don’t blame you, and I’m ready to help!

Wild Aisle Photography (me!) offers Greece elopement packages to help you have the perfect destination wedding in Greece. Not only do I take photos to capture your special day, but I also help with planning. 

Here’s what you can expect:

• All the best tips and tricks from a travel and elopement expert (that’s me!)
• A personalized experience so that your big day fits you and your loved one perfectly
• Help with planning the logistics of your Greece elopement: timeline, permits, vendors, location, accommodations, etc.
• 6+ hours of photography
• Photography for multi-day adventures

Feel free to check out elopement packages here, and let’s get started planning your dream wedding!